Apparatus for Transporting and Dispensing Potables

Abstract

An apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables has an elongated substrate having a length and having connectable end regions for forming a belt-like loop and an arrangement of flexible tubing secured by the elongated substrate having at least a pair of interconnected parallel tubing regions extending substantially along the length of the elongated substrate with the flexible tubing terminating in at least one open end.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to containers for transporting consumable liquids. More specifically, the invention relates to a wearable apparatus for transporting and dispensing consumable liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals engaged in physical activities often desire to consume liquids periodically either for health reasons or as a matter of comfort. However, consumable liquids, which may also be referred to as “potables,” are not always readily available to active individuals. For example, sometimes individuals are engaged in physical activities at a location that is remote from a source of consumable liquids. Thus individuals engaged in physical activities often desire to carry consumable liquids with them. A problem in this regard is that it may be difficult to carry a liquid container while engaged in physical activity. Containers for liquids can be cumbersome and may hinder performance of the activity engaged in by the individual. It can be appreciated that it would be useful to have a means for a person engaged in physical activity to carry and readily have access to a consumable liquid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables comprising an elongated substrate having a length and having connectable end regions for forming a belt-like loop and an arrangement of flexible tubing secured by the elongated substrate having at least a pair of interconnected parallel tubing regions extending substantially along the length of the elongated substrate with the flexible tubing terminating in at least one open end for dispensing. According to one facet of the invention, substrate forms opposing first and second walls wherein the arrangement of flexible tubing is secured therebetween.

According to an aspect of the invention, the flexible tubing open end for dispensing comprises a nozzle.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the arrangement of flexible tubing further comprises a dispensing segment adjacent the open end for dispensing that is extendable from a surface of the elongated substrate. According to one facet of this aspect of the invention, the dispensing extendable tubing region comprises a folded-over region of tubing. According to a second facet of this aspect of the invention, the extendable tubing region comprises a region of tubing that is collapsible along its longitudinal axis and that, conversely, is selectively extendible along its longitudinal axis.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the arrangement of flexible tubing is removably affixed to the elongated substrate.

According to another aspect of the invention, the arrangement of flexible tubing further comprises header tubing interconnecting the pair or more of interconnected parallel tubing regions.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, the arrangement of flexible tubing further comprises a single tube disposed in an undulating configuration.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the arrangement of flexible tubing is at least partially insulated. According to one facet of this aspect, a layer of insulating material is disposed adjacent the arrangement of flexible tubing. According to a second facet of this aspect, the arrangement of flexible tubing is disposed between opposing layers of insulating material.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included within the scope of the present teaching and are protected by the accompanying claims.

The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an interior region of the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables of FIG. 1 with a portion of flexible tubing extended, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the interior region of the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables of FIG. 1 with alternative interconnecting and dispensing features, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables having insulating layers.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an interior region of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables having a pump mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

As an overview, the invention provides a belt-like apparatus for transporting and dispensing consumable liquids while maintaining substantially even distribution of the liquid so as promote easier transport of the liquid. In a broad exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises an arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments adapted for storing a liquid and for dispensing the liquid while maintaining a substantially even distribution of the liquid along a length thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, an arrangement of flexible tubing comprises interconnected, substantially parallel tubing regions. The parallel arrangement of compartments/tubing is maintained by a securement structure. Although the securement structure may take many forms, and may be as simple as a strip or band of material, in an exemplary embodiment the securement structure comprises a substrate to which the arrangement is secured. To fully form a belt-like apparatus an exemplary embodiment comprises loop-forming structure for juxtaposing distal ends of said arrangement proximate one another so as to form a closed loop. When a substrate is used as the securement structure, complementary fastening mechanisms disposed at distal ends of the substrate may comprise a loop-forming structure. The arrangement of flexible tubing includes at least one dispensing region having an extendable tubing region terminating in an open end for dispensing the liquid.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments.

