Washable, Hands-Free Hydration Glove for Unencumbered Motion

A hydration device wherein a customized bladder is secured in a fixed position within a customized glove covering the topside surface area of a hand and the full 360-degree surface area of a forearm. A chamber stitched into an internal surface of the glove and a reclosable fastener secure the bladder's fixed position. The bladder is constructed with additional material on its sides, so that it conforms to the shape of and distributes the weight of its contents 360 degrees along the contours of the appendages. Two holes stitched into the outer portion of the glove expose the bladder's reclosable aperture for filling and a spout for extracting the bladder's contents. The bladder's contoured, 360-degree design impels the hydration device to lay fitted along the appendages with the spout purposefully positioned in a mouth's path during a normal arm swing, thereby promoting the user to maintain unaltered motion while drinking.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent Application No. 62/969,184, filed Feb. 3, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to hydration devices conforming to the contours of appendages. In particular, this invention configures embodiments into a hands-free hydration device in which a sleeve covering the hand and forearm, referenced as a “glove”, fixes a specially constructed hydration bladder securely along and around the hand and forearm, so that the bladder and its contents conform to the shape of the user's appendages, thereby distributing the weight of the bladder's contents and placing the means of hydration within the user's normal, unaltered range of motion.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Physical activity, whether it is walking, running, camping, or playing sports, requires consistent hydration to maintain good health. However, carrying a container by hand or wearing a hydration device around the waist and/or back, which is capable of holding sufficient liquid for the duration of an activity, can strain the muscles in the arm(s), back and core (midsection of the body). Remaining hydrated without straining these muscles is increasingly important, as population aging and rising life expectancy in nations with advance economies creates larger numbers of seniors that regularly participate in outdoor activities. Moreover, the introduction of synthetic fabrics, such as high elastic nylon, into sports accessories indicates a desire for increasing comfort and convenience as well as effectiveness during indoor and outdoor activities.

Previous hands-free hydration devices failed to address the comfort, convenience and effectiveness issues apparent in hand-held and waist as well as back-worn hydration devices. First, the prior art of hands-free hydration devices secure the source of liquid or contain the liquid itself using non-fabric, and in some instances metallic, embodiments, such as buckles, straps and reservoirs. These non-fabric and/or metallic embodiments are uncomfortable, heavy, and/or unwieldy. Moreover, previous hands-free hydration devices fix the liquid and/or the embodiment in which it is contained to a small area at the topside or underside of one appendage (i.e. an arm or hand), which loads the appendage down by concentrating the weight of the liquid and its respective embodiment in a small section of the appendage's total surface area. Taken together, managing the heavy weight of non-fabric embodiments as well as the concentration of the liquid's weight can strain the arm(s), back and core of the user.

Second, this prior art also encumbers the user's normal range of motion by limiting and/or altering their normal physical mechanics. Oftentimes, the embodiments of previous hands-free hydration devices protrude out of their respective apparatus and greatly expand the volume of the appendage(s), particularly sections of the arm. The increased volume and weight destabilizes the arm and disrupts its normal back and forth “swing”, resulting in the arm scraping or striking the body. To stabilize the “swing”, the user is then forced to consistently over engage the muscles of the arm, back and core, possibly leading to injury over time. Moreover, the increased volume and weight make accessing the liquid uncomfortable and dangerous during activities, because the user must alter their full body motion, orientation and direction of their arm, and line of sight to drink from the device.

Third, the prior art inconveniences users and creates health risks. The embodiments of some previous hands-free hydration devices require significant assembly for each use, and oftentimes the embodiments that touch the user's skin, particularly embodiments used to secure the liquid or its container, are not machine or hand washable. The inability to machine wash embodiments that touch the skin forces users of this prior art to continuously wear devices on which bacteria has developed from the sweat they secreted during physical activity. To access and properly clean such embodiments, the user must spend significant time disassembling portions of some previous hands-free hydration devices. Moreover, the user is forced to consistently waste time assembling and securing certain embodiments of some prior art, such as straps, buckles and tubes, each time some of these previous hands-free hydration devices are used.

