RESERVOIR WITH SPOUT

Abstract

A fluid container can comprise a flexible front sheet having an upper edge and lateral edges, and a flexible rear sheet having upper edges and lateral edges. The front sheet and the rear sheet can be joined at their lateral edges to form an internal region from storing fluid. An upwardly facing spout assembly can comprise an insert coupled to and positioned between the upper edge portions of the first and second sheets, wherein the insert comprises a sealable fluid port.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/662,024, filed Apr. 24, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

This application is related to fluid bladders and reservoirs.

BACKGROUND

Sufficient hydration is important for replacing bodily fluids during extended periods of aerobic activity, such as cycling. Water bottles have certain deficiencies for hydrating. Accordingly, hydration systems that improve over water bottles are needed.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a fluid container can comprise a flexible front sheet and a flexible rear sheet. The front and rear sheets can each comprise an upper edge and lateral edges. The front and rear sheets can be joined at their lateral edges to form an internal region for storing fluid. An upwardly facing spout assembly can comprise an insert coupled to and positioned between the upper edge portion of the first and second sheets. The insert can have a first sealable fluid port.

In some embodiments, the insert can have an oval shape. In some embodiments, the insert can have an almond shape. In some embodiments, the fluid container can comprise a second fluid port disposed on a lower portion of the front sheet.

In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise at least one handle extending from the insert and positioned adjacent to the first fluid port. In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise a first handle and a second handle. The first handle can extend from the insert and be positioned on a first side of the first fluid port and the second handle can extend from the insert and be positioned on an opposite side of the first fluid port. In some embodiments, the fluid container can comprise a tether coupled to the first handle and a cap connected to the tether to seal the first fluid port.

In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise a second fluid port disposed on a lower portion of the front sheet and a flexible tube having a first end connected to the second fluid port. In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise an outlet valve connected to the second end of the tube. In some embodiments, the outlet valve can be a bite-valve that is operated by biting.

In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise a control valve coupled to the tube and disposed between the second fluid port and the outlet valve. The control valve can be configured to control the flow of fluid through the tube.

In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise a clasping member to releasably retain a portion of the tube. In some embodiments, the clasping member can be coupled to the tube and the second handle.

In some embodiments, the fluid container can comprise a welded inner perimeter extending around the second fluid port. In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise welds coupled to the front sheet and/or the rear sheet.

In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise a bottom handle coupled to a lower end of the bladder. In some embodiments, the fluid container can further comprise a rigid handle releasably coupled to an outer surface of the front sheet and to the spout assembly.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 show front views of an exemplary fluid bladder.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4-5 show front views of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7-8 show front views of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows an upper portion of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 shows an upper portion of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 shows a lower portion of the fluid bladder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 shows another exemplary fluid bladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures, which are filed herewith and form part of this application. Disclosed herein are embodiments of flexible fluid reservoirs that may include a front sheet and a rear sheet that may be fully or partially sealed around their mutual perimeters to form a bladder. The reservoirs may include at least a first fluid port in an upper portion of the reservoir and at least a second fluid port in the upper or a lower portion of the reservoir. The first fluid port may be relatively larger than the second port and can be used to fill the reservoir with fluid and/or solids (e.g., ice), dispense the contents from the reservoir, and/or to clean the reservoir by inserting objects into the reservoir. The second port can be used as an exit port, such as by coupling the exit port to a tube and/or outlet valve.

While the front and rear walls of a bladder-type reservoir are normally flexible to allow the bladder to expand and contract as the fluid volume changes, the reservoirs disclosed herein can include rigid structural portions in combination with flexible bladder wall portions to provide increased stiffness in desired portions of the reservoirs. Some disclosed reservoirs may include a rigid spout assembly that may be coupled to all or a portion of a top seam of the bladder and may include at least the first fluid port. The spout assemblies disclosed herein may also include a removable and resealable cap, such as a threaded screw-type cap, to open and close the first fluid port. Such rigid spout assemblies can provide a gripping portion to hold and manipulate the reservoir, can provide an enlarged surface area that connects to the top seam of the bladder to distribute forces applied between the bladder and the spout portion, can provide a desired size, shape and orientation of at least the first fluid port, can help counteract torque applied while twisting the cap, and/or can help shape and/or flatten the bladder.

