Hydration system

Abstract

A personal hydration system is provided including a pre-filled reservoir pouch. The pouch may be filled with a drink fluid by a supplier, heated, and aseptically sealed. The pouch may also be cold-filled with a drink fluid and preservatives and then sealed. The pouch is preferably designed as a disposable single-use item. In order to keep the pouch contents fresh and to facilitate delivery of the fluid from the reservoir through a drink tube, the pouch includes a unique tube connector structure. A first connector portion is mounted to a wall of the pouch. The first connector portion includes a closure member that keeps fluid sealed in the bladder. A second connector portion is matable with the first connector portion and includes a structure that operates to move the closure member to an open position when mated with the first connector portion. The second connector portion is shaped to fit with a conventional flexible drinking tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/615,859, filed Oct. 4, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to systems for providing drinking fluids to a user and particularly to a personal hydration system including a reservoir pouch and a drinking tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydration systems are generally known. A common drinking system includes a flexible reservoir pouch having a selectively openable fill port to permit the reservoir to be filled with a drink, such as water, sports drink, etc. Additionally, the common drinking system includes a fitting mounted to the pouch that connects to a length of flexible tubing. The tubing may be directed to the mouth of a user to deliver a drink, when desired. As is generally known, the reservoir is commonly carried in a backpack or carrier.

Furthermore, current hydration systems require the user to fill the pouch prior to use. This step is inconvenient and time consuming. Additionally, sanitary problems exist with conventional hydration systems that are constructed to be reusable. For example, the interiors of conventional hydration systems tend to mildew unless the pouch and tube are washed out and permitted to dry between uses. Particularly, the reservoir pouch must be cleaned through the fill-port, then propped open to be aired out. This is tedious task is often skipped because it is inconvenient. Unfortunately, the resulting unsanitary conditions may cause a user to become sick, and moreover, the system is often discarded at this point. Conventional reservoirs are constructed with features to facilitate repeated use (e.g., fill port, heavy bladder wall construction, etc.), and such features are expensive to manufacture. Accordingly, to discard conventional hydration systems is wasteful and uneconomical.

A need exists for an improved personal hydration system that avoids the inconvenience, expense, and waste associated with current systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment according to the present invention, an improved reservoir pouch for a personal hydration system is provided. The pouch is preferably provided in pre-filled condition to a user and is designed as a disposable single-use item. In order to keep the pouch contents fresh and to facilitate delivery of the fluid from the reservoir through a drink tube, a unique tube connector structure is provided. A first connector portion is mounted to a wall of the pouch. The first connector portion includes a closure that keeps fluid contents in the pouch. A second connector portion is matable with the first connector portion and includes a structure that operates to move the closure to an open position in the mated condition, permitting fluid to exit through a passage in the second connector portion. The second connector portion is shaped to fit with a first end of a conventional, flexible drinking tube. A second end of the tube can be placed in the user's mouth in a conventional manner.

The connector may be provided in various alternative embodiments. For example, the closure may be a membrane, such as a wall of the bladder, and the membrane can be pierced by one of the connector members to permit fluid communication through the drinking tube. In another example, the closure is a seal layer adapted to be peelable away from the first connector member, wherein the first and second connector portions can then be threaded together to permit fluid communication from the interior of the bladder through the drinking tube.

In an embodiment, a method of making a pre-filled reservoir pouch is provided. The pouch is filled with a beverage under sterile and aseptic conditions then sealed. This advantageously permits storage for a significant periods in a consumable state. The user can open the closure and utilize the first and second connector portions to consume fluid from the pouch through a flexible drinking tube. The beverage may be heated to destroy bacteria.

In an embodiment, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides a single-use reservoir pouch for a hydration system, wherein the pouch can be discarded after use.

In an embodiment, another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a reservoir pouch that may be supplied to consumers in a ready-to-consume condition, wherein the pouch is pre-filled with a particular beverage. A related advantage is that the present invention provides a pouch and method for making a pouch in which the contents are sealed in an aseptic condition until consumption is desired.

These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pre-filled drink pouch and a standard drink tube.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch illustrating an embodiment of a first connector portion in greater detail.

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch illustrating the drink pouch of FIG. 2 with the a first connector portion having a snap-fit closure member in a closed and sealed condition, and a second connector shown exploded away, the second connector portion adapted to be mated with the first connector portion.

FIG. 3B is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch of FIG. 2 wherein the second connector portion is partially inserted into the first connector portion against the closure in the closed condition.