Fourth, the prior art that uses machine or hand washable embodiments, particularly fabric sleeves, to secure an embodiment containing liquid, particularly a bladder, locate the spout or mouthpiece inconveniently between the wrist and upper arm, perpendicular to the body during the arm “swing”. Locating the spout or mouthpiece between the wrist and upper arm, perpendicular to the body, forces the user to alter their full body motion, orientation and direction of their arm, and line of sight when drinking from the device. The altered motion disrupts the user's normal stride and forces them to hold up the full weight of the arm as well as the device for prolonged periods of time, while they drink. By holding the full weight of the arm and device in a twisted position while trying to maintain balance during physical activity, the user risks injury or straining the muscles of the arm(s), back and core.

Therefore, a need exists to create a hands-free hydration device that allows the user to maintain their normal range of motion during physical activity, while also preventing the risk of increasing the strain on the arm, back and core muscles or other health issues. A further need exists for a hands-free hydration device whose embodiments and configuration allow the user to consistently wear the device without being burdened with time consuming preparation and/or cleaning regimens.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention prevents the health risks and inconveniences of previous hands-free hydration devices by creating a novel configuration of specially constructed embodiments that utilizes the entire surface area of appendages, particularly the full 360-degree surface area of the hand and forearm. To maximize the comfort, convenience and effectiveness of hydration during physical activity, the present invention constructs a hands-free hydration device by combining only three main embodiments: 1. A specially constructed hydration bladder with flexible side flaps, i.e. “wings”, which wrap around sections of the arm; 2. A specifically fitted, placed and angled spout with a lock system valve, such as a bite valve; and 3. A specially constructed glove of continuous fabric that extends from the base of the fingers, i.e. the near the knuckles, to the forearm. Take note that two additional embodiments are crafted into the glove, specifically a reclosable fastener to secure the opening through which the bladder is inserted and removed as well as elastic bands around the base of each finger and the section of the forearm where the glove ends. Also, the bladder includes an embodiment for sealing its filling and refilling aperture, i.e. a cap, which is located near the bottom center of its topside external surface.

All of the embodiments function together as a unified and streamlined system that provides hands-free hydration. The spout is molded onto the top left corner of the hydration bladder, and the bladder is inserted and fits securely into a space, or “chamber”, stitched within the fabric glove that mimics the bladder's precise shape.

On the glove, two different sized circular holes are stitched in the fabric, so that the spout, near the knuckle of the index finger, as well as the bladder's reclosable aperture, near the bottom of the forearm, are exposed and accessible to the user while the bladder is secured in the chamber. Since the reclosable aperture is exposed through a hole stitched in the glove, the bladder can remain secured inside the glove, while the user refills the embodiment with liquid. Moreover, the spout is specially angled on the bladder to rest in the path of the user's mouth during a normal arm swing, while exposed through its respective hole stitched in the glove. As a result, the user can drink the bladder's contents without altering their normal full body motion, orientation and direction of their arm, or line of sight during physical activity.

The embodiments also have specific benefits, individually, that function together when combined. The glove is constructed to firmly secure the bladder, prevent the buildup of bacteria on the present invention and facilitate consistent use. The glove is made using blended synthetic thread, such as high elastic nylon, that covers the 360-degree surface area of the hand and arm, from near the knuckles to the forearm, and helps support the hand and wrist. Also, elastic bands are sewn into the fabric around the base of each finger and the section of the forearm where the glove ends, which constricts the glove closer to the skin so that it does slip or shift when worn. At the same time, the flexibility of the elastic bands allows the hand and wrist to maintain their normal range of motion.

