HYDRATION SYSTEM WITH STORAGE COMPARTMENT

Abstract

A hydration system capable of containing a hydrating liquid includes a bottle having a body with an openable top, the body comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein an open space is provided between the first portion and the second portion. A sleeve is adapted to cover at least a portion of the bottle, the sleeve having a space portion that at least partially extends into the open space of the bottle. The sleeve has one or more storage compartments, and at least one storage compartment is provided on the space portion of the sleeve so that the at least one storage compartment at least partially extends into the open space of the bottle when the sleeve is on the bottle. Alternatively or additionally, a storage compartment may provided outside the space portion of the sleeve, which is sized and shaped to store an electronic device and having a top opening and a smaller bottom opening, the bottom opening being sized and shaped to receive a charging cord for the electronic device. A method of storing one or more items on the hydration system is also provided.

Claims

1. A hydration system capable of containing a hydrating liquid, the hydration system comprising: a bottle having a body with an openable top, the body comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein an open space is provided between the first portion and the second portion; and a sleeve adapted to cover at least a portion of the bottle, the sleeve comprising a space portion that at least partially extends into the open space of the bottle, wherein the sleeve has one or more storage compartments, and wherein at least one storage compartment is provided on the space portion of the sleeve so that the at least one storage compartment at least partially extends into the open space of the bottle when the sleeve is on the bottle.

2. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the open space is a recess that extends into the envelope of the body.

3. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the open space is defined by a volume between an outer surface of the second portion that faces the first portion and an outer surface of the first portion.

4. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the first portion is a main portion of the body and wherein the second portion is a handle portion.

5. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve is insulating and is at least partially flexible or elastic.

6. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one storage compartment is sized and shaped to hold a credit card in a manner where the credit card at least partially extends into the open space.

7. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one storage compartment is sized and shaped to hold a credit card and wherein the credit card is insertable into the storage compartment in a direction that is non-vertical when the hydration system is upright.

8. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one storage compartment is provided on a flap of the sleeve, the flap being moveable between a first position where the flap is in the open space and a second position where the flap is outside the open space.

9. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one storage compartment is provided on a flap of the sleeve, the flap being moveable between a first position where the flap is in the open space and a second position where the flap is outside the open space, and wherein the sleeve comprises a connection mechanism for releasably securing the flap in the first position.

10. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one storage compartment is provided on a flap of the sleeve, the flap being moveable between a first position where the flap is in the open space and a second position where the flap is outside the open space, wherein the sleeve comprises a connection mechanism for releasably securing the flap in the first position, and wherein the connection mechanism can be disconnected to allow the sleeve to be removed from the bottle.

11. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein the openable top comprises a selectively openable dispenser.

12. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein at least one storage compartment is provided outside the space portion of the sleeve.

13. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein at least one storage compartment is provided outside the space portion of the sleeve, and wherein the at least one storage compartment outside the space position is sized and shaped to store an electronic device.

14. A hydration system according to claim 1 wherein at least one storage compartment is provided outside the space portion of the sleeve, wherein the at least one storage compartment outside the space position is sized and shaped to store an electronic device, and wherein the at least one storage compartment outside the space portion has a top opening and a smaller bottom opening, the bottom opening being sized and shaped to receive a charging cord for the electronic device.

15. A hydration system capable of containing a hydrating liquid, the hydration system comprising: a bottle having a body with an openable top; and a sleeve adapted to cover at least a portion of the bottle, wherein the sleeve has one or more storage compartments, wherein the at least one storage compartment sized and shaped to store an electronic device, and wherein the at least one storage compartment has a top opening and a smaller bottom opening, the bottom opening being sized and shaped to receive a charging cord for the electronic device.

16. A hydration system according to claim 15 wherein the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein an open space is provided between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the sleeve comprises a space portion that at least partially extends into the open space of the bottle, and wherein the at least one storage compartment is outside the space portion.

17. A hydration system according to claim 15 wherein at least one storage compartment is provided on a flap of the sleeve, the flap being moveable between a first position where the flap is in the open space and a second position where the flap is outside the open space, wherein the sleeve comprises a connection mechanism for releasably securing the flap in the first position, and wherein the connection mechanism can be disconnected to allow the sleeve to be removed from the bottle.

18. A method of storing one or more items on a hydration system, the method comprising: providing a hydration system comprising a bottle having a body with an openable top, the body comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein an open space is provided between the first portion and the second portion, and a sleeve adapted to cover at least a portion of the bottle, the sleeve comprising a space portion that at least partially extends into the open space of the bottle, and inserting an item into a storage compartment on the space portion of the sleeve so that the item at least partially extends into the open space of the bottle when the sleeve is on the bottle.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the second portion is a handle portion and wherein the method comprises carrying the hydration system by a user inserting one or more fingers into the open space.

