Attachable Device for Providing Drinking Water and Storing Hot and Cold Food in an Outdoor Environment

Abstract

A device attachable to an article provides drinking water and storage of hot and cold food. The drinking water is stored in an insulated container that can be pressurized by a hand-pump inlet valve. A plastic tube is attached to an outlet extending to a position reachable to a user's mouth. The tube has a valve allowing the user to control the flow of the drinking water. The device further comprises a pair of insulated containers, one for storing cold food and the other hot food. The container with the drinking water and the pair of insulated containers are attachable to (and separable from) each other (or can be permanently affixed). A plurality of plastic clips can hold the tube to the article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/135,628 filed by Andrew C. Wagner on Jul. 22, 2008 and entitled “Auxiliary Fluid Dispenser and Foodstuff Container For Backpacks And the Like”, the contents which are incorporated herein by reference

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachable device for providing drinking water and storing hot and cold food in an outdoor environment.

BACKGROUND

Carrying a backpack is a convenient method to travel with gear. For many people it is the preferred way to travel into the wilderness to experience the beauty of nature. While traveling this way, it is usually desirable to carry both water and food to eat. Water is typically carried in water bottles or in a canteen. Food is often brought in the form of snack bars or stored in a container and packed in the backpack.

However, there are certain drawbacks associated with the conventional way of traveling with water and food. One main problem is that it can be difficult to access the water, especially while one is hiking along rough terrain. In practice, the camper will usually stop what he or she is doing and then grab a bottle or water or canteen to take a sip, and then proceed with the journey. Likewise, if the snack is stored in the backpack, the camper will have to stop, take the backpack off and search the backpack until the item is found. Although some campers take energy bars along instead, they often do not satisfy hunger for very long and are not an adequate substitute for many people.

Accordingly, it would be desirable for there to be a more convenient way to obtain drinking water when needed and to consume both cold and warm food while enjoying the outdoors.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide an attachable device for providing drinking water and storing hot and cold food. It is a further object and feature of the present invention for the device to be attachable to a camping backpack. Still further, an object and feature of the present invention is for the device to be attachable to various other outdoor devices, such as a bicycle frame, a motorcycle, an ATV, a boat, a golf cart, a horse saddle, exercise and poolside equipment, etc.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is for the device to include an insulated container for holding pressurized water and/or a pair of insulated containers, one for holding cold items and the other for holding hot food. With insulated food and drink containers separated into two compartments it is very convenient to carry a warm meal in one side and cold drinks in the other side. Moreover, because the units can be separated or used jointly, many combinations are possible.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention for the drinking water component and the food storage component be attachable to (and separable from) one other.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a tube inserted in the container for transporting water from the container to a user's mouth. A still further object and feature of the present invention is for the tube to be attachable to the backpack (or other outdoor device) using a plurality of clips to hold the tube in place. Still further, an object and feature of the present invention is to provide a valve attached to an end of the tube allowing the user to control the flow of the water to the user's mouth. Also, an object and feature of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for the user to add water to and pressurize the water in the container. Preferably, using a small built-in pump one may pressurize the unit.

Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device for providing food and water in an outdoor environment is provided. The device comprises a first component including an insulated container capable of holding pressurized drinking water, the insulated container including an inlet valve allowing air to flow into the insulated container sufficient to pressurize drinking water therein and an outlet allowing the pressurized drinking water to flow outwardly. Preferably, the inlet valve is structured and arranged such that it can be “pumped” by the user. A plastic tube can be attached to the outlet extending to a position reachable to a user desiring to drink the drinking water, the tube capable of transporting the drinking water and having a valve allowing the user to control the flow of the drinking water.

The device further comprises a second component including a plurality of insulated containers, each of the plurality of insulated containers being open-able and having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion being secured on a respective side with a hinge. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, the first component and the second component are attachable to each other (using a male-female friction fit, for example), the device is attachable to a backpack (using a plurality of clips to hold the tube in place, for example), and the tube is reachable to a user wearing the backpack such that the user is able to drink the drinking water supplied from the tube. Preferably, at least one of the containers is suitable for holding cold food while another is suitable for holding hot food.