A space, or “chamber”, is stitched within the glove that mimics the bladder's shape, and a slit extending the full width of the wrist's topside surface is sewn at the bottom of the chamber, directly above the elastic band at the end of the glove. A reclosable fastener, such as hook and loop or dual lock, is sewn inside the slit, so that the bladder is easily and quickly inserted and removed from the glove. When the fastener is closed, the bladder sits on top of it, thus locking the bladder into a fixed position within the chamber on all sides. Used together, the novel construction of the fabric, chamber, elastic bands and fastener restrains the bladder and its related embodiments from moving inside, so the user can maintain their normal arm swing during physical activity and normal full body motion when hydrating. Maintaining a normal arm swing and body motion helps the user avoid straining the muscles of the arm(s), core and back.

The fastener and the novel construction of the glove's fabric also help prevent the spread of bacteria accumulated during physical activity. Since the glove is made using blended synthetic thread, such as high elastic nylon, it helps absorb sweat from the skin and is machine and hand washable. Unsealing the reclosable fastener, the user can remove the bladder and wash the glove in the washing machine or by hand, then use the glove again. By washing the glove, the bacteria developed as a result of sweating during physical activity does not accumulate on the glove, and thus, prevents bacteria from being redeposited onto or accumulating on the user's skin during subsequent uses of the glove.

The glove's washability is one of a few features that make the glove ideal for consistent use, compared to the prior art. In addition to facilitating the glove's washing, the ease of unsealing the reclosable fastener to remove the bladder allows the user to clean the bladder more quickly and effectively than the prior art. Moreover, the bladder can be reinserted into the glove and the fastener can be sealed easily, so the user does not need to spend significant time on preparation before physical activity.

The bladder can also be filled with liquid while fixed inside the glove, making it convenient to use. The user can fill the bladder hours or days earlier and quickly slide the present invention onto their appendages before physical activity, or they can quickly refill the bladder while still wearing the present invention and thus prevent their physical activity from being significantly delayed or disrupted.

Lastly, the present invention is easily stored or transported. Because of the relatively flexible nature of the material from which the glove, bladder and other related embodiments are made, respectively, the present invention can be reshaped, rolled up or folded to fit inside any large or small space, such as a large chamber, e.g. a pocket, bag or case, or a drawer.

The bladder is constructed to sit comfortably on the hand and maximize the amount of liquid contained inside, while minimizing the weight placed on one section of the hand, wrist or forearm. The bladder's form is shaped to mimic the contours of the hand and arm, from near the knuckles to the forearm. However, the dimensions of the bladder's shape are slightly narrower, so that the bladder sits comfortably along the appendages and does not inhibit the user's normal range of motion while fixed inside the chamber stitched within the glove.

On the left and right sides of the bladder, extending from the middle to the bottom of the embodiment, is additional material in the shape of flaps, i.e. “wings”. The wings are not separate parts affixed to the bladder. The wings are extensions of the bladder's single continuous form and material, and they allow the bladder to store liquid around the full 360-degree surface area of a portion of the forearm. Since the wings store liquid around the 360-degree surface area of a portion of the forearm, the bladder can contain a larger supply of liquid and distribute the weight of the bladder and its contents along a large surface area instead of concentrating this weight in one section of the appendage's topside or underside surface area.

Moreover, using the wings to distribute the bladder's contents around the full 360-degree surface area of the forearm ensures that the bladder, while fixed in the glove, does not protrude or noticeably increase the volume of the appendage(s). As a result, the present invention is unlikely to scrape or strike against other parts of the user's body during a normal arm swing.

By mimicking the contours of the hand and forearm and distributing the weight of a maximized amount of liquid contained within the bladder, the bladder does not add to the risk of straining the muscles of the arm(s), core and back, while the user hydrates during physical activity.

