Hydration system for surfers and sportsmen

Abstract

A personal hydration system surfers and sports participants is disclosed that minimizes interruption of the user's sporting activity. A receptacle attached to the rear of a surfer's wetsuit vest retains a removable fluid container therein and the removable fluid container includes a flexible fluid delivery tube to allow a user to suck fluid stored in the removable fluid container through the tube. The upper body garment is constructed of a semi-flexible material that is sufficiently stiff to allow the upper body garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user's physique. The upper body garment also includes side panels of a very flexible and body conforming material such as Lycra® that aid the user's upper body movements. Other embodiments are shown wherein the garment could be a snow boarding jacket or a fisherman's waders. An embodiment for retrofitting such a personal hydration system to an existing garment is shown also.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a personal hydration system that is particularly suited to the needs of surfers and other water sportsmen.

[0003] Typically, persons involved in athletic activities need regular access to a source of hydration such as water to ensure peak performance or at least maintain a reasonable level of comfort. In the case of some sports participants such as surfers, fishermen and snow boarders a source of hydration is not readily available without suspending their activities. In the case of the surfer, in the past the surfer had to suspend his sporting activity and return to shore to obtain water whenever he became thirsty. This is especially difficult and frustrating for the surfer as he or she would have to paddle with their surfboard a considerable distance to return to shore if no waves are immediately available for riding into shore. Additionally, the surfer would have to then paddle back out to continue their surfing.

[0004] A cyclist would face a similar difficulty. While the cyclist is not out on the ocean as is the surfer, he or she would have their hands occupied with steering the bicycle. This would make it difficult for the cyclist to access any source of hydration such as a water bottle while riding their bicycle. Thus it would be desirable for the cyclist, as well as the surfer to have access to a source of hydration, i.e., drinking water, without suspending their sporting activity and causing a minimum of interference with same.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a need for a personal hydration system for surfers and other sportsmen that will allow the user to access the hydration system and quench their thirst while causing a minimum of interruption with their sporting activity. It is the construction and method of use of such a personal hydration system to which the present invention is directed.

[0006] 2. Description of Related Art

[0007] U. S. Pat. No. 4,948,023 to G. R. Tripp discloses a fluid storing and supply device with a front and rear pouch contained in a harness adapted to fit a person.

[0008] A portable system for delivering a drinking beverage is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5,722,573 to C. P. Carnel.

[0009] U. S. Pat. No. 5,727,714 to R. R. Fawcett shows a personal hydration device with an improved exit valve.

[0010] A jersey for use with a liquid delivery system is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5,864,880 to G. D. Adams.

[0011] U. S. Pat. No. 5,909,802 to A. A. Puco et al. shows a vest and backpack combination with water supply bottles.

[0012] Design Patent No. 411,915 to R. P. S. George shows an ornamental design for a backpack for holding liquids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The hydration system for surfers and sports participants of the present invention comprises an upper body garment, such as a surfer's wetsuit vest, with a receptacle positioned on the rear. The receptacle retains a removable fluid container therein and the removable fluid container includes a flexible fluid delivery tube to allow a user to suck fluid stored in the removable fluid container through the tube. The fluid container is constructed of a flexible plastic material that allows it to move with the user and conform to his or her physique. The upper body garment is constructed of a semi-flexible material, such as neoprene rubber that is sufficiently stiff to allow the upper body garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user's physique. The relative stiffness of the semi-flexible material and its use for the receptacle itself aids the receptacle in keeping its shape and preventing the flexible fluid container from sagging downward or sideways while the surfer is paddling. The upper body garment also includes side panels of a very flexible and body conforming material such as Lycra® that aid the user's upper body movements. The receptacle opens at the bottom to receive the fluid container and closes with a hook and loop fastener. This allows any seawater in the receptacle to drain out. The receptacle includes an outlet at its upper end for routing the fluid delivery tube over the user's shoulder. A loop is sewn on the shoulder of the upper body garment to retain the end of the fluid delivery tube in a position readily accessible to the user. Other embodiments are shown wherein the garment could be a snow boarding jacket or a fisherman's waders. An embodiment for retrofitting such a personal hydration system to an existing garment is shown also.