In accordance with other preferred embodiments the device can be attached to various outdoor devices, such as a golf cart, a horse saddle, etc.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a kit for attaching the device to an article is provided. The kit comprises a first component including an insulated container capable of holding pressurized drinking water, the insulated container including an inlet valve allowing air to flow into the insulated container sufficient to pressurize drinking water therein and an outlet allowing the pressurized water to flow outwardly; and tubing attachable to the outlet capable of transporting the drinking water; wherein the first component is attachable to the article and the first component is attachable to a second component. The kit also includes the second component including a pair of insulated containers, one being suitable for storing cold food and the other suitable for storing hot food. Preferably, the kit also includes a set of instructions for assembling the device and attaching it to the article.

Preferably, the device is able to keep cold food at a temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the hot food above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Preferably, the drinking water component and the food storage component each measure approximately 16-inches in length, though the exact dimensions may vary according to user needs and desires as well as manufacturing constraints, including material and fabrication costs.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary attachable device for providing drinking water and storing hot and cold food in an outdoor environment;

FIG. 2 shows rear and front views, respectively, of the drinking water component of the device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) show the exemplary device of FIG. 1 attached to a backpack;

FIG. 4 shows the process of combining the drinking water component and the food storage component of the exemplary device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of a drinking tube including a valve to allow water to flow through the tube to the user's mouth and a clip for securing the drinking tube;

FIG. 6 shows the drinking water component attached to a bicycle;

FIG. 7 shows a bicycle rider drinking water supplied from the drinking water component; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 show one or more components of the device being used attached to motorized vehicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an exemplary attachable device 100 for providing drinking water and storing hot and cold food in an outdoor environment is provided. The device 100 includes a drinking water component 120 and a food storage component 160, as shown. The drinking water component 120 comprises an elongated, insulated container capable of holding pressurized drinking water and keeping it cool. As illustrated in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) the drinking water component 120 includes an inlet valve 210 that is structured and arranged to allow air to flow into the drinking water component 120 sufficient to pressurize drinking water therein and an outlet allowing the pressurized drinking water to flow outwardly when needed. Preferably, the inlet valve 210 includes a valve that allows air to flow substantially only into the drinking water component 120. Preferably, the inlet valve 210 is structured and arranged such that it can be finger “pumped” by the user. Preferably, the inlet valve includes a chamber covered by a soft membrane. When the user presses the soft membrane, air within the chamber is pushed into the drinking water component 120 in a one-way direction. Preferably, the inlet valve 210 can be screwed into a threaded hole 212, as shown, or otherwise fastened to the drinking water component 120. Alternatively, the inlet valve 210 can be structured to allow pressurizing the drinking water component using a hand (or foot) pump (e.g., a bicycle pump) or an electric air pump. A plastic tube 130 can be attached to the outlet extending to a position reachable to a user desiring to drink the drinking water, the tube capable of transporting the drinking water and having a valve 135 allowing the user to control the flow of the drinking water. Preferably, the plastic tube 130 includes one or more clips 138 situated at various places along the plastic tube 130 that can be used to secure the plastic tube 130 to an article, such as a backpack.

The food storage component 160 comprises an elongated insulated container including a hot storage compartment 168 and a cold storage compartment 164. Preferably, the hot storage compartment 168 is large enough to hold a small meal during a camping trip, such as a bowl of chili or even a Cornish game hen and the cold storage compartment 168 is large enough to hold a 12-ounce bottle of soda. Preferably, the hot storage compartment 168 and a cold storage compartment 164 have a bottom portion and a top portion, the top portion and the bottom portion of each compartment being hingeably attached and secured on an opposing side with a lock 166, as shown.