FIG. 3C is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch of FIG. 2 illustrating the second connector portion filly mated with the first connector portion, the closure member moved to an open condition.

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of a pre-filled drink pouch having a first connector in which the bladder wall acts as a selectively piercable seal membrane, and a second connector portion shown exploded away, the second connector portion configured to pierce the membrane when mated with the first connector portion.

FIG. 4B is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the drink pouch of FIG. 4A, wherein the second connector portion is mated with the first connector portion, the second connector portion having pierced through the membrane.

FIG. 5A is a fragmentary side elevation of a pre-filled drink pouch wherein the closure member is a peelable seal layer secured across the first connector member, a second connector member shown exploded away, wherein the first and second connector members are cooperatively threaded.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another second connector portion that could be used with the first connector portion of FIGS. 1, 3A-C, the second connector portion having a deflectable locking flange to selectively release the second connector member from a locked engagement with the first connector portion.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a pouch holder for the drink pouch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of a pouch holder and the drink pouch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7C is a plan view of a pouch holder for the drink pouch of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A-C illustrate a pre-filled drink pouch 10 having features in accordance with teachings of the present invention. The pouch includes a flexible bladder 12 and a first connector portion 14 that is mounted to the bladder. The bladder 12 includes a wall having an opening. The first connector portion 14 is mounted to the wall around the opening.

According to a teaching of the invention, the pouch is pre-filled and sealed in aseptic conditions to contain a beverage fluid, such as water, juice, sports drink, etc, for shipping and later consumption. The pouch of the present invention has a dispensing outlet connector system that facilitates sealing during an aseptic pre-filling process and then convenient opening at a later time by a user for consumption through a standard flexible drink tube. Also, the bladder preferably has a shape and dimensions suitable to fit in a backpack or carry-pack for use during activities, such as during cycling, running, hiking, or combat.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the pouch is disposable after the beverage has been consumed. According to an aspect of the invention, the drink pouch is preferably constructed of relatively inexpensive materials, without features such as a reusable fill port, and preferably having a dispensing outlet connector designed to discourage refilling and re-use, so that the drink pouch can be produced economically, using a minimum of materials, and be considered disposable. Advantageously, the pouch connector system is configured so that a user can consume the beverage contents through a standard drinking tube of a type that is commonly available.

Referring to FIG. 1, an optional seal layer 16 is secured to the first connector portion to prevent exposure of the first connector portion to dirt or contaminants. The seal layer may be made of polyester, a metalized polyester, or some other suitable material for blocking contaminants. The seal layer 16 can be peeled away to access the first connector portion when ready for use. In order to commence consumption of the beverage from the pouch through the connector portion, a second connector portion 18 is also provided, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The second connector portion 18 is configured to matably engage the first connector portion to provide a fluid conduit for delivering the beverage contents for consumption. The second connector portion 18 is also configured to receive a flexible drinking tube 20. As will be recognized, the drinking tube is a standard component that is readily available.

Now turning to FIGS. 2 and 3A-C, the details of the first and second connector portions 14, 18 will be explained in greater detail. FIG. 2 illustrates details of the first connector portion 14 and the bladder 12. In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions may be of a type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,045, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The bladder 12 includes a flexible bladder wall, which is a multiple-layer wall in the illustrated example. The bladder 12 defines an interior 24 to contain the beverage. The wall of bladder 12 has an opening around which the first connector portion 14 has a base flange 26 that is fused, bonded, or otherwise secured in a sealed manner to the bladder 12. An outer wall 28 extends perpendicularly from the base flange 26.

The first connector portion 14 defines a duct 30 to provide fluid communication from the interior 24 and a closure 32 that is capable of preventing communication through the duct 30. The closure 32 is shaped as a cap which can snap-fit to an interior end of the duct 28, as shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3A shows the closure 32 of the first connector portion 14 in a closed position, preventing fluid communication through the duct 30. Referring back to FIG. 2, the first connector portion 14 preferably includes a plurality of resilient legs 34 which tether the closure 32 near the duct 30.

Also illustrated in FIG. 3A is the second connector portion 18. The second connector portion has an end configured to mate with the first connector portion and an opposite end configured to receive a standard drinking tube. A fluid delivery channel extends through an interior of the second connector portion 18 to deliver the beverage from the first end to the drinking tube.

