Abstract: An ergonomic personal hydration system, in particular for use by an athlete, comprises a bladder 20 provided with partitioning means (140, 150, 160, 170) to limit the transverse movement of fluid within the hydration system in use.

Abstract: A belt for use by healthcare worker includes a strap to encompass a portion of the body of the worker to which a plurality of holders (or containers) is attached. The holders are preferably adapted to hold or containing various items that are often used by healthcare workers in the course of their routine. For example, at least one of the holders can be a pouch fabricated from a lightweight, durable and flexible material. Preferably, the entire belt is fabricated from a generally, lightweight, durable and flexible material. In addition to pouches, which can hold or contain items of various size, shape etc., one or more of the holders can be adapted to hold specific items. For example, at least one of the holder can be a bottle holder. A belt for use by a person requiring care, supervision or oversight (for example, a child or a patient of diminished capacity) includes a strap to encompass a portion of the body of the person.

Abstract: A closure for removably sealing a container and for attaching to external articles having an external hooking device. The closure includes a container cap configured to removably engage the container and having a strip engaging portion formed proximate an end of the cap. The closure includes an attachment member that has a resilient hooking strip extending from the lid to define a hooking aperture therebetween. The attachment member has a cap engaging portion formed adjacent an end thereof and releasably engaged to the strip engaging portion. The engaging portions are configured such that the cap engaging portion is releasable from engagement by applying disengaging force upon any portion of the hooking strip.

Abstract: A vinyl coated closed cell foam float assembly for beverages. The foam float assembly has a buoyant hollow closed cell foam cylindrical body having an open top end, a partially closed bottom end with a drain hole and an outside surface. A counter weight is included having a drain hole adhered on the partially closed bottom end. A buoyant closed cell foam collar is secured to the outside surface at a distance approximately ? from the top end. A towing fastener is attached to the cylindrical body below the collar. A vinyl coating encapsulates the body, counter weight, collar and towing fastener. A tow ring can be connected to the towing fastener with a flexible towing means connected to the tow ring enabling a user to tow the vinyl coated assembly.

Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a retractable pocket that is configured to support a beverage container on the exterior of the piece of baggage. The pocket is constructed of a mesh material and has an elastic strap along an upper edge that allows the pocket to expand to support various size containers, such as bottled water. When not in use, the pocket can be held collapsed against or inside the piece of baggage by a closure mechanism such as a zipper. This conceals the pocket to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piece of baggage and reduces the risk of snagging the mesh pocket as the piece of baggage is transported.

Abstract: A backpack containing a gravity flow water filtration system. The backpack incorporates a compartment at its top to hold a reservoir of untreated water, and a compartment at the bottom to hold a reservoir for filtered water. A tube and filter connect the two compartments, and a drinking tube and mouthpiece allow the user of the backpack to drink filtered water from the filtered water reservoir. In some embodiments, the bottom compartment is accessible from both ends, and can store other items as well.

Abstract: A liquid container is encased in an insulated jacket type pack, which has back-straps and a handle for ease of carrying, pockets for storage and zippered openings for access to the liquid container. The liquid container has recessed drink holders located near the bottom of the container with another recessed opening for sandwich type storage. The container has a spout at the top for drinking or pouring liquid from the container.

Abstract: A method for indicating the relative fluid level of a personal hydration bladder, and for alerting the user that the bladder has been depleted to a predetermined level or levels. A non-invasive sensor detects changes in the bladder geometry and transmits the information to a indicating unit worn by the user.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring system for a personal hydration pack using capacitive sensing pads located outside of the reservoir. Variation in the liquid level due to movement of the pack is used advantageously to increase the resolution of the measurement. An indicator shows both the liquid level and the time remaining before reservoir depletion.

Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a retractable pocket that is configured to support a beverage container on the exterior of the piece of baggage. The pocket is constructed of a mesh material and has an elastic strap along an upper edge that allows the pocket to expand to support various size containers, such as bottled water. When not in use, the pocket can be held collapsed against or inside the piece of baggage by a closure mechanism such as a zipper. This conceals the pocket to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piece of baggage and reduces the risk of snagging the mesh pocket as the piece of baggage is transported.

Abstract: A sports top is adapted for releasably holding a fluid container. The sports top includes a body fabric for being worn on an upper torso of a wearer. The body fabric has a front and back joined together and defining a pair of armholes and a neckhole. A pocket panel is formed with the back of the body fabric, and cooperates with the body fabric to form a pocket. The pocket has an open mouth, closed sides, and a bottom. A shape-retaining insert opens the mouth of the pocket such that the fluid container is readily inserted by the wearer into the pocket of the sports top during wear.

Abstract: A combination backpack and cooler for transporting consumables on the back of a user. The combination backpack and cooler includes a main body portion having a front panel, a back panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel and a bottom panel. One of the side panels has an aperture extending therethrough. Each of a pair of straps has a first end coupled the top and a second end coupled the bottom. A container is located in the main body. The container has a spout fluidly coupled thereto and positioned for extending through the aperture in the main body. A cover member is adapted for frictionally engaging an edge of an opening of the spout for closing the spout.

Abstract: An adjustable carrying pouch adapted to carry devices of varying sizes. A substantially rectangular pliable horizontal segment is integral with a vertical pliable segment. The horizontal segment includes a pair of retention flaps having a central segment disposed therebetween. The vertical segment depends from the central segment. Hook fastening members are secured to the inside surface of the horizontal segment at each retention flap. The hook fastening members are secured to the inside surface of the vertical segment in opposition to the central segment. Loop fastening members are secured to the outside surface of the horizontal segment at each retention flap in opposition to the hook fastening members. A belt loop or clip is mounted along the central segment on the outside surface of the horizontal segment. The hook and loop fastening members may be adjustably coupled to adapt to the size of the device to be carried.

Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a retractable pocket that is configured to support a beverage container on the exterior of the piece of baggage. The pocket is constructed of a mesh material and has an elastic strap along an upper edge that allows the pocket to expand to support various size containers, such as bottled water. When not in use, the pocket can be held collapsed against or inside the piece of baggage by a closure mechanism such as a zipper. This conceals the pocket to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piece of baggage and reduces the risk of snagging the mesh pocket as the piece of baggage is transported.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser securable about a user's limb for storing and dispensing a liquid and a method for dispensing the liquid. The dispenser comprises a sized flexible strap adapted to engage an outer surface of the limb. A flexible pouch is joined with the strap and includes a liquid impervious liner. A chamber is housed within the pouch where the liquid impervious liner surrounds the chamber and liquid can be stored within the chamber. A dispensing nipple extends through the pouch and is in fluid flow communication with the chamber. The nipple is operable between a closed position whereby the liquid is sealed within the chamber and an open position whereby the liquid can be communicated to or from the chamber. The dispenser includes an elongation characteristic wherein the dispenser can stretch more in a first direction than a different second direction as defined over a given area of the dispenser.

Abstract: Cups of a bra include integrated flexible bladders formed of a medical grade material having sufficient fluid integrity to hold a comestible liquid. The bladders may include a fabric sleeve. Each bladder is provided with an inlet, for purposes of filling, and an outlet for purposes of consumption. Alternatively, bladders having an appropriate geometry are filled by a manufacturer of the comestible liquid such that only an outlet is necessary. In all forms, the outlet communicates with a flexible narrow straw having a cross section which is preferably flat and elliptical.