The spout functions in conjunction with the bladder to ensure that the user maintains normal body mechanics. The spout is molded directly onto the bladder, and it is configured to sit at a novel angle in the bladder's top left corner. When the bladder is inserted and secured into the chamber of the glove through the fastener, the spout pokes through the circular hole of the glove, near the knuckle of the index finger, and sits in a fixed position that is in the path of the user's mouth during a normal arm swing. Because of the novel angle at which the spout is fixed outside of the glove, the user can bring the spout to their mouth without altering or encumbering their normal full body motion, the orientation and direction of their arm, or their line of sight while hydrating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures of the following drawings exemplify the novel construction and configuration of the embodiments of the present invention, and they are intended, through illustration, to describe and increase understanding of some of the novel functions, benefits and uses thereof. The functions, benefits and uses, however, are not limited to those demonstrated in the figures exemplifying the construction and configuration of the aforementioned embodiments. Also, the figures do not show definitive material aspects of the embodiments, or the precise scale thereof. Please take note that the same reference number used in more than one figure generally indicates a similar embodiment, while the perspective, scale or any other visual aspect of the figure may have changed somewhat.

FIG. 1 is a topside perspective of a hydration device that is constructed and configured according to the principles of various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an underside, right-angled perspective view of a hydration device that is constructed and configured according to the principles of various embodiments of the present invention, in which a silhouette illustrated in dashed lines represents a bladder embodiment contained within a chamber sewn into the internal surface of a fabric glove embodiment, i.e. between the topside internal surface of the glove and the fabric sitting on the skin. In particular, the dashed lines designate where the wings of the bladder embodiment meet the borderlines of the chamber. Take note that the dashed lines are for illustration only and cannot be seen on the external surface of the actual fabric glove, which is why the dashed lines are referred to as a “silhouette” of the bladder.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the present invention in use, from the topside perspective, while worn on, but not limited to, the appendages on the right side of the body.

FIG. 4 is a topside diagrammatic view of the bladder embodiment when outside of the glove embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an underside diagrammatic view of the bladder embodiment when outside of the glove embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a right-angled, side view of the bladder embodiment when outside of the glove.

FIG. 7 is a right-angled, topside close-up, i.e. zoomed in, view of a reclosable bladder aperture and attached cap embodiment of the bladder embodiment when inside or outside the glove. In this view, the attached cap of the reclosable aperture is an open position.

FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional, underside diagrammatic view of the glove embodiment in which the reclosable fastener is shown to extend somewhat to each side of the appendage, i.e. somewhat beyond the topside width of the appendage when in three-dimensions, as if being worn, opposed to lying flat in two-dimensions.

FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional, topside diagrammatic view of the glove embodiment that clearly illustrates, among other things, the two different sized circular holes stitched in the top left and bottom center of the fabric of the glove embodiment through which the spout and cap of the bladder embodiment, respectively, are exposed when the bladder embodiment sits secured in the chamber of the glove embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a topside, functional diagrammatic view that shows, side-by-side, the bladder embodiment when outside of the glove embodiment and the glove embodiment with the reclosable fastener opened, indicating illustratively that the bladder embodiment is inserted into the chamber of the glove embodiment through the fastener.

FIG. 11 is a topside perspective of a hydration device that is constructed and configured according to the principles of various embodiments of the present invention, in which a silhouette illustrated in dashed lines represents the bladder embodiment contained within the chamber sewn into the internal surface of the glove, i.e. between the topside internal surface of the glove and the fabric sitting on the skin. In particular, the dashed lines designate where the wings of the bladder embodiment meet the borderlines of the chamber. Take note that the dashed lines are for illustration only and cannot be seen on the external surface of the actual fabric glove, which is why the dashed lines are referred to as a “silhouette” of the bladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Below, the drawings of FIGS. 1-11 and particularly FIGS. 1-3 and 11, being represented by the reference number 10 when embodiments of the present invention are referenced and/or described collectively, are referenced to describe and illustrate in detail a hydration device that is configured and constructed in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. Take note that the present invention and its embodiments, including their functions, benefits and uses, are not limited by the terms, types and applications mentioned in the detailed description below.