More particularly in the illustrated embodiment, the second connector portion 18 is configured to mate with the first connector portion 14 and moves the closure member 32 to an open position, thereby permitting fluid flow through the mated connectors. More particularly, the second connector portion 18 includes an elongate body 36 shaped to be inserted into the duct 30 of the first connector portion 14. In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions are configured so that movement to mate the second connector portion with the first connector portion causes the closure to move from the closed position to the open position. For example, referring to FIG. 3B, the elongate body 36 of the second connector portion 18 is partially inserted into the duct 30 to abut the closure 32 in the closed position. Continued insertion results in movement of the closure 32 to an open position, as shown in FIG. 3C.

Referring to FIG. 3C, wherein the first and second connector portions 14, 18 are illustrated in a mated condition, fluid from the interior 24 can flow through the connectors to the drink tube 20 for consumption. The second connector portion 18 also has a fitting 37 with tapered ridges shaped to receive the standard drink tube 20 in a secure manner.

Thus, the closure 32 of the first connector portion 14 is provided initially in a closed position shown in FIG. 3A, wherein the closure 32 snap-fits to an end of the duct 28. In this closed position, the closure 32 prevents fluid from exiting from the 24 interior of the bladder 12. Turning to FIG. 3B, the second connector 18 is inserted through the duct toward an interior 24, and when fully inserted, the closure is snapped to an open position as shown in FIG. 3C. A distal end of the elongate body is provided with at least one aperture 38 to facilitate flow of the beverage through the second connector member.

In the fully mated condition shown in FIG. 3C, the second connector member 18 preferably secures into place. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the second connector member 18 includes a locking mechanism to lock the first and second connector members in a mated condition, and to prevent the first and second connector members from being separated. In a specific embodiment, for example, the locking mechanism includes resilient ramped portions 40 that lock into corresponding detents or against an end of the duct 30 of the first connector member 14, thereby preventing withdrawal of the elongate body 36 from the duct 30 and securing the second connector portion 18 in a fully-mated position relative to the first connector portion 14. As illustrated by arrows in FIG. 3C, fluid flows through apertures 38 and the second connector portion directs the beverage fluid to the tube.

In an embodiment, the second connector portion 18 is provided together with the filled pouch so that the second connector portion is readily available to a user. For example, the second connector portion 18 can be removably secured (in an unmated condition) to a side of the first connector portion 14 by a breakable, co-molded tab. The user can remove the second connector portion 18, fit a standard drink tube 20 to the second connector portion, mate the first and second connector portions, and then consume the drink. The second portion 18 may also be removably secured to other structure of the pouch by other means, such as tape or an adhesive, or provided separately. The second connector portion 18 may additionally be provided in a separate plastic package in order to maintain sterile conditions until use, in which case the separate package may be secured to the pouch by tape, an adhesive or another suitable means.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative second connector portion 18A, which has a resiliently deflectable locking flange 60. The flange 60 has a detent 62 that engages a side of the first connector member to provide a locked engagement. The locking flange can be deflected to selectively release the second connector portion 18A from a locked engagement with the first connector portion.

Various connector configurations are possible, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, FIGS. 4A-B illustrate a pouch 110 having a flexible bladder 112 and a first connector portion 114 wherein a closure is provided by a breakable membrane, or more particularly in the specific example illustrated, wherein the closure is a wall of the bladder. The first connector portion 114 is mounted within an interior of the bladder 112 and may be secured against the bladder wall. A second connector member 118 is provided which has an elongate body 136 adapted with a distal pointed tip 140 configured to pierce the bladder wall 112 when the second connector member 118 is mated with the first connector member 114, as shown in FIG. 4B. The first connector portion 214 has a flange 126 secured to the bladder 112 and includes an opening 130 configured to receive the elongate body 136 of the second connector portion. The second connector portion 118 is configured with a fitting 137 to receive a standard drinking tube 20. It will be recognized that the closure could be a layer of breakable membrane material other than the bladder wall, such that the closure prevents passage of fluid when the closure is intact and in the closed condition.

Another pouch 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-B. The pouch 210 includes a flexible bladder 212 and has a first connector portion 214 secured around an opening in a wall of the bladder. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-B, the first connector portion 214 has a closure 232 constructed as a membrane secured across a duct 230 that extends from an interior of the pouch through the first connector member. FIG. 5A illustrates the closure in a closed position, and FIG. 5B illustrates the membrane closure 230 being peeled away such that the closure is in an open condition. The first connector portion 214 and second connector portions 218 are provided with cooperative threads and engage in a threaded manner for use. The second connector portion 218 includes a fitting 237 configured with tapered ridges to receive a standard flexible drink tube 20.

