Washable, Hands-Free Hydration Glove for Unencumbered Motion

Abstract

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]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[0002]Not ApplicableTHE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(1) Field of Invention[0004]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 ra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]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.

Problems solved by technology

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).

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.

Second, this prior art also encumbers the user's normal range of motion by limiting and / or altering their normal physical mechanics.

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.

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”.

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.

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