FIG. 1 is a topside perspective view of a hydration device 10 that is constructed and configured according to the principles of various embodiments of the present invention. A fabric glove 8 with an internal and external surface and made using a synthetic blend of flexible, durable, sturdy, proportionally absorbent thread, such as high elastic nylon, securely covers the hand and forearm, while also helping support the hand and wrist and absorbing sweat. Sewn into the fabric glove 8 are elastic bands around the base of each finger 4, i.e. near the knuckles, and an elastic band at the section of the forearm where the glove ends when worn 7, which further secure the fabric glove 8 and prevent movement of the present invention along the appendages during rest and physical movement.

In further reference to FIG. 1, the glove 8 also includes an outer portion with two different circular holes stitched into the top left 12 and bottom center 11 of the fabric. Exposed out of the top left circular hole 12 is a spout with a lock system valve 1 that is molded onto an outer portion of a bladder embodiment, wherein the bladder embodiment and its respective embodiments are shown clearly in FIGS. 4-7. The spout 1 potentially has a cap 3 to cover it. Exposed out of the bottom center hole 11 is a reclosable aperture 5 of an outer portion of a bladder embodiment, wherein the bladder embodiment and its respective embodiments are shown clearly in FIGS. 4-7.

In further reference to FIG. 1, the glove 8 also includes an outer portion with a reclosable fastener 6, such as hook and loop or dual lock, that is sewn inside a slit in the fabric and extends the full width of the wrist's topside surface.

FIG. 2 is an underside, right-angled perspective view of a hydration device 10 that is constructed and configured according to the principles of various embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a silhouette drawn in dashed lines represents the wings of the bladder 9A and 9B when secured in a fixed position inside the fabric glove 8. The wings 9A and 9B are extensions of a single continuous form and material composing the bladder 9, which sits along portions of the topside and underside of the forearm and the topside of the hand while secured inside the fabric glove 8. As demonstrated by the silhouette, the wings 9A and 9B do not extend the full width of the appendage, i.e. until the wings 9A and 9B would meet in the middle of the appendage, so that the bladder 9 is relatively more easily and quickly inserted into and removed from the inside of the fabric glove 8.

In further reference to FIG. 2, the reclosable fastener 6, shown more clearly in FIG. 1 as 6, extends somewhat around the left and right sides of the appendage 6A and 6B, but at a proportionally smaller length than the bladder wings 9A and 9B, when the hydration device 10 is worn. The reclosable fastener 6 extends somewhat around the left and right sides of the appendage 6A and 6B at a proportional length to help secure the bladder 9 in a fixed position within the fabric glove 8 and facilitate the bladder's insertion and removal. The elastic bands around the base of each finger 4, i.e. near the knuckles, and the elastic band in the section of the forearm where the glove ends when worn 7 wrap around the full 360 degrees of the respective appendages' surface area to further secure the fabric glove 8 and prevent movement of the present invention along the appendages during rest and physical movement, including while the bladder 9 is secured in a fixed position within the fabric glove 8.

In FIG. 2, the spout 1 that is molded onto an outer portion of the bladder 9 sits exposed externally out of the circular hole stitched into the top left 12 of the fabric glove 8. The spout 1 sits at an angle that is advantageous for the user to contact the mouth with the spout 1 and access the contents of the bladder 9 while executing a normal arm swing.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the present invention in use, from the topside perspective, while worn on, but not limited to, the appendages on the right side of the body. The spout 1 is in eminent contact with the mouth of the user 15 while exposed externally out of the circular hole stitched into the top left 12 of the fabric glove 8, because the spout 1 sits at an angle that places the embodiment in the path of the user's mouth 15 during a normal arm swing. The elastic bands 4 and 7 and the blended synthetic thread, such as high elastic nylon, out of which the fabric glove 8 is likely made securely fixes the fabric glove 8 to the appendages and provides additional support to the wrist. The fabric glove 8 thus helps prevent movement of the hydration device 10, resulting in the spout 1 being oriented continuously in a position that is advantageous for contacting the user's mouth 15 during a normal arm swing. In addition, the position of the spout 1 being in the path of the mouth 15 during a normal arm swing helps the user maintain their normal full body motion, orientation and direction of their arm, and line of sight during physical activity.