For convenience and to avoid unsanitary conditions, the pouch 10, 110, 210 is preferably disposable, and accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the pouch is constructed with minimal features to reduce materials, cost, and waste. For example, the pouch is preferably constructed without a refill port and associated removable cap of the type provided on conventional hydration systems. Moreover, the bladder is made of a flexible, durable material, however in a preferred embodiment, the bladder wall is constructed of lighter weight materials than bladders of known hydration systems intended for reuse. For example, a suitable bladder can be constructed of any of various thermoplastics, such as polyethylene, as will be recognized by one skilled in the art. In a specific example, a suitable bladder may include walls constructed of dual polyethylene layers bonded on opposite sides of a nylon layer. It has been found that DURASHIELD 34 and FLEXITECH 15 serve as suitable materials.

According to an aspect of the invention, the pouch is filled according to a sterile and aseptic packaging process, and the pouch is constructed to be aseptically sealed and to maintain the contents in an aseptic, sterile condition for a suitable time for shipping and storage until consumption. For example, in an aseptic filling process, the beverage product is heated to a high temperature in a closed atmosphere, and the product is cooled such as by flowing the product through hot pipes and then through cold pipes. The pouches are sterilized by irradiation or some other appropriate means. The sterile container is filled with the sterile beverage and then sealed. Notably, where the beverage is water, water can be treated through a reverse osmosis system to remove impurities and then filled into the pouch and sealed in a closed atmosphere, avoiding a need for heat treatment of the beverage and yielding an aseptically sealed pouch. Additionally, in an alternate method, the beverage may be treated with a preservative, such as an appropriate amount of sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate, and sealed in the pouch, in which case a heat treating step could be avoided.

As used herein, forms of the terms “aseptic” and “sterile,” and the associated processes and structures, are used in a manner consistent with commercially acceptable standards defined by the FDA. In Title 21 CFR 113.3, the FDA provides the following definitions: “Aseptic processing and packaging means the filling of a commercially sterilized cooled product into presterilized containers, followed by aseptic hermetical sealing, with a presterilized closure, in an atmosphere free of microorganisms.” 21 CFR 11.3.3 (a) (emphasis in original) This regulation further states, “Commercial sterility: (1)°‘Commercial sterility’ of thermally processed food means the condition achieved—i) By the application of heat which renders the food free of—a) Microorganisms capable of reproducing in the food under normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution; and (b) Viable microorganisms (including spores) of public health significance; or (ii) By the control of water activity and the application of heat, which renders the food free of microorganisms capable of reproducing in the food under normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution.” 21 CFR 113.3 (e) (emphasis in original).

In an embodiment, the pouch is constructed to enable the sealed contents to be frozen. This advantageously enables the user to consume the contents at a chilled temperature as the beverage melts over a period of time. In order to facilitate expansion that occurs during freezing of the beverage contents without rupturing the pouch, the beverage, in a liquid form, is packaged and sealed in the pouch in amount suitably less than the maximum liquid capacity. For example, the pouch may be filled with beverage in its liquid state to approximately 80% to approximately 90% of the maximum liquid capacity of the pouch. Additionally, it is preferred to construct the bladder and connector of materials suitable to maintain their integrity when the contents are frozen. As used herein, terms “fill” and “filling” do not require filling to maximum capacity.

In order to facilitate protected shipping and convenient storage and use, an aspect of the invention includes a holder. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the pouch 10 may be placed into a pouch holder 70 after it has been filled and sealed. In an embodiment, the pouch holder 70 includes an elongated outer wall 72 made of thick, corrugated cardboard. In an embodiment, the pouch holder 70 is vertical and the pouch 10 is placed into the pouch holder 70 with the first connector portion 14 proximate to the top of the outer wall 72. The pouch holder 70 containing the pouch 10 may be placed into a cooled environment to allow the sealed contents to become chilled or frozen. By placing the pouch 10 into the pouch holder 70 in this manner, a desired orientation and shape are maintained. In particular, the sealed contents settle to the end of the pouch 10 distal from the first connector portion 14 so that the sealed contents do not block the first connector portion 14 and the duct 30 when frozen, and each pouch 10 is kept in a generally straight configuration.

