Water bag

Abstract

A water bag, in particular a water backpack, for carrying water, the water bag comprising: a flexible body (10) defining a maximum interior volume; a bottom to provide sufficient support to the backpack for the backpack to be self- standing; a lower opening being disposed in a side of the flexible body (10), the lower opening being located at or close to the bottom; and a liner (13) comprising: a polymer envelope being larger than the maximum interior volume; a valve configured to protrude through the lower opening; and a, in particular self-closing, tab (15) configured to control a degree of opening of the valve.

Description

[0001] Water bag

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a water bag, in particular water backpack for carrying water.

[0004] WO 2013 / 063402 Al discloses a backpack for carrying water. The backpack includes a flexible body, a bottom, a lower opening, and a liner. The flexible body defines the maximum interior volume. The bottom is configured to provide sufficient support to the backpack to be self-standing. The lower opening is disposed in a backside of the flexible body. The lower opening is located proximal to the bottom. The liner includes a translucent polymer envelope that is larger than the maximum interior volume and a valve configured to protrude through the lower opening.

[0005] The backpack includes top handle such that the bag can be carried in one hand, hung from a hook or branch, or lifted off the ground to move it to another location. Close to the top handle, the carrier bag also includes comfort handles mounted proximate to an upper connection of shoulder straps to allow the user to provide additional support against the weight of the bag when navigating steep terrain. Additionally, the bag also includes bottom handles on opposite sides of the flattened bottom of the carrier bag so as to enable pulling said bottom open. Such bottom handles, however, are not suitable for carrying the bag.

[0006] The liner includes a spout to allow for water to be dispensed from the liner. The spout is configured to be sealed using a cap.

[0007] The solution of the prior art provides a light weight, ergonomically advantageous, easy to carry receptacle for transporting water over at least short, in particular significant, distances. In this respect, however, at least in certain situations, the variability and comfort during use and / or the capability to make the best usage of the water needs to be improved.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention, to provide a water bag with improved variability and / or comfort during use and / or an improved usage of the water within the bag.

[0009] This is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a water bag, in particular water backpack, for carrying water, the water bag comprising: a flexible body defining (a maximum) interior volume; a bottom (to provide sufficient support to the backpack for the backpack to be self-standing); a (lower) opening being disposed in a (back) side of the flexible body, the (lower) opening being located at or close to the bottom (optionally in a maximum distance of less than 10 cm or less than 5 cm or less than 1cm to the bottom); and a liner comprising: a polymer envelope (preferably being larger than the maximum interior volume); a valve configured to protrude through the (lower) opening; and a, in particular self-closing, tap configured to control a degree of opening of the valve.

[0011] An idea of the first aspect lies in providing the tap being configured to control a degree of opening of the valve. The tap is preferably self-closing. Thereby, it is possible to avoid loss of drinkable water (at least to a great extent). In particular, the inventors found out that the spout systems of the prior art cannot be easily turned on and off, in particular by children. So, in the prior art, the water loss was higher, in particular if the user was a child. According to the first aspect, the water flow is (now) fully under control by the user. Waste of drinkable water is substantially reduced.

[0012] Self-closing means, in particular, that the tap is automatically closed as soon as the user stops manipulating (e.g. pressing and / or pushing and / or pulling and / or rotating) the tap. A corresponding self-closing mechanism may comprise one or several spring mechanisms (one or several springs). According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a water bag (in particular according to the first aspect) for carrying water, the water bag comprising: a flexible body defining a (maximum) interior volume; a bottom (to provide sufficient support to the backpack for the backpack to be self-standing; a (lower) opening (being disposed in a side of the flexible body, the lower opening preferably being located at or close to the bottom); the liner comprising: a polymer envelope being larger than the (maximum) interior volume; a valve configured to protrude through the lower opening: and two carrying handles on opposite sides of the flexible body, in particular in an upper region of the flexible body.

[0013] According to the second aspect, a respective carrying handle is provided on each of the two opposite sides of the flexible body. In this regard, it has been found out that in some cases, water bags are transported only shorter distances. When carrying the water bag only short distances with one handle (as in the prior art), certain problems resulted. First, water can be spilt and / or the bag may become too heavy to carry (with the one handle). The second handle according to the second aspect now provides comfort and better balance, in particular of the filled water bag.

[0014] Preferably, there is at least one carrying handle on each of the opposite sides of the flexible body.

[0015] An upper region of the flexible body is, in particular, to be understood as an upper half, preferably an upper third of the flexible body. The respective carrying handle is preferably arranged (attached) entirely within the upper region of the flexible body.

[0016] The respective carrying handle may comprise a (tissue) strap having a width which is (considerably) smaller than a length (e.g. at least 2 or at least 4 times smaller).

[0017] The valve and / or tap may be configured to provide water without inflow of air.

[0018] Thereby, the water may remain fresh for a longer period of time. The tap may be configured to be pushed and / or pulled for water release. In an embodiment, a portion of the tap may be pulled upwardly. In an alternative, a portion of the tap may be rotated in order to control the release of water. If the tap is configured to be pushed and / or pulled for a water release, the handling (in particular by a child) is further enhanced.