FIG. 4 is a topside diagrammatic view of the bladder 9 when outside of the fabric glove 8. FIG. 5 is an underside diagrammatic view of the bladder 9 when outside of the fabric glove 8. FIGS. 4 and 5 show that the bladder 9 is a single continuous form and material that mimics the shape of appendages, particularly a portion of appendages extending from near the bottom of the knuckles until near the end of the forearm. The wings 9A and 9B are extensions of the bladder 9 on the right and left sides of a single continuous form and material that store within the bladder 9 additional liquid around the 360-degree surface area of the relevant appendage(s), particularly a section of the forearm. Since the wings 9A and 9B store liquid around the 360-degree surface area of a section of the forearm, the bladder 9 can contain a larger supply of liquid, and the weight and volume of the bladder 8 and its contents are distributed along a large surface area, thereby helping prevent the bladder 9 from loading the appendage(s) down or protruding while secured within the fabric glove 8.

In further reference to FIG. 5 in particular, the wings 9A and 9B move flexibly as extensions of a single continuous bladder 9 and curve to conform to the contours of the relevant appendage(s), particularly a section of the forearm. As a result of the wings 9A and 9B conforming to the contours of a section of the forearm, the bladder 9 lays relatively flat while secured in a fixed position within the fabric glove 8, as illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 1-3, so the present invention is hampered from scraping or striking other parts of the user's body during a normal arm swing.

In further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the bladder 9 includes an inner portion that can store liquid as well as an outer portion that has two apertures 12 and 5. The aperture in the top left 12 is the result of a spout 1 molded directly onto the bladder 9, thereby making the spout 1 and aperture in the top left 12 the same aperture that functions seamlessly to make the contents of the inner portion accessible to the user possibly through suction or by applying pressure to the spout 1. Located in the bottom center of the bladder is a reclosable aperture in a closed position 5 that is used for filling and refilling the bladder 9 with liquid.

FIG. 6 is a right-angled, side view of the bladder 9 when outside of the fabric glove 8. The reclosable aperture in a closed position 5 is composed of an aperture at the bottom center of the bladder 5B and a reclosable cap 5A. In further reference to FIG. 6, the wings 9A and 9B are shown more clearly to move flexibly as extensions of a single continuous bladder 9 and curve to conform to the contours the relevant appendage(s).

FIG. 7 is a right-angled, topside close-up, i.e. zoomed in, view of the reclosable aperture in an open position 17, when the bladder 9 is inside or outside the fabric glove 8. The inner portion of the bladder 18 is filled or refilled through the aperture at the bottom center 5B of the bladder 9, while the reclosable cap 5A is disengaged from the aperture at the bottom center 5B. The reclosable cap 5A is potentially attached to the base of the aperture at the bottom center 5B, thereby facilitating the aperture 5B to be quickly sealed with the reclosable cap 5A and preventing the reclosable cap 5A from being relatively easily misplaced by the user.

FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional, underside diagrammatic view of the fabric glove 8 showing that the reclosable fastener 6 extends somewhat around the left and right sides of the appendage 6A and 6B, i.e. somewhat beyond the topside width of the appendage when in three-dimensions, as if being worn, opposed to lying flat in two-dimensions.

FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional, topside diagrammatic view of the fabric glove 8 that clearly shows, among other things, two different circular holes stitched into the top left 12 and bottom center 11 of the glove's outer portion. The top left circular hole 12 and bottom center circular hole 11 are constructed and configured to expose and give the user access to particular embodiments of a bladder embodiment, wherein the bladder embodiment and its respective embodiments are shown clearly in FIGS. 1-3 and 11.

In further reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, sewn into the fabric glove 8 are elastic bands around the base of each finger 4, i.e. near the knuckles, and an elastic band at the section of the forearm where the glove ends when worn 7. The elastic bands 4 and 7 are more clearly shown to wrap around the full 360 degrees of the respective appendages' surface area, thereby further securing the fabric glove 8 and preventing movement of the present invention along the appendages during rest and physical movement.