FIG. 3(a) illustrates the device 100 attached to a backpack 320. As depicted, the device 100 can be attached to the backpack 320 by securing one or more ties 325 to the backpack frame, as shown. Preferably, the ties 325 are made from a durable material, preferably, cloth, and the length is adjustable so that the device 100 can be attached to most, or all, available backpacks. However, it is to be understood that various other suitable material exists for the ties 325, such as nylon cord and VELCRO; the selection of a material is thus a design choice. FIGS. 3(b) and 3(b) show various other views of the backpack 320 with the device 100 attached thereto.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the drinking water component 120 and the food storage component 160 are attachable to one another. In particular, the food storage component 160 includes a male portion 169 that can be slidably positioned into a female portion 127 of the drinking water component 120, to ensure a secure friction fit. FIG. 4 illustrates how the the drinking water component 120 and the food storage component 160 can be attached to each other. It is to be appreciated that the drinking water component 120 and the food storage component 160 may thereafter also be separated from each other by reversing this process. A main advantage of the design is that it allows components to be used separately or in combination, as the situation warrants. For example, in some instances one many only desire to bring drinking water and not any food on a trip. In such a case, the drinking water component 120 could be separated from the food storage component 160, and brought along separately.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up perspective of the ending of the plastic tube 130. The ending of the plastic tube 130 includes the valve 135 and the clip 138. FIG. 6 shows the drinking water component 120 and the food storage component 160 attached to a bicycle 620. In this case, the user 650 has decided to bring along both the drinking water component 120 and the food storage component 160 but to place them on different parts of the bicycle rather to attach the components together, as shown. FIG. 7 illustrates bicycle rider 650 employing plastic tube 130 to sip water during a trip.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show one or more components of the device attached to motorized vehicles. In FIG. 8, the user has decided to merely bring along drinking water component 120 and attach it to the vehicle 820. However, in FIG. 9, the user has brought along two such food storage components 160 and one drinking water component 120, and attached each to the vehicle 920, an ATV, apparently because the user believes he or she will be very hungry during or after the activity. As can now be appreciated, the present invention can be attached to various articles, such as a bicycle frame, a motorcycle, an ATV, a boat, a golf cart, a horse saddle, exercise and poolside equipment, etc. Indeed, because the units can be separated or used jointly, the combinations are almost endless.

Preferably, the device 100 is able to keep cold food at a temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the hot food above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Preferably, the drinking water component 120 and the food storage component 160 measure approximately 16-inches in length, though the exact dimensions can vary according to user needs and desires as well as manufacturing constraints, including material and fabrication costs.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a kit for attaching the device 100 to an article, such as a backpack, is provided. The kit comprises the drinking water component 120 and the food storage component 160, the inlet valve 210, plastic tube 130, a plurality of clips 138, and a set of instructions for assembling the device 100 and attaching it to the article.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for providing food and water in an outdoor environment, comprising:

a first component including an insulated container capable of holding pressurized drinking water, the insulated container including an inlet valve allowing air to flow into the insulated container sufficient to pressurize drinking water therein and an outlet allowing the pressurized drinking water to flow outwardly;

a tube attached to the outlet extending to a position reachable to a user desiring to drink the drinking water, the tube capable of transporting the drinking water and having a valve allowing the user to control the flow of the drinking water; and

a second component including a plurality of insulated containers, each of the plurality of insulated containers being open-able and having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion being secured on a respective side with a hinge;

wherein the first component and the second component are attachable to each other.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is attachable to a backpack and the tube is reachable to a user wearing the backpack such that the user is able to drink the drinking water supplied from the tube.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the tube is attachable to the backpack using a plurality of clips to hold the tube in place.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component are attachable to each other using a male-female friction fit.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are permanently affixed to each other.

6. The device of claim 1, where at least one of the plurality of insulated containers is suitable for holding cold food and at least one other of the plurality of containers is suitable for holding hot food.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the cold food is kept at a temperature below 50 degree Fahrenheit and the hot food is kept at a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component are each about sixteen inches in length.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet valve is structured and arranged such that the drinking water can be pressurized by hand pumping air into the insulated container.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is attachable to a golf cart.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is attachable to a horse saddle.

12. A kit for attaching to a backpack a device for providing drinking water and storing hot and cold food during a camping trip, comprising:

a first component including an insulated container capable of holding pressurized drinking water, the insulated container including an inlet valve allowing air to flow into the insulated container sufficient to pressurize drinking water therein and an outlet allowing the pressurized water to flow outwardly; and

tubing attachable to the outlet capable of transporting the drinking water;

wherein the first component is attachable to a backpack and the first component is attachable to a second component.

13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising the second component, the second component including a pair of insulated containers.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of insulated containers is openable.

15. The kit of claim 13, wherein one of the pair of insulated containers is suitable for storing cold food and the other is suitable for storing hot food.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the cold food is kept at a temperature below 50 degree Farenheit and the hot food is kept at a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

17. The kit of claim 13, wherein the first component and the second component are each about sixteen inches in length.

18. The kit of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of plastic clips for securing the tubing to the backpack.

19. The kit of claim 12, further including a set of instructions.

20. The kit of claim 12, wherein each of the pair of insulated containers is lockable.