Hydration and Nutrition System

Abstract

A hydration and nutrition system includes a pressurized reservoir adapted to hold a quantity of fluid, a tube in fluid communication with the reservoir, a flow meter adapted to measure and collect flow data regarding the flow of fluid through the tube, one or more user performance sensors that provide performance data, and a database including a baseline requirements and a consumption plan. The baseline requirements are associated with a peak performance power output, and the consumption plan is based on a percentage of the baseline requirements for the peak performance power output. The system further includes a computerized nutritional calculator that performs the steps of receiving performance data, adjusting the consumption plan based on the performance data, calculating an actual caloric intake of fluid consumed, calculating a required caloric replenishment rate, and displaying a required caloric replenishment rate.

Claims

1. A hydration and nutrition system for monitoring consumption by a user comprising: a pressurized reservoir adapted to hold a quantity of fluid having a caloric value; a tube in fluid communication with the reservoir to the user for consumption; a flow meter adapted to measure and collect flow data regarding the flow of fluid from the reservoir through the tube; one or more user performance sensors that provide performance data; a database including a baseline requirements and a consumption plan, wherein the baseline requirements are associated with a peak performance power output, wherein the consumption plan based on a percentage of the baseline requirements for the peak performance power output; and a computerized nutritional calculator having a display, wherein the computerized nutritional calculator performs the steps of: receiving performance data from the performance sensors; receiving the caloric value of the fluid; receiving the baseline requirements and the consumption plan from the database; adjusting the consumption plan based on the performance data; receiving the flow data from the flow meter; calculating an actual caloric intake of fluid consumed based on the caloric value of the fluid and the flow data; calculating a required caloric replenishment rate based on the adjusted consumption plan and the actual caloric intake of fluid consumed; and displaying a required caloric replenishment rate on the display.

2. The hydration and nutrition system of claim 1, wherein the consumption plan is pre-determined.

3. The hydration and nutrition system of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor providing temperature data, and wherein the computerized nutritional calculator further performs the step of adjusting the consumption plan based on the temperature data.

4. The hydration and nutrition system of claim 1, wherein the consumption plan includes expected targets modified by conditions measured over a period of time.

5. The hydration and nutrition system of claim 4, wherein the conditions measured over a period of time include location and temperature data collected by a location sensor and a temperature sensor, respectively.

6. The hydration and nutrition system of claim 4, wherein the conditions measured over a period of time include data received from performance sensors.

7. The hydration and nutrition system of claim 1, wherein the computerized nutritional calculator switches from a first consumption plan to a second consumption plan when the computerized nutritional calculator no longer is receiving data from the flow meter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The drawings depict one or more implementations of the present subject matter by way of example, not by way of limitation. In the figures, the reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements across the various drawings.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a hydration and nutrition system adapted for use on a bicycle.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of a reservoir.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a front view of the reservoir shown in FIG. 2.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a top view of the reservoir shown in FIG. 2.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir shown in FIG. 2.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a top view of a fill bottle.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a side view of the fill bottle shown in FIG. 6.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a front view of the fill bottle shown in FIG. 6.

[0066] FIG. 9 is an exploded assembly view of a reservoir, fill bottle, mounting assembly, and various associated elements.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the interface between the reservoir and fill bottle shown in FIG. 9.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the interface between the reservoir and an extension tube.

[0069] FIG. 12 is a front view of the hydration and nutrition system particularly illustrating bite valves and quick connects.

[0070] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the dual-lumen tubing connecting the reservoir to the bite valves.

[0071] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hydration and nutrition system shown in FIG. 12.

[0072] FIG. 15 is a front side view of a computerized nutritional calculator.

[0073] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the computerized nutritional calculator adapted for use on a wristband.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a hydration and nutrition system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a reservoir system including a reservoir 1 that attaches to a bicycle frame 2. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the reservoir 1 locks into a cage 3 which mounts to a down tube 4 of the bicycle frame 2. However, as described further herein, the location of the reservoir 1 on the down tube 4 is merely one contemplated embodiment and the location of the reservoir 1 may vary as will be understood by one skilled in the art based on the disclosure provided herein. FIGS. 2-4 further illustrate the elements of the reservoir 1 and the cage 3 shown in FIG. 1.