20. A method according to claim 18 wherein the sleeve further comprises at least one storage compartment that is not on the space portion and wherein the method comprises inserting an electronic device in the at least one storage compartment that is not on the space portion.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0027] These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary features of the invention. However, it is to be understood that each of the features can be used in the invention in general, not merely in the context of the particular drawings, and the invention includes any combination of these features, where:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic top, rear perspective view of a hydration system according to the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of a version of a hydration system of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 3A is a schematic rear view of the hydration system of FIG. 2 with a compartment flap in a first position;

[0031] FIG. 3B is a schematic rear view of the hydration system of FIG. 2 with a compartment flap in a second position;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of another version of a hydration system of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a front view of another version of a hydration system of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of another version of a hydration system of the invention in a first hydration process step;

[0035] FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of the hydration system of FIG. 6A in a second hydration process step;

[0036] FIG. 6C is a side perspective view of the hydration system of FIG. 6A in a third hydration process step;

[0037] FIG. 6D is a side perspective view of the hydration system of FIG. 6A in a fourth hydration process step;

[0038] FIG. 6E is a side perspective view of the hydration system of FIG. 6A in a fifth hydration process step;

[0039] FIG. 6F is a side perspective view of the hydration system of FIG. 6A in a sixth hydration process step;

[0040] FIG. 6G is a side perspective view of the hydration system of FIG. 6A in a seventh hydration process step;

[0041] FIG. 6H is a side perspective view of the hydration system of FIG. 6A in an eighth hydration process step;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic rear view of a particular hydration system according to the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic rear view slightly from the side of the version of a hydration system of FIG. 7;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of a particular hydration system according to the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 10A is a schematic side sectional view of a version of a hydration system of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 10B is a schematic side sectional view of another version of a hydration system of the invention;

[0047] FIG. 10C is a schematic side sectional view of another version of a hydration system of the invention; and

[0048] FIG. 10D is a schematic side sectional view of another version of a hydration system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present invention relates to a hydration system. In particular, the invention relates to a hydration system with storage capabilities. Although the hydration system is illustrated and described in the context of being useful for a water bottle and sleeve with one or more compartments, the present invention can be useful in other instances. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples and embodiments described herein.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a hydration system 100 according to the invention. The hydration system is made up of a water bottle 105 and a sleeve 110 that at least partially covers or surrounds at least a portion of the water bottle 105. The water bottle 105 has a body 115 that extends from a lower portion 120 having a bottom 125 to an upper portion 130 having or in communication with a dispensing system 135. In the version of FIG. 1, the dispensing system 135 is an opening 140 that can be closed by a cap 145 or other cover, such as by screw or press fit. A more elaborate dispensing system 135 can be alternatively, as will be described hereinbelow. With any dispensing system 135, the opening 140 is selectively openable to allow access to an interior reservoir 150 of the water bottle 105. The interior reservoir 150 is defined by the internal surfaces of sidewalls 155 of the water bottle 105. By water bottle it is meant that the bottle is capable of containing water or other liquid in its interior reservoir 150 and selectively dispensing the water or other liquid to a user through the dispensing system 135. Though the term water is conventionally used to describe the bottle, it is to be understood that the water bottle can contain liquids other than water. Water or other hydrating liquid is often contained in the internal reservoir 150 to provide a user with hydration relief when needed or desired. Accordingly, the system is often referred to as a hydration system. However, the hydration system 100 of the present invention can also be used to contain liquids that are not hydrating, such as alcoholic beverages, and/or to contain liquids that are not even intended to be drunk, such as gasoline or petroleum, and the term is accordingly not intended to be limited by whatever liquid is actually contained within the internal reservoir 150. Thus, the term water bottle is intended to encompass a contain that is capable of containing water, and the term hydration system is intended to encompass a system capable of providing hydrating relief to a user.

[0051] The sleeve 110 is made up of sleeve material 160 that is designed and shaped to generally conform to at least a portion of the water bottle 105. The sleeve material is often flexible and/or elastic, but it may be at least partially rigid and/or have at least partially rigid sections. In the version of FIG. 1, the sleeve material 110 is a soft, flexible, and elastic material that is adapted to contact a portion of the outer surface of the sidewalls 155 of the water bottle 105. The sleeve material 160 can provide insulation, improved grip, accessory attachments, storage compartment, and/or aesthetics for the hydration system 100.