FIG. 10 is a topside, functional diagrammatic view that shows, side-by-side, the bladder 9 when outside of the fabric glove 8 and the fabric glove 8 with the reclosable fastener 6 in the open position, demonstrating with an arrow 14 that the bladder 9 is inserted into or removed from the fabric glove 8 through the reclosable fastener 6. Sewn into the internal surfaces, i.e. top and bottom, of the slit containing the reclosable fastener 6 is the material used to seal the fastener's opening 13. The material used to seal the fastener's opening 13 is attached along the entire length of the internal surfaces, i.e. top and bottom, of the slit containing the reclosable fastener 6.

FIG. 11 is a topside perspective of a hydration device 10 that is constructed and configured according to the principles of various embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 11, a silhouette drawn in dashed lines represents the bladder 9, which includes the wings of the bladder 9A and 9B as extensions of its single continuous form, that sits along portions of the topside and underside of the forearm and the topside of the hand when secured inside the chamber 19 sewn into the fabric glove 8. The reclosable fastener 6 is located directly beneath the bottom border of the chamber 19A. When the reclosable fastener 6 is in the closed position, the reclosable fastener 6 merges with the bottom border of the chamber 19A, thereby helping secure and “lock” the bladder 9 within the chamber 19.

In further reference to FIG. 11, the chamber 19 and the bladder 9, including the wings of the bladder 9A and 9B as extensions of its single continuous form, are the same shape, and accordingly both embodiments 19 and 9 conform to and lay along the contours of the topside of the hand as well as the topside and underside of the forearm, when the fabric glove 8 is worn. The wings 9A and 9B wrap around the sides of the forearm, illustrating that the wings 9A and 9B continue from the topside surface area of the forearm to a portion of the underside surface area of the forearm.

In further reference to FIG. 11, the reclosable aperture in a closed position 5 is exposed out of the bottom center circular hole 11 stitched into the fabric glove 8, allowing the user to fill or refill the contents of the bladder 9 while the bladder 9 remains secured inside the chamber 19.

Claims

1. A wearable hydration device, comprising:

A. A fabric glove with an internal and external surface that conforms to the shape of the hand and arm;
B. An outer portion with two different circular holes stitched into the fabric glove's external surface to expose embodiments of a bladder externally, a reclosable fastener forming the bottom portion of an internal chamber, and elastic bands sewn into the fabric glove around the fingers and a section of the forearm;
C. An inner portion with a chamber sewn into the internal surface of the glove, in the shape of a bladder, wherein the bladder can sit in a fixed position secured by fabric and the reclosable fastener.

2. The glove of claim 1, wherein a chamber is sewn between the topside internal surface and other fabric of the glove that sits on the skin along the topside of the hand as well as the topside and underside of the forearm.

3. A specially constructed, refillable hydration bladder that can fit secured inside the chamber of claim 2, comprising:

A. A shape that mimics the contours of relevant appendages;
B. Additional material along the sides of its continuous form for holding greater contents;
C. An inner portion that holds contents;
D. An outer portion with a reclosable aperture for filling or emptying the bladder's contents, which is placed to permit exposure externally through the circular hole of the glove;
E. A reclosable cap for sealing the reclosable aperture and which is placed to permit exposure externally through a circular hole of the glove;
F. An outer portion with a spout for extracting the contents within the bladder's inner portion and which is placed to permit exposure externally through a circular hole of the glove.

4. The hydration bladder of claim 3, wherein the spout sits at an angle that positions the spout in the path of a user's mouth while executing a normal arm swing during physical activity.

Patent History
Publication number: 20210235794
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 1, 2021
Publication Date: Aug 5, 2021
Inventor: Matthew Graham (Henderson, NV)
Application Number: 17/163,716
Classifications
International Classification: A41D 19/00 (20060101);