[0075] In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the cage 3 is constructed of a durable plastic (such as polyethylene terephthalate) and is engineered to be more robust than the reservoir 1. Carbon fiber is an alternative, though more expensive, material from which to construct the cage 3. In the example shown, two screws 19 placed through a slot 15 in the base of the cage 3 allow for positioning of the cage 3 along the down tube 4 of the bicycle frame 2 and anchor it to two threaded holes 20 in the down tube 4 that are usually used to anchor bottle cages. The cage 3 is robust enough to support a full reservoir 1 through the rigors of rough road conditions and shear forces exerted during the filling process.

[0076] The design of the cage 3 may be integrated with the design of the reservoir 1 in such a way as to be aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. For example, in one contemplated version, a knob on the bottom of the cradle 3 fits into a notch in the bottom of the reservoir 1 and serves to anchor the bottom of the reservoir 1. In the example shown, there is an extruded knob 22 along the top of the reservoir 1 to which a clasp 21 at the top of the cradle 3 secures the reservoir 1 into the cradle 3 in a manner similar to a ski boot binding or a jar closure. Further in the example shown, the top part of the cradle 3 is divided (or provides a slot) to allow a pair of straws 10 to pass through and be positioned properly within the reservoir as described further herein. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, raised portions 16 in the two divided sides of the cradle 3 are clamped together by the clasp 21 at the top of the cradle 3 to further secure the reservoir 1 into the cage 3.

[0077] The reservoir 1 may be made of a lightweight, yet durable plastic (such as polyethylene terephthalate) that is slightly opaque in color for aesthetic purposes. A gloss exterior finish may be used for aesthetic purposes as well. Because of polyethylene terephthalate's durability, the thickness of the plastic can be significantly thinner than currently available PVC reservoir systems.

[0078] Larger versions of the reservoir 1 (e.g., 48 ounce version or 30 ounce version) may be formed from two mirror image halves that are welded together to form an aerodynamic whole, as shown in FIG. 5. Each of the halves may be used to store a different fluid, as is described further herein. Accordingly, each half may be considered its own distinct reservoir 1. It is also contemplated that single-fluid reservoirs 1 may be employed, particularly in smaller sized reservoirs 1.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, a threaded hole near the top of each side of the reservoir 1 accepts a specially designed filling cap 5. At the top end of each side of the reservoir 1 is a threaded port 11 into which a threaded tube/straw 10 is screwed in an airtight manner. Male quick connects 12 at the top of these tubes/straws 10 mate with a female quick connects 13 on the bottom of a dual-lumen tube 23 that runs up to a CNC 30 (FIGS. 12 and 14-16). The straws 10 and fill caps 5 can be removed for cleaning. Each of the reservoirs 1, caps 5, straws 10, and tubing 23 may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate and may be impregnated with silver in order to be bacteriostatic and fungistatic. The various elements may also be dishwasher-safe.

[0080] In the examples shown in FIGS. 9-11, the reservoir fill cap 5 screws into the reservoir 1 and is pressure sealed. The center of the reservoir fill cap 5 is chamfered 18 to direct a fill bottle nozzle 33 into the center of the reservoir fill cap 5. In the center of the reservoir fill cap 5, there is a cylinder 34. The sides of the cylinder 34 are perforated 38 to allow filling of the reservoir 1. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a spring 44 in the base of the cylinder 34 pushes a sealing disc 39 against an O-ring 36 in the cylinder 34 to create a pressure seal. When the fill bottle nozzle 33 is engaged in the reservoir fill cap 5, the fill bottle nozzle 33 pushes the sealing disc 39 in the reservoir fill cap 5 inwards and allows pressurized fluid to enter the reservoir 1 through the perforations 38 in the side of the cylinder 34. The reservoir sealing disc 39 is molded to include an elevated center 37 that pushes a sealing disc 41 in the fill bottle nozzle 33 inwards, allowing fluid to enter the reservoir 1. Circumferentially molded vanes 35 in the reservoir fill cap sealing disc 39 prevent the front end 40 of the fill bottle nozzle 33 from sealing against the reservoir cap sealing disc 39 and directs fluid into the reservoir 1 in an even, 360 degree, manner. An O-ring 43 in the wall of the fill bottle nozzle 33 helps to maintain pressure integrity during filling. When the fill bottle 14 is removed, the reservoir fill cap sealing disc 39 returns to abut against the O-ring 36 in the cylinder 34 at the center of the reservoir fill cap 5.