[0014] One object of the present invention is to provide a personal hydration system for surfers that is integrated into the surfer's wet suit vest and will allow the user to access the hydration system and quench their thirst while causing a minimum of interruption with their sporting activity.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal hydration system for a surfer in which the fluid container is positioned on the surfer's back so as not to interfere or discomfort the surfer when they are lying on their abdomen and paddling their surfboard.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a personal hydration system for a surfer that is integrated into the surfer's wet suit vest in which the fluid containing pouch acts as an insulating container.

[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention are pointed out in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this disclosure. A full and complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings and description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth below and further made clear by reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the personal hydration system on the rear of a user's torso.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of the personal hydration system.

[0021] FIG. 3 is rear view of a snow boarder's jacket incorporating the personal hydration system of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a fisherman's waders incorporating the personal hydration system of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a system for retrofitting the personal hydration system of the present invention to an existing garment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] With reference to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, a rear perspective view of the personal hydration system of the present invention on the rear of a user's torso is shown. The personal hydration system of the present invention is denoted generally by numeral 10. Personal hydration system 10 includes upper body garment 12, receptacle 14 and removable fluid container 16 with fluid delivery tube 18. Upper body garment 12 is a surfer's wet suit vest, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although upper body garment 12 is shown as a vest it could also be of a long sleeve configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Receptacle 14 is formed by the attachment by suitable means, as sewing, of receptacle panel 20 to upper body garment 12. The stitching used penetrates the outer nylon layer of receptacle panel 20 but, does not penetrate the neoprene layer underneath thereby producing a stronger garment. Receptacle panel 20 is composed of a semiflexible material such as neoprene that is often used in wet suits. Experimentation has shown a neoprene material with a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimeters provides a receptacle that is sufficiently stiff to allow upper body garment 12 to maintain its shape when removable fluid container 16 is full of fluid while conforming to the user's physique and allowing unhindered upper body movement. Further experimentation has shown that the neoprene material should have a maximum thickness of 2.5 to 3 millimeters.

[0026] Receptacle 14 has opening 22 on its lower end to allow insertion of fluid container 16. A suitable closure means as hook and loop fastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14 stays closed when fluid container 16 is installed. Additionally, the positioning of opening 22 and use of hook and loop fastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14 is self-bailing, i.e., any seawater within receptacle 14 will drain through opening 22 and past hook and loop fastener 24.

[0027] Removable fluid container 16 is a flexible bladder design with fluid delivery tube 18 attached at its lower end and fill port 26 formed at its upper end. Fluid delivery tube 18 exits receptacle 14 through outlet 28. As best seen in FIG. 2, fluid delivery tube 18 is routed over the shoulder of the user and attached to retainer panel 30. Retainer panel 30 is attached to upper body garment 12 by suitable means as gluing or sewing. Retainer panel 30 is positioned to place bite valve 32 at the end of fluid delivery tube 18 in a convenient position readily accessible to the user. Bite valve 32 is of the type disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5,727,714 although other suitable means to control the flow of fluid through fluid delivery tube 18 could be used without departing from the scope of the current invention. Sleeve 34 is positioned on fluid delivery tube 18 adjacent bite valve 32. Sleeve 34 has a loop exterior that mates with a hook surface of retainer panel 30 to form a hook and loop fastener retainer means for retaining fluid delivery tube 18. Retainer loop 36 is attached to the shoulder of upper body garment 12 by suitable means as gluing or sewing and acts to guide fluid delivery tube 18.

[0028] As noted above, receptacle panel 20 is formed of an approximately 0.5 millimeter thick neoprene material that helps upper body garment 12 retain its shape while allowing the user freedom of movement. This neoprene material has the additional benefit of helping to insulate removable fluid container 16 and keep the fluid therein cool. Additionally, upper body garment 12 has side panels 38 running from the armpit downwardly. These side panels 38 are formed of a very flexible, i.e., “clingy” material, such as Lycra®, that helps to keep upper body garment 12 tightly fitting the user's torso. This very flexible material aids the user in allowing greater freedom of arm movement which the surfer needs when he is lying on the surfboard and paddling. The positioning of the receptacle 14 and removable fluid container 16 on the rear rather than front of upper body garment 12 further aids the user by not placing any obstacles or obstructions between the surfer and his surfboard when he is lying on the surfboard and paddling.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a snow boarder's jacket showing a second embodiment utilizing the personal hydration system of the present invention. Those items which are the same as in the first embodiment retain the same numeral designation. Snow boarder's personal hydration system is denoted generally by numeral 100. Snow boarder's personal hydration system 100 includes jacket 102, receptacle 14 and removable fluid container 16 with fluid delivery tube 18.