Referring first to FIG. 1, therein is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for transporting and dispensing potables, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 10 is shown in a closed-loop, belt-like configuration. An arrangement of flexible tubing 30 is attached to an elongated substrate 20. An end-most region 22 of the substrate 20 contains a part of a fastening mechanism for forming the loop. One complementary hook-and-loop fastener mechanism 26 is disposed on an outer surface of the substrate 20 and cooperates with a second complementary hook-and-loop fastener mechanism 24 that is disposed on the facing, inner surface of the end-most fastener region 22 disposed at a distal end of the substrate 20 to join the substrate 20 in a loop.

The tubing arrangement 30 includes multiple interconnected substantially parallel tubing regions 34, 36, 38 that serve as compartments. A dispenser cover flap 50 is formed proximate an edge region of the outer surface of the substrate 20 to provide access to a dispensing end of the flexible tubing (not shown in this view but will be discussed later). Either an outer surface or an inner surface of a substrate wall 20, 21 (the complementary wall 21 is not shown in the views of FIGS. 1 and 3) may further comprise a storage compartment 29 for receiving and retaining items such as money or keys.

Referring now to FIG. 2, therein is shown in plan view an inner region of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for transporting and dispensing potables. The arrangement of flexible tubing 30 is shown attached to an elongated substrate 20 serving as a wall. As an alternative to having only one wall formed from substrate 20, the apparatus 10 may have substrate 21 that forms a complementary, opposing second wall that is disposed opposite the first substrate wall 20 in the erected apparatus 10. For convenience of understanding, the substrate 20, 21 forming the two walls may be referred to as a first wall 20 and a second wall 21, respectively, and may be referred to even further for convenience of understanding as an outer wall 20 and an inner wall 21. The second substrate wall 21 may take many forms including but not limited to being a second, distinct section of substrate or being an extension of the first section of wall-forming substrate 20.

The substrate 20, 21 may be comprised of many different materials that may be wrapped around the waist of an individual engaged in physical activity and that, at the same time, will support the arrangement of flexible tubing 30 taught by the invention. A suitable example of substrate is light-weight polyester. Other examples of suitable material include leathers from various types of animals including but not limited to bovines and kangaroos, synthetic leather, rubber, suede, polypropylene, nylon and neoprene.

The ends of the elongated substrate 20 are joinable to form the belt-like loop configuration shown in FIG. 1. The ends may be joined by a variety of mechanisms including but not limited to automobile seat-belt locking mechanisms and overlapping hook-and-loop fastening components (such as VELCRO® brand). In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, an endmost region 22 is shown having one hook-and-loop fastening element 24 disposed upon its inner surface while in FIG. 1 a complementary hook-and-loop fastening element 26 is shown disposed on the outer surface of the substrate 20.

An aperture 28 is formed in the substrate 20 to facilitate removal of a dispensing region 40 of the tubing arrangement 30 for dispensing of the liquid contained within the tubing.

The tubing arrangement 30 may be secured in a variety of ways such as by adhesives, stitching, or fasteners, or by enclosure within pockets. In the exemplary embodiment shown, fastening strips 31 that are attached to the substrate 20 are used. The strips 31 may be removably secured to the substrate 20 such as by use of a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism system such as that manufactured and sold under the VELCRO® brand. When the tubing arrangement 30 is attached by removable or partially-detachable structures 31, the tubing arrangement 30 is thereby made removable.

The apparatus 10 may employ a template displayed upon the inner surface of the substrate 20 to serve as an aid in positioning the various regions and portions of the tubing arrangement 30. The positions of the fastening strips 31 effectively provide a template for positioning the tubing.

The arrangement of flexible tubing 30 has at least two interconnected, substantially parallel tubing regions 34, 36, 38. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, three tubing regions 34, 36, 38 are undulating, or serpentine, portions of a single tube. The invention also contemplates using individual tubing regions having ends interconnected by header tubing (as shown in FIG. 4) to provide substantially parallel interconnected regions of tubing. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, there are three interconnected, substantially parallel regions; however, as few as two or more than three interconnected, substantially parallel regions may be used to practice the teachings of the present invention.