Some embodiments of the disclosed reservoirs may include a generally oval-shaped spout assembly that may be coupled to a top seam of a bladder, for example by welding. The spout assembly may include an outer frame, which may be welded to the top seam or top bladder opening, and a sealable insert. The sealable insert may be insertable and removable from the outer frame and/or may include lockable cam leavers configured to seal the insert within the outer frame. The sealable insert may include one or both of a first fluid port and a second fluid port.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a generally oval-shaped spout assembly having an outer frame and an insert. The insert may be removably locked and/or sealed within the outer frame via a tightening collar disposed around a first fluid port. The tightening collar may include at least two wing members disposed on opposing sides of the tightening collar. The outer frame may include at least two engagement members, such as slots, disposed on opposing sides of the outer frame configured to retain the at least two wing members. A second fluid port may be removably disposed within the first fluid port. A drink tube disposed within the second fluid port may act as a tether for a cap of the first fluid port.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a spout assembly including an outer frame and an insert wherein the outer frame may be semi-flexible and/or tensionable. The outer frame may be anchored to a top bladder seam (e.g., via welding, bonding, and/or belt loops disposed along top seam of the bladder). The outer frame may be disposed within the belt loops and may be anchored to the top bladder seam via a cam lever. The cam lever may be tightened and/or loosened to secure or remove the insert. The insert may include at least a first fluid port.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a spout assembly including at least a first fluid port and/or one or more handle anchors welded within the bladder top seam.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments may include a spout assembly that may be welded to a center of a bladder sheet. The bladder sheet may then be folded and sealed along perimeter. The spout assembly may include one or more foldable wings that may also be sealed to the bladder and/or may fold with the bladder and serve as grasping features. A foldable wing may include a hang loop mount and/or a connecting feature for a long handle.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments can include a flexible bladder, a strut member and a spout assembly including a cap for sealing a first fluid port. The first fluid port may include an internally threaded spout. In some embodiments, the cap can include one or more grip features configured to assist with twisting the cap to seal the first fluid port or to remove the cap from the first fluid port. The cap can include a second fluid port disposed within it. The second fluid port can include an outlet valve, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The cap may include a base and the second fluid port can extend from the base such that the outlet valve opening extends towards or beyond a top portion of the bladder. In some embodiments, the cap and/or outlet valve can include an open position, in which fluid can flow from the bladder through the outlet valve, and an off position, in which fluid is blocked from flowing out of the outlet valve.

In some embodiments, the strut member can at least partially or completely be disposed around the cap and/or the first fluid port. In some embodiments, the strut member can be welded or bonded to the bladder. Alternatively, the strut member can be removably attached to the bladder. For example, the upper portion and the lower portion can be removably attached to the bladder via a snap fit mechanism.

In some embodiments, all or a portion of the strut member can include an angle of curvature that can approximate the curvature of the bladder when filled with fluid. Alternatively, the strut member can be substantially planar. The strut member can have a width that is greatest at the top portion and a width that is narrowest at the middle portion.

In some embodiments, the spout assembly and/or the strut member may be disposed on a first side of the bladder. In some embodiments, the strut member can be disposed on the first side, top seam and the second side of the bladder. Additionally and/or alternatively, the spout assembly can be disposed on the top seam of the bladder.