[0081] As shown, two valves housed within the reservoir fill cap 5. The first is a pressure relief valve 7 that limits the maximum pressure that can build up inside the reservoir 1. The other is a one-way valve 6 that will allow for entrainment of air into the reservoir 1, should all of the pressure in the reservoir 1 be lost. The one-way valve 6 acts as a failsafe that will allow the athlete to suck fluid out of the reservoir 1. There are several different ways in which each of the valves can be designedthe function is more relevant than the form. A threaded portion 46 on top of the failsafe valve 6 will accommodate an extension tube 8 (similar to a bicycle wheel valve extender) that can be used to pressurize the reservoir 1 using a standard bicycle pump 9, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11.

[0082] An example of a fill bottle 14 is shown in FIGS. 6-10. The fill bottle 14 is designed to be pressurized once full of water or energy drink. The pressure in the fill bottle 14 is used to push fluid into the reservoir 1, which speeds filling time and pressurizes the fluid in the reservoir 1. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure in the fill bottle 14 should be double that of the desired pressure in the reservoir 1. In a preferred embodiment, a side of the fill bottle 14 is flat to enable it to be placed securely on a flat surface for filling.

[0083] In the examples shown, the reservoir fill caps 5 and the fill bottle caps 17 have identical one-way valves 6 that are used to pressurize their respective containers using a threaded tube 8 and a standard bicycle pump 9. In use, once the correct pressure in the reservoir 1 has been reached, air will be heard exiting from the pressure relief valve 7 in the reservoir cap 5 and/or fill bottle cap 17. Use of carbon dioxide canisters to pressurize the containers is specifically discouraged. The fill bottle cap 17 includes a pressure relief valve 7 that is set for double the desired pressure in the reservoir 1.

[0084] The fill bottle 14 is designed to fill the reservoir 1 while being held upside-down and has a semi-circular top end 49 to reduce the residual volume in the fill bottle 14 after filling is completed. The fill bottle cap 17 is located on the side of the fill bottle 14 to ensure maximal transfer of fluid to the reservoir 1. The side of the fill bottle 14 opposite that of the fill bottle cap 17 is flattened 48 so that the fill bottle 14 can be placed on a flat surface during pressurization.

[0085] The fill bottle cap 17 has many of the same features as the reservoir fill cap 5, but is designed as a male filling counterpart to the female reservoir fill cap 5. A spring-loaded 42, sealing disc 41 is pushed into the fill bottle 14 when engaged with the raised portion 37 of the sealing disc 39 in the reservoir fill cap 5. Pressurized fluid exits the fill bottle 14 around the sealing disc 41 and enters the reservoir 1 through the opened space around the sealing disc 41 in the reservoir fill cap 5. Vanes 35 on the face of the reservoir sealing cap 39 prevent the front of the nozzle 40 of the filling cap 17 from sealing against the reservoir sealing cap 39 and ensure even filling through the reservoir filling cap 5. An O-ring 43 in the sidewall of the fill bottle cap nozzle 33 maintains the pressure seal during filling. When the fill bottle cap nozzle 33 is withdrawn from the reservoir fill cap 5, the fill bottle sealing disc 41 seals against an O-ring 47 on the inside of the front of the fill bottle nozzle 40.

[0086] Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, once filled, fluid in the reservoir 1 may be conveyed to the rider through dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27. Because the fluid in the reservoir 1 is pressurized, inside diameter tubing 51 may be adequate. The dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27 may be made of pliable plastic such as ether-based polyurethane and be as lightweight as possible by having a thin wall. In the example shown, the proximal end of the tubing 23 includes female quick connects 13 that couple with male, counterpart quick connects 12 that are at the top of straws 10 on each side of the top of the reservoir 1. As described above, molded, threaded, ports 11 on each side of the top of the reservoir 1 accept straws 10 with threaded cuffs and male quick connects 12. The straws 10 extend inside the reservoir 1 to the bottom each half of the reservoir 1 in order to be able to fully empty each side of the reservoir 1. All components, including the fill caps 5 and 17 and straws 10, can be removed from the reservoir 1 in order to clean all components thoroughly and all components may be dishwasher safe.