[0030] As in the first embodiment, snow boarder's personal hydration system 100 is positioned on the rear of a user's torso. Receptacle 14 is formed by the attachment by suitable means as sewing of receptacle panel 20 to jacket 102. Receptacle panel 20 is composed of a semi-flexible material such as neoprene. Receptacle 14 has opening 22 on its lower end to allow insertion of fluid container 16. A suitable closure means as hook and loop fastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14 stays closed when fluid container 16 is installed.

[0031] Removable fluid container 16 is a flexible bladder design with fluid delivery tube 18 attached at its lower end and fill port 26 formed at its upper end. Fluid delivery tube 18 exits receptacle 14 through outlet 28 and is routed over the shoulder of the user and attached to retainer panel 30. Retainer panel 30 is attached to jacket 102 by suitable means as gluing or sewing. Retainer panel 30 is positioned to place bite valve 32 at the end of fluid delivery tube 18 in a convenient position readily accessible to the user. Sleeve 34 is positioned on fluid delivery tube 18 adjacent bite valve 32. Sleeve 34 has a loop exterior that mates with a hook surface of retainer panel 30 to form a hook and loop fastener retainer means for retaining fluid delivery tube 18. Retainer loop 36 is attached to the shoulder of upper body garment 12 by suitable means as gluing or sewing and acts to guide fluid delivery tube 18. Snow boarder's personal hydration system 100 functions as personal hydration system 100 in all other respects.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a pair of waders as used by fishermen showing a third embodiment utilizing the personal hydration system of the present invention. Those items which are the same as in the first two embodiments retain the same numeral designations. Fishermen's personal hydration system is denoted generally by numeral 200. Fishermen's personal hydration system 200 includes waders 202 with receptacle 14 and removable fluid container 16 with fluid delivery tube 18.

[0033] Fishermen's personal hydration system 200 is positioned on the rear of a user's torso, although alternative embodiments with the hydration system on the hip or front of the waders are envisioned and are within the scope of the present invention. Receptacle 14 is formed by the attachment by suitable means as sewing or gluing of receptacle panel 20 to waders 202. Receptacle panel 20 is composed of a semi-flexible material such as neoprene. Receptacle 14 has opening 22 on its lower end to allow insertion of fluid container 16. A suitable closure means as hook and loop fastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14 stays closed when fluid container 16 is installed. In all other respects, fishermen's personal hydration system 200, functions as in the previous two embodiments.

[0034] A system for retrofitting the personal hydration system of the present invention to an existing garment is shown in FIG. 5, which is an exploded view of a surfer's vest and the personal hydration retrofit system. Those items which are the same as in the previous embodiments retain the same numeral designations. Personal hydration retrofit system is denoted generally by numeral 300. Personal hydration retrofit system 300 includes existing garment 302, pouch panel 304 and removable fluid container 16 with fluid delivery tube 18. Existing garment 302 is a surfer's wet suit vest, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although existing garment 302 is shown as a vest it could be any garment with sufficient room to allow attachment of personal hydration retrofit system 300 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] Although personal hydration retrofit system 300 is shown being positioned on the rear of a user's torso, it could be fitted on other parts of a garment. A first plurality of attachment means such as hook fasteners 306 of a hook and loop fastener system are attached to existing garment 302 by suitable means as gluing or sewing. A second plurality of attachment means such as loop fasteners 308 of a hook and loop fastener system are attached to pouch panel 304. Pouch panel 304 is then attached to existing garment 302 to form a pouch therebetween. The lower end of the pouch thus formed has an opening which is closed by hook fasteners 306 and loop fasteners 308. Similarly, pouch panel 304 could be attached to existing garment 302 by other suitable means as gluing or sewing without departing from the scope of the present invention. Pouch panel 304 is composed of a semi-flexible material such as neoprene.

[0036] Removable fluid container 16 is a flexible bladder design with fluid delivery tube 18 attached at its lower end and fill port 26 formed at its upper end. Fluid delivery tube 18 exits pouch panel 304 through outlet 28 and is routed over the shoulder of the user and attached to retainer panel 30. Retainer panel 30 is attached to existing garment 302 by suitable means as gluing or sewing. Retainer panel 30 is positioned to place bite valve 32 at the end of fluid delivery tube 18 in a convenient position readily accessible to the user. Sleeve 34 is positioned on fluid delivery tube 18 adjacent bite valve 32. Sleeve 34 has a loop exterior that mates with a hook surface of retainer panel 30 to form a hook and loop fastener retainer means for retaining fluid delivery tube 18. Personal hydration retrofit system 300 functions as in the previous embodiments.