[0052] The hydration system 100 of the version of FIG. 1 includes a water bottle 105 that has a body 115 made up of a first portion or main portion 165 and a second portion or handle portion 170. At least a portion of the handle portion 170 is separated from the main portion 165 of the body 115 so as to create a space 175 between the main portion 165 of the body 115 and the handle portion 170. The handle portion 170 has a graspable member 180 that is adapted to be grasped by a user to facilitate carrying the water bottle 105 and/or hydration system 100. In the version shown, the space 175 is in the shape of a recess 185 that projects into the envelope of the body 115. Alternatively, the main portion 165 of the body 115 can be more uniformly shaped, such as by being substantially cylindrical, and the handle portion 170 and graspable member 180 can project outwardly from the main portion 165. In either case, the space 175 is defined by a volume between an outer surface 190 of the sidewalls of the body 115 in the region of the handle portion 170 and an outer surface 195 of the handle portion 170 that faces the main portion 165 of the body 115. In the version of FIG. 1, the internal reservoir 150 includes a hollow portion of the main portion 165 of the body 115 and a hollow portion of the handle portion 170. The hollow portions are in flow communication with one another. Alternatively, the internal reservoir 150 may be entirely within the interior of the main portion 165 of the body 115. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the sleeve 110 includes a space portion 200 that is adapted to contact at least a portion of the main portion 165 of the body 115 within the space 170 between the main portion 165 and the handle portion 170.

[0053] The hydration system 100 may be provided with one or more compartments 205. The compartments 205 may be storage compartments for storing one or more items that are to be carried by the user of the hydration system 100 along with the hydration system 100. The compartments 205 may be in the form of pockets, pouches, and/or cavities provided in or on the sleeve 190. Typically, each compartment 205 will have a compartment opening 210 at one side or end of the compartment 205 and will be closed or sealed or partially closed or sealed along its other sides. The compartment opening 210 is in communication with the interior 215 of the compartment 205 to provide access to the interior 215. The interior 215 of the compartment 205 is sized and shaped to accommodate a particular item to be carried. For example, the interior 215 of the compartment 205 can be designed to carry any one or more item such as a credit card, a driver's license or identification card, membership card, passport, cash, coins, keys, jewelry, electronics, a mobile phone, a miniature computing device, a charging device, headphones, ear pods, and the like. In various versions, the compartment opening 210 can be closable, such as by zipper, snap, or Velcro, can be elastic, or can merely be an opening. Often, the material of the compartment 205 will be elastomerically compressive so as to apply pressure to an item in the interior 215 to help maintain the item in the compartment 205.

[0054] In the version shown in FIG. 1, one or more compartments 205 are provided on the space portion 200 of the sleeve 110. In this manner, the one or more compartments 205 on the space portion 200 can serve as a private, secret, or at least partially hidden wallet. In the version shown, three compartments 205 are provided. However, the number can be one, two, three, four, or more. The compartments 205 on the space portion 200 can be the same or size and shape as one another or may be different. In one version, at least one compartment 205 on the space portion 200 is size, shaped, and adapted to store a private item. A private item is any item to be carried by a user that has significant value and/or importance to the user. A private item is typically an item that might be tempting to steal by an unscrupulous person that has an opportunity to do so. Examples of private items are a credit card, a driver's license, passport, or other identification card, cash, jewelry, and the like. By storing these private items on the space portion 200 of the sleeve 110, the stored items will be positioned in the space 175 between the handle portion 170 and the main portion 165. This position can help keep the items more hidden than they would be if they were located at a different position on the sleeve 110. This hiding effect is even further pronounced when the space 175 is in the form of a recess 185 as in the case of FIG. 1. A compartment 205 designed to store a private item can be any suitable size designed to fit the item to be stored. For example, in one version, the compartment 205 can be from about 2 inches to about 5 inches deep and from about 2 inches to about 3 inches wide. In one particular version designed to hold one or more credit cards, the compartment 205 can be about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches deep and about 2.5 inches wide.

[0055] Another version of a hydrating system 100 having one or more compartments 205 on the space portion 200 of the sleeve 110 is shown in FIG. 2. In this version, the space portion 205 is a flap 220 of the sleeve 110 that is moveable between a first position 225, as shown in FIG. 2, where the flap 220 is within the space 175 between the handle portion 170 and the main portion 165, and a second position 230 where the flap 220 is outside the space 175. The flap 220 has a first end 235 that is connected in a hinged or flappable manner to the rest of the sleeve 110 and a second end 240 that is not permanently connected to the rest of the sleeve 110. At the second end 240 is a connection mechanism 245 for selectively connecting the flap 220 to the main portion 165 in the space 175 and/or to the sleeve 110 in the region of the space 175 to maintain the flap 220 in the first position 225. In the particular version shown, the connection mechanism 245 includes a Velcro fastener made up of a first strip 250 of hook and loop fastener on the bottle-facing side of the flap 220 and a second strip 255 of corresponding hook and loop fastener on the outer surface of the sidewalls 155 of the main portion 165 of the body 115 in the space 175. Alternatively, the connection mechanism 245 can be provided by any other suitable system, such as snaps, zippers, buttons, or the like.