[0019] The tap may comprise an at least partially removable stopper for (initial) stopping at least a first usage of the tap. Thereby, it can be ensured that the bag remains clean and sterile inside, at least before the first usage of the tap. The stopper may comprise a polymer strip which can be torn by a user and thereby (at least in part) be removed in order to allow the user to use the tap.

[0020] The flexible body may further comprise: an elongated piece of fabric, the fabric having preferably a first half as measured from a first end of the fabric to a midpoint in a long axis of the fabric, the fabric having preferably a second half as measured from a second end of the fabric to the midpoint. Preferably, the bottom is defined by three folds forming a pleat disposed transversely across the long axis, the three folds preferably comprising: a midpoint fold disposed at a midpoint; a first fold disposed in the first half proximal to the midpoint, the first fold defining a boundary between a front side and a first bottom portion, the first bottom portion preferably is defined by a portion of the fabric disposed between the first fold and the midpoint fold; and a second fold disposed in the second half proximal to the midpoint, the second fold defining a boundary between a backside and the second bottom portion, the second bottom portion is defined by the portion of the fabric disposed between the second fold and the midpoint fold. A first semi-circular stitching may be configured to affix the first bottom portion to the front side to form a tangent ogive having a point at an edge of the fabric and being semi-circular at the crossing of the first semi-circular stitching with the long axis. A second semi-circular stitching may be provided affixing the second bottom portion to the backside to form a tangent ogive having a point at the edge of the fabric and being semi-circular at the crossing of the second semicircular stitching with the long axis. Further features in the context of the flexible body and in particular the elongated piece of fabric can be found in WO 2013 / 053402 Al, the disclosure of which is incorporated to the present enclosure by reference. The water bag may comprise: an upper opening being defined by the first end of a fabric and a second end of the fabric; a pair of ties being disposed at opposite edges of the upper opening, the pair of ties preferably being configured to secure a roll closure of the upper opening in response to being drawn together and tied; and an (upper) liner opening cooperatively aligned with the upper opening. For further features in embodiments in the context of the upper opening, it is referred to WO 2013 / 063402 Al, the disclosure of which is by reference part of the present disclosure.

[0021] Preferably, the water bag comprises one or, in particular, two shoulder straps, preferably further comprising: an adjuster, in particular comprising a tri-glide, for each strap to modify a length of each strap.

[0022] The water bag may further comprise a pair of loops, preferably each one of the pair of hand loops being disposed on a respective strap of the pair of straps proximal to a respective first strap (proximal to a respective first strap end).

[0023] In an embodiment, the water bag may not comprise a pair of shoulder straps and in particular my not comprise any shoulder strap.

[0024] The water bag may further comprise a releasable fastener, in particular hook and loop fastener, preferably disposed along a / the upper opening and a / the upper liner opening to releasably fasten the liner to the flexible body.

[0025] Preferably, the liner (bag) is removable from the rest of the water bag.

[0026] In the following, the invention is described with reference to the appended figures, including background explanations and specific embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the specific features disclosed in the context of the figures.

[0027] Fig. 1 A first side (front side) of a first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 2 The backside of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 3 A front side of a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 The backside of the embodiment of Fig. 3;

[0030] Fig. 5 A tap according to the present disclosure in a schematic cross sectional view; and

[0031] Fig. 6 The tap of Fig. 5 in an opening state.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a first (front) side of a water bag according to the present disclosure. The water bag comprises a flexible body 10 comprising a first carrier handle 11 and a second carrier handle 12 (see Fig. 2). Inside the flexible body, a (removable) liner 13 (not shown in detail) is arranged. An upper opening 14 can be closed by using ties 40 as explained in detail in WO 2013 / 063402 Al. A tap 15 is schematically indicated.

[0033] A corresponding tap 15 is also part of the embodiment as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4 comprises in addition shoulder straps 16 so that the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4 can be used as a backpack. Furthermore, the water bag of Figs. 3 and 4 comprises one carrier handle 17. As shown in Fig. 3, the front side does not comprise a corresponding carrier handle. Alternatively, on the front side of the embodiments of Figs. 3 and 4 a carrier handle may be provided (as in the embodiments according to Figs. 1 and 2).

[0034] As can be seen in Fig. 4, further (comfort) handles 18 are provided at the shoulder straps 16. In this regard, for further details (herewith incorporated by reference) it is referred to WO 2013 / 063402 Al.

[0035] According to Fig. 5, the tap may comprise a tap housing 20, a tap inlet 21 and a tab outlet 22. In a closed state, the tap outlet 22 may be blocked by a valve body 23 for releasing water, the valve body 23 may be moved, at least in part, in particular by moving a lower portion 24 of the valve body in an upper direction whilst an upper portion 25 remains close to an inner wall of the tap housing 20 in order to seal the tap in this area. The moving (and / or deforming and / or bending) of the lower portion 24 can be actuated by an actuator 26 which may be connected with a protrusion 29 which may be an integral part of the valve body. The actuator 26 may comprise (e.g. two) wings 27 (one of which is shown schematically; the respective wing may protrude out of the paper plane) which can be pulled upwards, e.g. by two fingers of the user, preferably whilst a thumb of the user rests against an upper portion 28 of the tap housing 20. The more the user moves the lower portion 24 of the valve body 23 away from the valve seat 30, the more water may be released from the water bag (compare Fig. 6). As soon as the user stops pulling the actuator 26, the valve body 23 may return to its original state (in particular by an elastic force of an elastic material of the valve body 23).