[0087] In the preferred embodiment shown, the dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27 is ovoid in cross-section for improved aerodynamics. This dual-lumen tubing 23 attaches to flow sensors 26 in the base of the CNC/flow sensor mount 29. The proximal portion of a second section of dual-lumen tubing 27 attaches to the upper portion of the flow sensors 26. This segment of dual-lumen tubing 27 may include parallel wires 28 embedded in the dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27 to allow the athlete to bend the dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27 to an appropriate location for drinking. Dual bite valves 25 attach to swivel quick connects 52 at the rider end of the dual-lumen tubing 27 in order to separate the bite valves 25 for ease of use.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 12, dual flow meters 26 are housed within the mount 29 for the CNC 30 (one for each side of the reservoir 1). Numerous options for flow sensor technology exist, including turbines/paddlewheels, infrared and ultrasonic, etc. It is presently believed that the most suitable flow meter technology would be to use infrared sensors with the component that is in-line with the dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27 being detachable and potentially disposable. If not disposable, it may be advantageous if the flow meters 26 may be removed from the CNC mount 29 for cleaning. For optimal performance, the flow meters 26 should be lightweight and not obstruct fluid flow. In the example shown, the flow meters 26 are controlled by a microchip that communicates either wired or wirelessly with the CNC 30. Data from the flow meters 26 may be used to calculate volumes of fluid consumed, as well as caloric intake from energy drinks, as described further herein.

[0089] In the example shown, each bite valve 25 connects to the dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27 via a swivel quick connect 52, which allows for adjacent positioning of the bite valves 25. There are many designs for bite valves 25 that are currently available. The bite valves 25 are needed to maintain pressure within the system, so it is necessary for the athlete to apply a robust amount of bite pressure to open each bite valve 25. The pressure in the dual-lumen tubing 23 and 27 compensates for the bite force energy used by squirting fluid into the athlete's moutha passive filling experience for the athlete. The athlete is able to control the rate of filling by adjusting the bite pressure and intermittently sealing the bite valve 25 with the tongue during drinking.

[0090] A CNC mount 29 and handlebar/aerobar mounting hardware 24 are shown in FIG. 12. The CNC mount 29 and handlebar/aerobar mounting hardware 24 may be constructed of durable plastic (such as polyethylene terephthalate and/or carbon fiber) and provide several functions. First, they anchor the CNC 30 to either the aerobar 50 or to the handle bar itself via a clamp mechanism 24. Additional hardware allows for multi-directional clamping capability (attach to either side aerobar 50 or the handlebar if the aerobar 50 is an unsuitable location) as well as facilitating final positioning of the CNC 30. The clamp itself 24 may be adjustable to fit all relevant diameters of handlebar and aerobar tubing. Second, the CNC mount 29 and handlebar/aerobar mounting hardware 24 may house a microchip controller, battery cage, sensors, etc. for the dual flow meters 26. The CNC mount 29 may provide a cradle adaptor for mounting CNC 30. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, a wristband 32 may be provided that has an identical cradle adaptor for the CNC 30.

[0091] FIG. 15 shows an example of a CNC 30. As described herein, the primary function of the CNC 30 is to display measured data and express the data in the context of expected targets for nutritional consumption. Expected targets can either be pre-determined by parameters that are set by the user or modified by changes in conditions during the race. The display of the CNC 30 thus functions as a personal coach, guiding the athlete to achieve optimal fluid, calories and electrolytes during the training session or race. A memory chip in the CNC 30 may be used to store data from each session that can be uploaded to an associated computer and/or mobile device, which may further be used to program changes in the CNC 30 based on input from the user.

[0092] The CNC 30 may be adapted such that it has the ability to gather data from multiple sources. For example, the primary source of input may be through wireless communication wireless, but the CNC 30 may also be adapted to gather data internally through a built-in GPS chip and temperature sensor. Further, a USB port may provide a conduit to a computer interface and function as a charger for the CNC battery. The CNC 30 may also have Bluetooth and WiFi capability to interface with both computers and/or mobile devices. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the rider can also use a series of four buttons 31 on either side of the CNC 30 to enter data and control the function of the CNC 30.