[0037] The novel method of use and construction of our personal hydration system for surfer's and fishermen will be readily understood from the foregoing description and it will be seen that we have provided a novel personal hydration system for surfers and fishermen that is integrated into the user's garment and will allow the user to access the hydration system and quench their thirst while causing a minimum of interruption with their sporting activity. Other activities for which the personal hydration system of the present invention would be equally suitable include kayaking, windsurfing, jetskiing and paddle boarding. Furthermore, while the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, comprising:

an upper body garment having a receptacle positioned thereon;

said receptacle containing a removable fluid container therein;

said removable fluid container including a flexible fluid delivery tube,

said flexible fluid delivery tube adapted to allow a user to suck fluid stored in said removable fluid container through said tube; and,

said upper body garment constructed of a semi-flexible material, said semi-flexible material sufficiently stiff to allow said upper body garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user's physique.

2. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 1, wherein:

said upper body garment including inset panels of flexible material to aid a user's upper body movements.

3. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 2, wherein:

said receptacle has an opening on its lower end for installing said removable fluid container in said receptacle.

4. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 5, wherein:

said opening on said lower end of said receptacle includes a closure means; and,

said closure means allows any fluid inside said receptacle to drain therefrom.

5. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 4, wherein:

said receptacle includes an outlet for routing said fluid delivery tube therethrough.

6. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 5, wherein:

said receptacle is positioned on the rear of said upper body garment.

7. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 6, wherein:

said closure means is a hook and loop fastener.

8. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 7, wherein:

said upper body garment includes a means for retaining said tube in a position readily accessible to a user.

9. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 8, wherein:

said upper body garment is a vest.

10. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 8, wherein:

said upper body garment includes long sleeves.

11. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim 8, wherein:

said upper body garment is a snowboarding jacket.

12. A hydration system for fishermen, comprising:

a pair of fishing waders having a receptacle positioned thereon;

said receptacle containing a removable fluid container therein;

said removable fluid container including a flexible fluid delivery tube, and;

said flexible fluid delivery tube adapted to allow a user to suck fluid stored in said removable fluid container through said tube.

13. A hydration system for fishermen, according to claim 12, wherein:

said receptacle has an opening on its lower end for installing said removable fluid container in said receptacle.

14. A hydration system for fishermen, according to claim 13, wherein:

said opening on said lower end of said receptacle includes a closure means; and,

said closure means allows any fluid inside said receptacle to drain therefrom.

15. A hydration system for fishermen, according to claim 14, wherein:

said receptacle includes an outlet for routing said fluid delivery tube therethrough.

16. A hydration system for fishermen, according to claim 15, wherein:

said closure means is a hook and loop fastener.

17. A hydration system for fishermen, according to claim 16, wherein:

said pair of fishing waders includes a means for retaining said tube in a position readily accessible to a user.

18. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, comprising:

a piece of material adapted to form a pouch for containing a removable fluid container when attached to an existing garment;

a first plurality of attachment means for attachment to said existing garment;

a second plurality of attachment means on said piece of material adapted to form a pouch, said first and second plurality of attachment means connected together;

said removable fluid container including a flexible fluid delivery tube;

said flexible fluid delivery tube adapted to allow a user to suck fluid stored in said removable fluid container through said tube; and,

said piece of material constructed of a semi-flexible material, said semi-flexible material sufficiently stiff to allow said existing garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user's physique.

19. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, according to claim 18, wherein:

said pouch has an opening on its lower end for installing said removable fluid container in said pouch.

20. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, according to claim 19, wherein:

said receptacle is positioned on the rear of said upper body garment.

21. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, according to claim 19, wherein:

said opening on said lower end of said receptacle includes a closure means; and,

said closure means allows any fluid inside said receptacle to drain therefrom.

22. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, according to claim 21, wherein:

said pouch includes an outlet for routing said fluid delivery tube therethrough.

23. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, according to claim 22, wherein:

said closure means is a hook and loop fastener.

24. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, according to claim 23, wherein:

said garment includes a means for retaining said tube in a position readily accessible to a user.