In some embodiments, the bladder can include a first sheet, a second sheet, a top seam and/or a bottom gusset. The top seam can be substantially straight. The bottom gusset can include a gusset piece attached by welding, bonding or other known attachment means to the first sheet and the second sheet. The gusset piece can include a rectangular, triangle, rhombus and/or other gusset shape. In some embodiments, the reservoir can include a top gusset and/or a bottom gusset. The gusset can include a gusset piece having central fold such that excess material of the gusset piece folds inwards towards the center of the bladder. In some embodiments, the bladder can include a bottom opening and/or a top opening that can be removably sealed via a clip or a slider or other removably sealing means.

In some embodiments, the bladder can include a first sheet and a second sheet. The second sheet can include a substantially planar configuration. The first sheet can be larger than the second sheet. For example, the first sheet can include a three dimensional shape such that the spout assembly and/or strut member are elevated above the second sheet. The first sheet can be molded to include the three dimensional shape and/or the first sheet can be attached to the strut member, wherein the strut member is molded into a non-planar shape. The bladder can include a first depth at a top portion and a second depth at a bottom portion. The first depth can be greater than the second depth.

FIGS. 1-13 illustrate an exemplary reservoir 130 that includes a flexible bladder 132 and a spout assembly 134 including an insert 136. The bladder 132 can have a flexible front sheet 131 and a flexible rear sheet 133. The front and rear sheets 131, 133 can be joined at their lateral edges to form an internal region for storing fluid. The spout assembly 134 can be upwardly facing and can be coupled to the upper edge portions of the front and rear sheets 131, 133.

The insert 136 may have a generally oval or almond shape and a rigid wall 138 or surface surrounding the perimeter of the insert 136. The insert 136 may be coupled to a top seam of the bladder 132 via welding, adhesive or any other sealing means along the wall 138. The insert 136 may include a first fluid port 140 that may be centrally located in the insert 136. Two or more handles 142 may be disposed on either side of the first fluid port 140. The handles 142 may be configured for gripping by user hands and/or as an anchoring point for a tether 144 attached to a cap 146 for the first fluid port 140.

A second fluid port 148 may be disposed on a lower portion of the bladder 132 and may be coupled to a tube 150 and an outlet valve 152, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve. The reservoir 130 may further include a control valve 154 for controlling flow of fluid in the tube 150, disposed between the second fluid port 148 and the outlet valve 152. The second fluid port 148 may be disposed with an opening facing upwards. The insert 136 may further include a clasping member 156 configured to retain or releasably retain a portion of the tube 150 adjacent the control valve 154.

The bladder 132 can also include a welded inner perimeter 158 extending around the second fluid port 148 and/or welds 160 coupling the front and rear walls at locations in the bladder 132 that are spaced from the first and second fluid ports 140, 148 and the outer perimeter of the bladder 132. The welds 160 can act as baffles and can help maintain a flatter shape of the bladder 132 when filled. A bottom bladder seam may include a bottom handle 162.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary reservoir 170 that includes a flexible bladder 172 and a spout assembly including a base member 176. The base member 176 may include one or more wing members.

The bladder 172 can comprise a single sheet of flexible material that is folded to form a fold at the top end of the bladder. The front wall and rear wall of the bladder 172 extend downward from the fold at the top end of the bladder. The side edges and lower edges of the two walls can be welded together to form a sealed perimeter. This construction of the bladder 172 can allow the spout assembly to be secured to the single bladder sheet before the sheet is folded. For example, with the bladder sheet lying flat, the base member 176, a connecting member for a handle and a second fluid port can be secured to a common side of the sheet, and then the sheet can be folded at the upper edge to place the base member 176 at the upper edge and the connecting member for a handle and the second fluid port on opposing sides on the bottom portion of the bladder 172. The second fluid port may be disposed on a lower portion of the bladder 172 and may be coupled to a tube and an outlet valve, such as a bite-valve that can be operated by biting on the valve.