[0036] At this point, it should be noted that all the parts described above are claimed to be optionally essential to the invention when viewed individually and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings. Modifications thereof are familiar to the person skilled in the art.

[0037] Furthermore, it is pointed out that the broadest possible scope of protection is sought. In this respect, the disclosure contained in the claims can also be specified by features that are described with further features (even without these further features necessarily being included). It is explicitly pointed out that round brackets and the term "in particular" are intended to emphasize the optionality of features in the respective context (which does not mean, conversely, that a feature is to be regarded as mandatory in the corresponding context without such identification). The term "element" is preferably intended to characterize a respective coherent structure (or assembly), which in turn can be connected to at least one other structure (to form a possibly one-piece and / or rigid overall structure) or can be delimited from all other structures.

[0038] Reference signs:

[0039] 10 flexible body

[0040] 11 first handle

[0041] 12 second handle

[0042] 13 liner

[0043] 14 opening

[0044] 15 tap 16 shoulder strap

[0045] 17 carrier handle

[0046] 18 comfort handle

[0047] 20 tap housing 21 tap inlet

[0048] 22 tap outlet

[0049] 23 valve body

[0050] 24 lower portion

[0051] 25 upper portion 26 actuator

[0052] 27 wing

[0053] 28 upper portion

[0054] 29 protrusion

[0055] 40 tie

Claims

1. A water bag, in particular a water backpack, for carrying water, the water bag comprising: a flexible body (10) defining a maximum interior volume; a bottom to provide sufficient support to the backpack for the backpack to be self-standing; a lower opening being disposed in a side of the flexible body (10), the lower opening being located at or close to the bottom; and a liner (13) comprising: a polymer envelope being larger than the maximum interior volume; a valve configured to protrude through the lower opening; and a, in particular self-closing, tab (15) configured to control a degree of opening of the valve.

2. A water bag, in particular according to claim 1, for carrying water, the water bag comprising: a flexible body (10) defining a maximum interior volume; a bottom to provide sufficient support to the backpack for the backpack to be self-standing; a lower opening being disposed in a side of the flexible body (10), the lower opening being located at or close to the bottom; and a liner (13) comprising: a polymer envelope being larger than the maximum interior volume; a valve configured to protrude through the lower opening; and two carrying handles (17) on opposite sides of the flexible body (10), in particular in an upper region of the flexible body (10).

3. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve and / or tab (15) is / are configured to provide water without inflow of air.

4. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tab (15) is configured to be pushed and / or pulled for water release.

5. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tab (15) comprises an at least partially removable stopper for initially stopping at least a first usage of the tab (15).

6. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible body (10) further comprises: an elongated piece of fabric, the fabric having a first half as measured from a first end of the fabric to a midpoint in a long axis of the fabric, the fabric having a second half as measured from a second end of the fabric to the midpoint; wherein the bottom is defined by three folds forming a pleat disposed transversely across the long axis, the three folds comprising: a midpoint fold disposed at the midpoint; a first fold disposed in the first half proximal to the midpoint, the first fold defining a boundary between a front side and a first bottom portion, the first bottom portion is defined by the portion of the fabric disposed between the first fold and the midpoint fold; and a second fold disposed in the second half proximal to the midpoint, the second fold defining a boundary between a back side and a second bottom portion, the second bottom portion is defined by the portion of the fabric disposed between the second fold and the midpoint fold; a first semi-circular stitching affixing the first bottom portion to the front side to form a tangent ogive having a point at an edge of the fabric and being semi-circular at the crossing of the first semi-circular stitching with the long axis; and a second semi-circular stitching affixing the second bottom portion to the back side to form a tangent ogive having a point at the edge of the fabric and being semi-circular at the crossing of the second semi-circular stitching with the long axis.

7. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an upper opening being defined by a / the first end of a / the fabric and a / the second end of the fabric;a pair of ties being disposed at opposite edges of the upper opening, the pair of ties being configured to secure a roll closure of the upper opening in response to being drawn together and tied; and an upper liner opening cooperatively aligned with the upper opening.

8. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: one or two shoulder straps (16), preferably further comprising: an adjuster, in particular comprising a tri-glide, for each strap to modify a length of each strap.

9. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a pair of hand loops, preferably each one of the pair of hand loops being disposed on a respective strap of the pair of straps (16).

10. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, not comprising a pair of shoulder straps, in particular not compromising any shoulder strap.

11. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a releasable fastener, in particular hook and loop fastener, preferably disposed along a / the upper opening and a / the upper liner opening to releasably fasten the liner to the flexible body (10).

12. The water bag according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liner bag is removable from the rest of the water bag.

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