The pouch holder 72 may include a divider structure configured to define a plurality of cavities in a generally vertical orientation, and holding a plurality of pouches 10 in the respective cavities, wherein the first connector portion is proximate to a top end of the pouch holder 72. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the pouch holder 70 may be sized such that it can hold a plurality of pouches 10 in individual cavities of the pouch holder 70. In an embodiment of a pouch holder 70 that holds six pouches 10, six individual cavities may be formed by a divider structure comprising a first divider 76 having approximately the length of the length of the pouch holder 70 and two second dividers 74 having approximately the length of the width of the pouch holder 70. A pouch holder 70 holding fewer or greater pouches 10 could be constructed by changing the width of the pouch holder 70 and adding or removing additional second dividers 74. In an embodiment, the first divider 76 and the second dividers 74 preferably are approximately the same height as the outer wall 72 of the pouch holder 70 so as to maintain the form of the pouch 10 when the sealed contents of the pouch 10 are frozen. While FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate one embodiment of the pouch and pouch holder, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the pouch, e.g., the pouches 110, 210 described above, may be similarly placed into a pouch holder.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A reservoir pouch for a personal hydration system, the pouch comprising:

a flexible bladder having at least one wall defining an interior cavity, the wall having an opening;

a first connector portion mounted to the wall peripherally to the opening and defining an outlet from the interior cavity, the first connector portion including a duct having a closure that can be moved from a closed position such that the closure prevents fluid from flowing from the interior into the duct to an open position such that the closure permits fluid to flow from the interior through the duct; and

a second connector portion that is configured to mate with the first connector portion, the second connector portion having an end that is shaped to connect to a drink tube and an opposite end that is configured to be received in the duct of the first connector member in a mated condition and move the closure to an open position to permit fluid to flow from the interior cavity through the first and second connector portions.

2. The pouch of claim 1, further comprising a peelable layer mounted to a proximal end of the first connector portion to cover the duct.

3. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the second connector portion is shaped to connect to an end of an elongate, flexible drinking tube.

4. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch further includes the second connector portion, wherein the second connector portion is removably secured in an unmated relation to the first connector portion.

5. The pouch of claim 3, wherein the second connector portion is secured to the first connector portion by a breakable tab.

6. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the closure includes a cap that secures in a snap-fit manner over the duct in the closed position and which is removed to the open position when pushed toward the interior of the bladder.

7. The pouch of claim 6, wherein the closure further includes at least one resilient leg having one end mounted to the cap and another end fixed relative to the duct to tether the cap when in the open position.

8. The pouch of claim 1, wherein connector includes an outer wall that generally surrounds the duct and a floor that extends between the duct and the outer wall.

9. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the closure is non-recloseable.

10. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the wall of the bladder includes multiple layers.

11. The pouch of claim 10, wherein the wall includes an exterior layer made of a laminate film.

12. The pouch of claim 10, wherein the wall includes an interior layer made of polyethylene.

13. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch contains a beverage.

14. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch does not contain a refill port.

15. The pouch of claim 1, including a locking mechanism to secure the first connector portion and second connector portion in the mated condition.

16. The pouch of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism includes ramped portions on one of the connector portions and corresponding detents on the other connector portion, wherein the ramped portions engage the corresponding detents in the mated condition.

17. A reservoir pouch for a personal hydration system, the pouch comprising:

a bladder having at least one wall defining an interior cavity, the wall having an opening;

an outlet fitting disposed within the opening in the wall, wherein the outlet fitting is adapted to be coupled to an end of an elongate flexible drinking tube, and wherein the outlet fitting can be selectively deployed from a closed an aseptically sealed state to an open state; and

a liquid beverage aseptically sealed within the interior cavity.

18. The pouch of claim 17, wherein the outlet fitting comprises:

a first connector portion mounted to the wall peripherally to the opening and defining an outlet from the interior cavity, the first connector portion including a receptacle duct having a closure that can be moved from a closed position such that the closure prevents fluid from flowing from the interior into the duct to an open position such that the closure permits fluid to flow from the interior through the duct; and

a second connector portion that is configured to mate with the first connector portion, the second connector portion having an end that is shaped to connect to an elongate, flexible drink tube and an opposite end that is configured to be received in the duct of the first connector member in a mated condition and move the closure to an open position to permit fluid to flow from the interior cavity through the first and second connector portions.

19. The pouch of claim 17, further comprising a peelable layer mounted to cover a proximal end of the outlet fitting.

20. The pouch of claim 17, wherein the receptacle duct is non-reclosable after the second connector portion has been mated to the first connector portion.