[0093] Firmware in the CNC 30 allows it to pair with various wired and/or wireless sensors on the bicycle to monitor performance metrics like speed, pedaling cadence, power output, and rider heart rate. The CNC 30 may further be paired with the dual flow sensors 26 housed in the CNC mount 29. Personal data like age, weight, height, and sex may be entered using the buttons 31 on the CNC 30 or using an associated computer and/or mobile device. All data from performance sensors on the bicycle (e.g., speed, cadence, power output, and heart rate) may be used by the CNC 30 to determine calorie expenditure and estimate fluid replenishment needs. Although the firmware of the CNC 30 may include pre-programmed default settings for fluid, electrolyte, and calorie expenditure/replenishment needs, these settings can be refined by the user using the CNC 30 or another associated computer and/or handheld device. The temperature sensor in or associated with the CNC may be used, for example, to increase estimates of fluid requirements if ambient temperature is above expected levels.

[0094] The CNC 30 and/or the software of an associated computer and/or mobile device may interface with a website through which the user can download various data for the CNC 30, including: firmware or software upgrades for the CNC 30; nutritional information about caloric and electrolyte content of foodstuffs; suggested, pre-programmed profiles based on the user's physical biometrics, etc. The pre-programmed profiles may include recommended mixes of fluids, gels, and solid foodstuffs to be consumed during a race. In certain contemplated embodiments, registered users may also be able to get individual coaching from sports nutrition experts via an associated website. Uploading the data from the CNC 30 from each training ride and/or run will allow the user to refine the accuracy of the CNC 30 by identifying times during the ride/run where performance was optimal.

[0095] Using an associated computer interface and/or mobile device, the user can tell the CNC 30 which side of the reservoir 1 has water and which side has energy drink. By identifying the specific types of fluids, the CNC 30 may know the electrolyte and caloric value of the liquid. The user can also designate buttons 31 on the side of the CNC 30 to represent foods to be consumed. Icons representing those foods may appear on the screen adjacent to those buttons 31. Caloric data for those foods may be downloaded via the website and transferred to the CNC 30. The user may press the corresponding button 31 whenever a particular food item is consumed.

[0096] Ultimately, the role of the CNC 30 is to guide the user to consume fluid, electrolytes, and calories in a consistent manner so as to replace losses effectively. The human stomach can only handle approximately 1.2 liters of fluid per hour and adding foodstuffs attenuates that process. Maintaining a steady rate of consumption of a mixture of all required foods is essential to a successful strategy. In addition to actual amounts consumed, the CNC 30 may display overall caloric consumption and use arrows or other icons or indicators to indicate whether the user is behind, ahead, or on-track with the target consumption of fluids and all foodstuffs. Amounts consumed can be displayed as rates or actual amounts. In addition, the CNC may be adapted to display performance metrics, obviating the need for a second cyclocomputer.

[0097] At the end of the cycle portion of a duathlon or triathlon, the CNC 30 can be detached from the bicycle mount 29 and attached to a wristband 32, as shown in FIG. 16. As liquids and foodstuffs are consumed, the data may be entered into the CNC 30 by pressing the appropriate buttons 31. The CNC 30 may be adapted to automatically switch to wristband mode and continue to coach the user during the run as soon as the flow sensors 26 are no longer detected. Running has different caloric requirements than cycling. Accordingly, a separate profile for the run phase may also be programmed into the CNC 30. As is the case with the bicycle program, the run program can also be refined by downloading the data and making adjustments on an associated computer and/or mobile device.

[0098] Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, it is understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that the location of the reservoir 1 on the down tube 4 is a preferred embodiment, but a reservoir 1 may be located on other positions on the bicycle frame 2for example between the aerobars 50, under the top tube (connects the handlebar stem to the saddle area), behind the saddle, etc.

[0099] For example, while FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a reservoir 1 that is positioned on the downtube 4, it is contemplated that positioning the reservoir 1 between the aerobars 50 might offer less drag. Accordingly, a keel-shaped reservoir 1 that includes the elements of the reservoir 1 shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be employed. In such an embodiment, due to a lack of space, the straws 10, flow sensors 26, and dual-lumen tubing 23 may be formed integrally with the reservoir 1 and the mount 29 for the CNC 30 may be on the reservoir 1 itself. The fill caps 5 may be located in the portion of the reservoir 1 that extends above the level of the aerobars 50 and is in front of the CNC 30. Both single and dual chamber reservoirs 1 are possible. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a bracket for mounting the aerobar reservoir embodiment may attach to the aerobars 50 themselves. It will be further understood that the reservoir 1 and mount 29 may be made of the same materials as the downtube reservoir embodiment.

[0100] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modification may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its advantages.