[0056] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the operation of the hydrating system of FIG. 2. FIG. 3A shows the flap 220 in the first position 225 with the connection mechanism 245 attached so that the flap 220 is secured with the space 175. FIG. 3B shows connection mechanism 245 disconnected so the flap 220 can be in the second position 230 outside of the space 175 and extending outwardly from the side of the hydration system 100. The multi-position functionality and adjustable orientation of flap 220 provides options and convenience for the use of the one or more compartments 205 that are located on the flap 220. In some cases, an item can be more easily and conveniently inserted and/or removed from a compartment 205 when the flap 220 is in the second position 230. After an item is inserted into a compartment 205, the flap 220 can be returned to its first position 225 so the item can be hidden and protected in the space 175. In addition, the placement of the flap 220 in the first position 225 can help secure the sleeve 110 onto the water bottle 105, and the placement of the flap 220 in the second position 230 can help remove the sleeve 110 from the water bottle 105.

[0057] In one version, such as shown in the version of FIGS. 1 and 2, one of more of the compartments 205 on the sleeve 110 have a non-vertical opening 300. By non-vertical opening it is meant that the direction of entry of an item into the compartment 205 through its opening 210 of the direction of a line extending from the midpoint of the opening 210 to the midpoint of the interior 215 of the compartment in not vertical when the hydration system 100 is standing upright resting on its bottom 125. In one version, the non-vertical opening 300 is angled relative to the vertical direction by an angle of from about 20 degrees to about 90 degrees. In one particular version, the non-vertical opening 300 is a horizontal opening, i.e. it is angled at about 90 degrees relative to the vertical. This horizontal orientation of the compartment 205 offers several advantages over a vertical opening. For example, when the compartment 205 is located on the space portion 200 of the sleeve 110, the horizontal orientation allows easy access to the compartment 205. Also, the horizontally oriented compartment can provide additional security to for an item in a compartment 205 when compared to a vertically oriented compartment. With a vertically oriented compartment, tipping of the water bottle in any direction will lessen the effect of gravity on keeping the item in the compartment. In contrast, with a horizontally oriented compartment, tipping of the hydration system 100, such as to drink from it, will move the orientation towards the vertical direction thereby increasing the effect of gravity. Thus, an item will be in its most vulnerable position when the hydration system 100 is upright and then will be even more secure during the drinking process. If the item is secure when the hydration system 100 is upright, it is not going to become less secure when the hydration system 100 is tipped, assuming care is made to not tip the hydration system 100 in the wrong direction.

[0058] The hydration system 100 of the present invention may be provided with additional or alternative features. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, an electronics compartment 400 may be provided. In the version shown, the electronics compartment 4 is provided on the sleeve 110 on a side that is not associated with the space 175. In the particular version of FIG. 4, the electronics compartment is provided on the opposite side of the sleeve 110 from the space 175 and the space portion 200 of the sleeve 110. The electronics compartment 400 is sized and shaped to store an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or miniature computer. In the version shown, the electronics compartment 400 is vertically oriented and has a vertically oriented opening 405. An electronic device to be stored in the electronics compartment 400 is generally large enough that it extends around a significant portion of the circumference of the hydration system 100 which allows the outside portions of the electronics compartment 400 to place a large compressive force on the electronic device to help keep it in the electronics compartment 400. A second outer compartment 410 may optionally be provided to store additional items, such as ear pods, a charge cord, a data storage drive, and/or the like. A bottom opening 415 is provided at the bottom of the electronics compartment 400 so that a charge cord or other electronic cable may be conveniently attached to an electronic device that is being stored in the electronics compartment 400. The bottom opening can be any suitable size. In one version, the opening is about 0.5 inches wide. The version of FIG. 5 is similar to the version of FIG. 4 but with a securing strap 420 added to help keep the electronics device in the electronics compartment 400. The securing strap 420 can be equipped with Velcro, a snap, or the like. As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hydration system 100 can also and optionally include a handle 425 attached to the water bottle 105, such as at the cap 145 or dispensing system 135.

