Personal hydration system for runners
US6666360B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA45F5/1583
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An improved hydration system for runners that provides superior motion control and easy dispensing. Fluid is contained within a flexible bladder and pack, and attached to the waist. The pack is constructed of comfortable, elastic, and thermally-insulating fabric. When attached to the waist, tension in the fabric compresses the bladder against the user and dampens motion. Uniform distribution of fluid in the bladder contributes to motion control and is provided by a flexible plastic compression plate and snap elements that pinch the lower portion of the bladder. The snap elements can be disengaged to allow the bladder to be fully expanded for easy cleaning and drying. Fluid is dispensed from a small waist-mounted squeeze bottle that fills automatically from the bladder via fluid coupling elements. Check valves ensure that fluid flows unidirectionally from bladder to bottle to user, and prevent air infiltration into the squeeze bottle and bladder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.