A closed end 32 is shown at the end of one 34 of the parallel regions, but alternatively the end that is shown as being closed may also be configured as a dispensing end or may be connected to at least one other parallel region, such as the immediately adjacent parallel region of tubing 36.

A dispensing region 40 is formed in the tubing arrangement 30. Although a dispenser may be formed at any point within the tubing arrangement 30, a suitable location, and the location shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, is at an end of the tubing arrangement 30. The dispensing region 40 has an extendable tubing 42 region that is extendable from the substrate 20 and that terminates at an end opening 44 for dispensing liquids. The extendable tubing region 42 may take many forms. For example, the extendable tubing region may be as simple as a length of tubing that is overlapped by being folded over upon itself (described further below with reference to FIG. 4) so that it may be extended by unfolding. Similarly, a length of coiled tubing, which may also be considered a form of overlapping or folded-over tubing, is extendable by uncoiling to dispense liquids. An arrangement of overlapping, folded-over or coiled tubing may be manually retractable after extending generally; however, the length of extendable tubing may be formed in a permanently retracted condition, having a memory, such that the coil is automatically retracted upon being extended.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the extendable region 42 is collapsible along its longitudinal axis through use of a “bellows,” or accordion-like, structure that is extendable into a multiple of its collapsed length. In general, the extendable tubing region of the invention is extendable when in its shortened condition wherein it is retracted, collapsed, compressed, folded-over, overlapped, coiled or otherwise condensed. Conversely, the same tubing region is retractable when in its extended condition.

The dispensing region 40 terminates in an end opening 44. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the end opening comprises a nozzle 44 for enhancing dispensing. The dispensing region 40 is disposed adjacent the aperture 28 in the substrate 20.

Although a dispensing region 40 is shown at one end of the tubing arrangement 30, a dispensing structure may be formed at more than one location along the tubing arrangement 30 including but not limited to at opposing ends of a length of tubing or at opposing ends of the tubing arrangement 30 in general.

Referring now to FIG. 3, therein the apparatus 10 is shown in its looped, belt-like configuration as in FIG. 1 but with the dispensing cover flap 50 raised and the dispensing region 40 of tubing extended through the aperture 28 in the substrate 20. The extendable portion 42 of the dispensing region 40 is shown in substantially extended condition. The view of FIG. 3 also illustrates complementary fastening elements 52, 54 that retain the dispensing cover flap 50 in a closed condition until selectively opened. Such fastening elements include but are not limited to snap-type fasteners, a button-and-button-hole arrangement and complementary hook-and-loop elements such as those sold under the VELCRO® brand name.

Referring now to FIG. 4, therein is shown in a plan view, as is the view of FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 12 for transporting and dispensing potables with alternative interconnecting tubing and extendable dispenser tubing features, according to the present invention. In an alternative arrangement of flexible tubing 60, header tubing 62 interconnects the substantially parallel tubing regions 34, 36, 38. An alternative dispensing tubing region 70 has a folded-over, or overlapping, extendable tubing region 72 terminating in a nozzle 74. All other elements and features are the same as those shown in FIG. 2.

