Hydration pack

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-01-05
MARMOT MOUNTAIN
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] A backpack adapted for carrying and dispensing a fluid (or hydration pack) is described herein that is particularly suited to use while engaged in a relatively vigorous activity. The hydration pack is adapted to hold the contained fluid securely and close to the user's back to prevent the generation of undesirable stressors on the user. The backpack includes a bladder assembly including a bladder and an elongate tube with a valve. The bladder assembly is removably insertable into a backpack having a front panel, back panel, and first and second side panels defining a volume for receiving the bladder. Left and right shoulder straps are attached to the front panel of the backpack and a split belt adapted to be fastened about the user's waist is provided. The split belt includes a first strap attached to the front panel of the backpack and a second strap that extends over the back panel of the backpack to hold the backpack and bladder close to the user.

Problems solved by technology

For example, the quantity of fluid that can be conveniently carried is limited.
It may also be inconvenient or impossible to use such containers without stopping the user's primary activity, such as biking.
Also, such hand-carried containers may be dropped and damaged or set down and inadvertently left behind.
While conventional hydration pack systems overcome many of the disadvantages of hand-carried water containers, they can be difficult to carry and / or interfere with the user's performance and enjoyment of the sport.
However, stabilizing the apparatus may be particularly difficult for hydration packs because the water is contained in a pliable bladder, typically disposed in a flexible carrier, and the momentum of the water generated during activities tends to cause the apparatus to shift about.
Even when stationary, the weight of the water tends to cause the bladder to sag outwardly, away from the user.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0021] A currently preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, wherein like numbers indicate like parts.

[0022]FIG. 1 shows a three-quarter front perspective view of an embodiment of a hydration pack 100 in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a three-quarter rear perspective view of the hydration pack 100. A front view of the hydration pack 100, laid out generally flat to more clearly show various aspects of the hydration pack 100, is shown in FIG. 3. The hydration pack 100 includes a front panel 102 that is generally adapted to be disposed adjacent the user's back (not shown) during use, and a back panel 112 that is attached to, and generally overlies, the front panel 102. The front panel 102 and back panel 112, partially defining a volume, are open at the top for receiving a bladder assembly 150 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2). The front panel 102 is preferably made, at least in part, from a relative...

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Abstract

A hydration pack is disclosed including a backpack (100), a bladder assembly (150), and a split belt assembly (130). The backpack includes a front panel (102) and a back panel (112) that are interconnected with baffle panels (140) to define a volume for receiving the bladder (151) of the bladder assembly. The split belt includes a lower belt portion (132L, 132R) and an upper belt portion (134L, 134R). The upper belt portion extends behind the backpack, over the bladder, thus compressing the fluid bladder and prevents it from shifting. In the disclosed embodiment, the split belt includes an elastic portion (138) that is retained in a keeper (139) disposed on the back panel. The back panel includes elongate straps (114L, 114R) that are slidably retained along the shoulder straps. A cover (120) is attached to the front panel and is attachable to the back panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of backpacks and, in particular, to hydration packs suitable for use while engaged in a vigorous activity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is important for athletes to replenish lost fluids and / or nutrients when engaging in strenuous activities over an extended period of time. Athletes engaging in outdoor activities often carry water or other beverages in handheld containers such as canteens or water bottles. The containers may be carried by the user in a conventional backpack, fanny pack, belt attachment, or the like. Such handheld containers have certain disadvantages. For example, the quantity of fluid that can be conveniently carried is limited. It may also be inconvenient or impossible to use such containers without stopping the user's primary activity, such as biking. For example, the user may have to remove a backpack or other carrier to access the container. Also, such hand-carried containers may ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A45F5/00A45F3/16
CPCA45F3/04A45F2003/166A45F5/00A45F3/16
InventorWEST, ZACHARY DANIEL
OwnerMARMOT MOUNTAIN