21. The pouch of claim 17, wherein the wall of the bladder has multiple layers including at least an interior layer and an exterior layer.

22. The pouch of claim 21, wherein the exterior layer is comprised of a laminate film.

23. The pouch of claim 21, wherein the interior wall is comprised of polyethylene.

24. The pouch of claim 17, wherein the pouch is non-resealable after the outlet fitting is in an open state.

25. The pouch of claim 17, wherein the pouch does not contain a refill port.

26. The pouch of claim 17, wherein the outlet fitting comprises:

a first connector portion mounted to the wall peripherally to the opening and defining an outlet from the interior cavity, the first connector portion including a duct having a sealed closure membrane that prevents fluid from exiting through the duct; and

a second connector portion that is configured to mate with the first connector portion, the second connector portion having an end shaped to connect to and provide fluid communication to an elongate, flexible drink tube and an opposite end that is configured to be secured to the first connector member in a mated condition;

wherein the membrane is openable to permit fluid to flow from the interior cavity through the first and second connector portions.

27. The pouch of claim 26, wherein the first and second connector portions include respective threads to mate in a threaded relation.

28. The pouch of claim 26, wherein the membrane is openable by being peelable away from the first connector portion.

28. The pouch of claim 26, wherein the membrane is openable by piercing.

29. The pouch of claim 28, wherein the second connector portion is configured to pierce the membrane.

30. A method of making a pre-filled reservoir pouch for a personal hydration system, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a bladder having at least one wall with an opening therethrough;

mounting an outlet fitting to the wall peripherally around the opening, the outlet fitting having a closed state in which the outlet fitting prevents fluid from exiting the bladder and an open state in which fluid can exit the bladder, and wherein the outlet fitting is capable of being coupled to an end of an elongate, flexible drink tube;

filling the interior of the bladder with a drink fluid in a sterile condition; and

sealing the bladder.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of mounting an outlet fitting to the wall comprises:

mounting a first connector portion to the wall peripherally around the opening, the first connector portion defining an outlet from the bladder, the first connector having a closure member movable between a closed position in which the closure prevents fluid from exiting the bladder and an open position in which fluid can exit the bladder; and

providing a second connector portion that is configured to matably connect to the first connector portion in a manner whereby the second connector portion opens the closure member when mated with the first connector portion, and whereby the second connector portion is connectable to an end of an elongate, flexible drink tube.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of securing a seal membrane to the outlet fitting peripherally to the outlet to protect the outlet fitting.

33. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of heating the drink fluid.

34. The method of claim 33, whereby the heating brings the drink fluid to about 180-250° F.

35. The method of claim 33, whereby the heating occurs prior to the filling step.

36. The method of claim 33, whereby the heating occurs after the filling step.

37. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of heating the drink fluid after the securing step.

38. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of irradiating the bladder.

39. The method of claim 38, whereby the irradiating occurs before the filling step.

40. The method of claim 30, further comprising adding a preservative to the drink fluid.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the preservative is sodium benzoate.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the preservative is potassium sorbate.

43. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of providing a holder for holding a plurality of the pouches during shipping and storage, the holder including a divider structure configured to define a plurality of cavities in a generally vertical orientation, and holding a plurality of pouches in the respective cavities, wherein the first connector portion is proximate to a top end of the pouch holder.

44. The method of claim 43, including the step of freezing the pouches during the holding step.

45. A method of using a personal hydration system, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a sealed reservoir pouch, the pouch including a flexible bladder having an interior containing a beverage, a first connector portion secured to the bladder including a duct extending from the interior to an exterior of bladder and a closure preventing fluid communication through the duct, and a second connector portion that is matable with the first connector portion;

placing the reservoir pouch in a carrier;

fitting a flexible drinking tube to the second connector portion;

mating the first connector portion with the second connector portion;

opening the closure to permit communication through the duct; and

removing the liquid from the pouch through the drinking tube.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of removing the pouch from the carrier; and discarding the pouch.

47. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of cooling the beverage before placing the pouch in the carrier.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising removing the pouch from a pouch holder in which the pouch is provided, wherein the pouch holder is dimensionally constrained to maintain the shape of the pouch during the freezing step and wherein the pouch is in the pouch holder in a vertical storage position such that the first connector portion is at the top.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the beverage is cooled to an approximately frozen condition before removing the pouch from the pouch holder.