The flexible tubing arrangement 30, 60 attached to the substrate 20 provides an apparatus 10, 12 for transporting and dispensing consumable liquids that can be worn like a belt. As some liquid is dispensed from the tubing arrangement 30, 60, the remaining liquid is substantially evenly distributed because the regions 34, 36, 38 of tubing are interconnected and substantially parallel to one another. When the tubing arrangement 30, 60 is removably attached to the substrate 20, the tubing arrangement 30 may be removed for filling, cleaning or another desired purposed. For example, the tubing arrangement 30, 60 may be filled with a selected liquid and chilled (or even frozen) prior to positioning with respect to the substrate. As another example, the tubing arrangements 30, 60 may be disposable as well as removable.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein is illustrated in a cross-section view an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables 14 wherein the apparatus includes heat-transfer-inhibiting material which is commonly referred to as insulating material. Insulating the tubing helps maintain the temperature of the liquid that is stored therein. For example, the temperature of a chilled liquid can be better maintained when the tubing is insulated from the heat given off from the body of an individual or from heat present in a surrounding environment. Each length of tubing may have a layer of insulating material directly applied to its perimeter as a means of insulating the tubing. As an alternative, the tubing may be disposed adjacent or at least partially embedded in insulating material. Such an arrangement of insulating material may be incorporated into the exemplary apparatus embodiments 10, 12 that have been previously described herein. For convenience of explanation, incorporation of layers of insulating material is illustrated in a cross-section view of an apparatus embodiment designated by numeral 14 in FIG. 5. The use of insulation as described and illustrated is compatible with either the exemplary embodiment designated by numeral 10 or the exemplary embodiment designated by numeral 12.

For convenience of explanation, numerals in a “100” series are used in FIG. 5 and the associated description herein. An inner layer of insulation 182 may be disposed adjacent the substrate forming the inner wall 121 of the apparatus 14. Substantially parallel tubing regions 134, 136, 138 are disposed adjacent the inner layer of insulating material 182. The apparatus 14 may also have a second layer of insulating material, an outer layer, 180 that helps sandwich the tubing 134, 136, 138 between the two insulating layers 180, 182. An outer wall 120 formed by substrate, as previously described herein, completes the apparatus enclosure. Although one layer of insulation 180, 182 may be used, two layers better isolate the tubing 134, 136, 138. When the inner wall 121 of the apparatus is worn against the body of a user, the inner layer of insulation 182 helps inhibit heat transfer that would otherwise take place between the body of an individual wearing the apparatus and the liquid contained in the tubing 134, 136, 138. The outer layer of insulating material 180 helps inhibit heat transfer between the liquid in the tubing 134, 136, 138 and the environment. When layered insulation is used, the apparatus 14 may be constructed so that the insulating material 180, 182 is removable from the outer and inner walls 120, 121 of the apparatus. For example, the layers of insulating material 180, 182 may be removably attached to respective substrate by any suitable means such as VELCRO® brand hook-and-loop fastener. The insulating material itself may comprise known materials having heat-transfer inhibiting properties such as, but not limited to, polyethylene vinyl with foam insulation interior, closed-cell foam material such as, but not limited to, polystyrene thermal insulation material such as that manufactured by Dow Chemical Company and sold under the trademark Styrofoam®, and beaded polystyrene such as that used to make disposable coffee cups and plates.

A potable liquid 199 such as, but not limited to, water or a sports drink is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. As is illustrated in FIG. 5, the invention causes the liquid in a partially filled tube to be evenly distributed along the length of the arrangement of parallel tubing. When the tubing arrangement is only partially filled, the liquid 199 in a top-most tube (or compartment) 138 assumes a level that evenly distributes the liquid 199 along the length of that tubing section 138.

Referring now to FIG. 6, therein is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables 16 wherein the apparatus includes a pump mechanism 90. The pump urges, or impels, stored liquid from the open, dispensing end 44 of the tubing arrangement. The pump mechanism 90 is shown in conjunction with an apparatus like that illustrated in the exemplary embodiment enumerated as 10 in FIG. 2; however, the pump mechanism may likewise be incorporated into an embodiment having structure designated like the apparatus enumerated 12 in FIG. 4. In FIG. 6, a pump mechanism 90 is attached to the tubing arrangement 30 as a means for urging stored liquid out of the nozzle.