[0059] The hydration system 100 and its components can be made of any suitable material. The water bottle 105 needs to be made of a material capable of storing water or other liquid. For example, the water bottle may be composed of one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, a copolyester, polypropylene, a polyester such as PCTG, polycarbonate, glass, stainless steel, aluminum, any BFA-free plastic, and the like, and in one particular version is made of one or a combination of polyethylene terephthalate glycol and a copolyester, such as Tritan. The sleeve 110 and sleeve material 160 can be made of any material that protects, insulates, and/or changes the functionality or looks of the water bottle. For example, the sleeve 110 can be composed of one or more of Neoprene, leather, imitation leather, flannelette, nylon, plush or other cloth, wood, metal, stainless steel, aluminum, and the like, and in one particular version is made of neoprene.

[0060] FIGS. 6A through 6H illustrate the operation of a dispensing system 135 optionally useable with the hydration system 100 of the invention. FIG. 6A shows the dispensing system 135 is a closed position where no water will pour out of the water bottle hydration system 100. To open the dispensing system 135 of this version, a button 600 is depressed, as shown in FIG. 6B, to release a latch 605 that holds a lid 610 in a closed and downward position. When the latch 605 is released, the lid 610 which is pivotally attached to the other side of the dispensing system 135 and which is biased upward pops open as shown in FIG. 6B to the open position shown in FIG. 6C where a mouthpiece 615 becomes exposed. The mouthpiece 615 is in communication with the interior reservoir 150, and liquid from the interior reservoir 150 can flow through the mouthpiece 615 to provide hydration to a user. To close the dispensing system 135, pressure is applied to the top of the lid 610 to pivot the lid 610 towards the latch 605, as shown in FIG. 6D. Continued pressure will again latch the lid 610 in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 6E. Optionally, a locking member 620 can be provided as shown in FIG. 6F which shows the locking member 620 in an unlocking position. To move the locking member 620 to a locking position, the locking member 620 is pivoted upwardly, as shown in FIG. 6G until it is fully rotated as shown in FIG. 6F where it engages the latch 605 and prevents it from unlatching the lid 610.

[0061] FIGS. 7 through 9 show detailed views of a particular hydration system 100 according to one version of the invention.

[0062] While the space 175 is illustrated herein as being positioned between the main portion 165 and the handle portion 170 of the water bottle 150, it will be appreciated that one of the portions need not necessarily be larger than the other and one of the portions need not necessarily be a handle. Any space that has a portion of the water bottle on opposing sides of the space can serve as the space 175 of the hydration system as described. Examples of alternative hydration system 100 and/or space 175 shapes and sizes are shown in FIGS. 10A through 10D. As can be seen, the main portion 165 and the handle portion 170 are merely portions that are positioned on opposing sides of the space 175 and help to define the space 175 that can be at least partially hidden. The internal reservoir 150 can extend through both portions or only one. In another version, there can be more than two portions that define the space 175.

[0063] The hydration system 100 according to any version of the invention can also include any number of additional features. For example, the hydration system 100 on either the water bottle 105 or the sleeve 110 can have hooks for clips for attaching items such as a strap or keys. Additional Velcro, snaps, buttons, or the like can be used to secure at of the compartments 205 or other features.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible, and alterations, permutations and equivalents of the version shown will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. For example, the cooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional or fewer number, and all directional limitations, such as up and down and the like, can be switched, reversed, or changed as long as doing so is not prohibited by the language herein with regard to a particular version of the invention. Also, the various features of the versions herein can be combined in various ways to provide additional versions of the present invention. Furthermore, certain terminology has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the present invention. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term comprise and its variations such as comprises and comprising should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step but not the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term consisting of and consisting essentially of and their variations such as consists should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step and not the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps or any other non-essential elements, limitations, or steps, respectively. Throughout the specification, any discussed on a combination of elements, limitations, or steps should be understood to include a disclosure of additional elements, limitations, or steps and the disclosure of the exclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps. All numerical values, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure or prosecution, include either the exact value or approximations in the vicinity of the stated numerical values, such as for example about +/ten percent or as would be recognized by a person or ordinary skill in the art in the disclosed context. The same is true for the use of the terms such as about, substantially, and the like. Also, for any numerical ranges given, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure, during prosecution, or by being explicitly set forth in a claim, the ranges include either the exact range or approximations in the vicinity of the values at one or both of the ends of the range. When multiple ranges are provided, the disclosed ranges are intended to include any combinations of ends of the ranges with one another and including zero and infinity as possible ends of the ranges. Therefore, any appended or later filed claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein and should include all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.