In other embodiments, a single bladder sheet can be folded about the bottom end of the bladder 172 or about one of the lateral edges of the bladder 172. Alternatively, the bladder 172 can be formed from two separate sheets welded together around their entire perimeter. The bladder 172 can also include a welded inner perimeter extending around the second fluid port and/or welds coupling the front and rear walls at locations in the bladder 172 that are spaced from the first and second fluid ports and the outer perimeter of the bladder 172. The welds can act as baffles and can help maintain a flatter shape of the bladder 172 when filled. The reservoir 170 can include a handle 186.

The handle 186 can provide a gripping location to hold and manipulate the reservoir 170. For example, a user can hold the handle 186 with one hand to provide counter-torque while turning a cap with the other hand to open or close the first fluid port. A user can also hold the handle 186 to fill or clean the reservoir 170, or use the handle 186 to hang the reservoir 170.

In some embodiments, the handle 186 is detachable and re-attachable. In some embodiments, the reservoir 130 can have a handle similar to handle 186.

Any flexible and waterproof material can be used for the bladder, such as various polymeric materials. The rigid components (e.g., spout portion, back plate, optionally the connector, strut member) can comprise any sufficiently rigid material, such as polymers, metals, etc. The disclosed reservoirs can have any dimensions and fluid capacities. The relative dimensions provided as examples herein are not limiting. Any of the disclosed reservoirs can be part of a system that also includes various other components, such as drink tubes, dispensing valves, back packs to hold the reservoirs, cleaning instruments, etc. The components of the disclosed reservoirs can be secured together in any suitable manner, such by using adhesives, by welding, by using mechanical fasteners, etc.

For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatuses, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

Integers, characteristics, materials, and other features described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the disclosed technology are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods.

As used herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “at least one” encompass one or more of the specified element. That is, if two of a particular element are present, one of these elements is also present and thus “an” element is present. The terms “a plurality of” and “plural” mean two or more of the specified element. As used herein, the term “and/or” used between the last two of a list of elements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means “A”, “B,”, “C”, “A and B”, “A and C”, “B and C”, or “A, B, and C.” As used herein, the term “coupled” generally means physically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items absent specific contrary language.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A fluid container comprising:

a flexible front sheet having an upper edge and lateral edges, and a flexible rear sheet having an upper edge and lateral edges, wherein the front sheet and the rear sheet are joined at their lateral edges such that they form an internal region for storing fluid; and

an upwardly facing spout assembly comprising an insert coupled to and positioned between the upper edge portion of the first sheet and the upper edge portion of the second sheet, wherein the insert comprises a first sealable fluid port.

2. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises an oval shape.

3. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises an almond shape.

4. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising a second fluid port disposed on a lower portion of the front sheet.

5. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle extending from the insert and positioned adjacent to the first fluid port.

6. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising a first handle extending from the insert and positioned on a first side of the first fluid port and a second handle extending from the insert and positioned on a second side of the first fluid port, opposite the first side.

7. The fluid container of claim 6, further comprising a tether coupled to the first handle, and a cap connected to the tether and configured to seal the first fluid port.

8. The fluid container of claim 6, further comprising a second fluid port disposed on a lower portion of the front sheet and a flexible tube having a first end connected to the second fluid port.

9. The fluid container of claim 8, further comprising an outlet valve connected to the second end of the tube.

10. The fluid container of claim 9, wherein the outlet valve is a bite-valve, configured to be operated by biting on the bite-valve.

11. The fluid container of claim 10, further comprising a control valve coupled to the tube and disposed between the second fluid port and the outlet valve, wherein the control valve is configured to control the flow of fluid through the tube.

12. The fluid container of claim 11, further comprising a clasping member configured to releasably retain a portion of the tube.

13. The fluid container of claim 12, wherein the clasping member is configured to be coupled to the tube and the second handle.

14. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising a welded inner perimeter extending around the second fluid port.

15. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising welds coupled to the front sheet and/or the rear sheet.

16. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising a bottom handle coupled to a lower end of the bladder.

17. The fluid container of claim 1, further comprising a rigid handle releasably coupled to an outer surface of the front sheet and to the spout assembly.