Although the pump mechanism 90 may take many forms and be disposed in many different locations with respect to the tubing arrangement 30, the pump is optimally attached at the distal end of the tubing arrangement 30 which is designated by numeral 32 in FIG. 2. The pump 90 may be an automatic device such as an electrically-driven mechanism that is selectively or automatically energized. The pump mechanism 90 illustrated in the exemplary embodiment comprises a squeeze-bulb 92 such as the type used in a blood-pressure measurement device. The output end of the bulb 92 is connected by a conduit 94 to the tubing arrangement 30. A check valve 96 that is typically employed in squeeze-bulb type pumps is disposed at an end of the bulb 92 opposite the conduit connection 94. The conduit 94 may be sufficiently long so that the bulb 92 can be fully or partially removed from proximate the tubing arrangement 30 and engaged by hand. The pump 90 may be operated while in a stored position within the belt or may be operated through partial or substantial removal from the belt. For example, a user may simply press against the bulb 92 to squeeze it while it is encased. Alternatively, the bulb 92 may be grasped and squeezed, or grasped and extended through a pocket flap such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and subsequently selectively squeezed. The bulb 92 may be held in place proximate the tubing arrangement by several means including being supported by means of the pump conduit 94, being sandwiched between substrate forming the outer 20 and inner 21 walls or between opposing layers 180, 182 of insulation material, and being removably attached to substrate such as through the use of hook-and-loop fastener material.

The invention teaches that the diameter of the tubing used in the tubing arrangement may vary. As described above, the invention teaches as few as two and more than three parallel tubing segments or compartments. Similarly, the number of loops, or windings, that comprise the undulating, or serpentine, arrangement may vary within the scope of the invention. The quantity of liquid that can be held by the invention can vary depending upon the parameters of length, diameter, number of loops/windings of tubing and number of tubing segments/compartments.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables, the apparatus comprising:

an arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments adapted for storing a liquid and for dispensing the liquid while maintaining a substantially even distribution of the liquid along a length thereof;

securement structure for maintaining said arrangement disposed longitudinally extending along said length thereof; and

loop-forming structure for juxtaposing distal ends of said arrangement proximate one another so as to form a closed loop.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said securement structure comprises an elongated substrate for supporting said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said loop-forming structure comprises said elongated substrate having connectable end regions for forming a belt-like loop.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments comprises an arrangement of flexible tubing having at least a pair of interconnected parallel tubing regions extending substantially along said length of said arrangement terminating in at least one open end.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments contains a liquid.

6. An apparatus for transporting and dispensing potables, the apparatus comprising:

an elongated substrate having a length and connectable end regions for forming a belt-like loop; and

an arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments secured in a substantially fixed position with respect to said substrate along a length thereof adapted for storing a liquid and for dispensing the liquid while maintaining a substantially even distribution of the liquid along said length of said substrate.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said an arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments comprises an arrangement of flexible tubing having at least a pair of interconnected parallel tubing regions extending substantially along said length of said elongated substrate terminating in at least one open end.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said at least one open end comprises a nozzle.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said arrangement of flexible tubing further comprises an extendable tubing region extendable from a surface of said elongated substrate.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said extendable tubing region comprises overlapping tubing segments.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said extendable tubing region comprises an axially collapsible tubing region having a length that is selectively extendible.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said arrangement of flexible tubing is removably affixed to said elongated substrate.

13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said arrangement of flexible tubing further comprises header tubing interconnecting said at least a pair of interconnected parallel tubing regions.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said arrangement of flexible tubing further comprises a single tube disposed in an undulating configuration.

15. The apparatus of claim 6, said elongated substrate forming a pair of opposing walls wherein said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments is disposed therebetween.

16. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising heat-transfer-inhibiting material disposed in relation to said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments so as to inhibit heat transfer therewith.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said heat-transfer-inhibiting material comprises at least one layer of heat-transfer-inhibiting material disposed adjacent said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said at least one layer of heat-transfer-inhibiting material comprises opposing layers of heat-transfer-inhibiting material substantially enclosing said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments therebetween.

19. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a pump in fluid-flow communication with said arrangement of interconnected substantially parallel compartments for urging liquid through an opening thereof.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said pump comprises a hand-held squeeze-bulb mechanism.

21. The apparatus of claim 6, said elongated substrate further comprising a storage compartment.