WEARABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL WATER DISPENSING DEVICE FOR A PET

Abstract

An article that is wearable by a pet that is fitted to the pet in a secure manner including a bladder bag that is adapted to hold a fluid (e.g., water) and including a series of flexible tubing extending from the bladder bag through a series of valves and a pump and to a fluid dispensing receptacle connected to the flexible tubing. Selectively setting the valves to a first position allows for fluid to be pumped from the bladder bag to the fluid dispensing receptacle, and setting the valve to a second position allows for any remaining fluid to be pumped from the fluid dispensing receptable back to the bladder bag.

Claims

1. A fluid pumping system adapted to be worn by an animal via a harness, the system comprising: a bladder bag supported by the harness and adapted to be filled with a fluid; a valving system supported by the harness and including: a first one-way valve; a pump; a second one-way valve; a first flexible tubing connected at one end to the bladder bag and at another end to a first end of said valving system; a fluid dispensing receptacle; and a second flexible tubing connected at one end to a second end of said valving system and at another end to said fluid dispensing receptacle; wherein when said pump is actuated, fluid flows from the bladder bag through said valving system and to said fluid dispensing receptacle.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first one-way valve and said second one-way valve are reversable.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are each selectable to a first position and a second position, wherein when the first and second one-way valves are in the first position, actuation of the pump will cause fluid to be transferred from the bladder bag to the fluid dispensing receptacle, wherein when the first and second one-way valves are in the second position, actuation of the pump will cause fluid to be transferred from the fluid dispensing receptacle to the bladder bag.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve each comprise a handle that is rotatable between the first position and the second position.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve each comprise a ball valve with a one-way valve positioned within each ball valve.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said valving system further comprises: a third one-way valve; a fourth one-way valve; said pump is partitioned into a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is coupled to said first and second one-way valves and the second section is coupled to said third and fourth one-way valves; wherein when the first section of the pump is actuated, fluid flows from the bladder bag through said valving system and to said fluid dispensing receptacle; and wherein when the second section of the pump is actuated, fluid flows from the fluid dispensing receptacle through said valving system and to said bladder bag.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the harness comprises a detachable vest comprising at least one pocket for holding the bladder bag.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the vest comprises neoprene.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the bladder bag is detachably insertable into the pocket.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the pocket has an opening provided therein allowing the first flexible tubing to pass therethrough.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid dispensing receptable comprises a bowl that is affixed to the second flexible tubing.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the bowl is collapsible.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the bowl comprises silicon.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the bowl is attachable to an underside of the harness.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pump comprises a manually actuated bulb pump.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the pump comprises a biasing mechanism such that when the pump is collapsed, the biasing mechanism functions to return the bulb pump to its original shape prior to being collapsed such that a negative pressure is created inside the bulb pump to draw fluid into the bulb pump.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the biasing mechanism is caused by the material forming the pump such that when the pump is collapsed, the pump will act to return to its original shape.

18. A method of transferring a fluid in a fluid transfer system maintained in a harness supporting a bladder bag filled with the fluid comprising the steps of: detaching a fluid dispensing receptacle from the harness, the fluid dispensing receptacle connected to a valving system via a second flexible tubing; switching a first one-way valve associated with the valving system to a first position; switching a second one-way valve associated with the valving system to a first position; actuating a pump to cause fluid to transfer from the bladder bag through a first flexible tubing and through the first and second one-way valves via and into the fluid dispensing receptacle; switching the first one-way valve to a second position; switching the second one-way valve to a second position; and actuating the pump to cause fluid to transfer from the fluid dispensing receptacle into the bladder bag.

19. A method of transferring a fluid in a fluid transfer system maintained in a harness supporting a bladder bag filled with the fluid comprising the steps of: detaching a fluid dispensing receptacle from the harness, the fluid dispensing receptacle connected to a valving system via a second flexible tubing; actuating a first section of a pump to cause fluid to transfer from the bladder bag through a first flexible tubing, through a first and second one-way valve, through the second flexible tubing, and into the fluid dispensing receptacle; and actuating a second section of the pump to cause fluid to transfer from the fluid dispensing receptacle through a fourth flexible tubing, through a third and fourth one-way valve, through a third flexible tubing, and into the bladder bag.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the pump comprises a manually actuated bulb pump and the first section is internally portioned from the second section.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one configuration of the current invention showing a harness in the form of a vest to hold the fluid pumping system.

[0031] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the vest according to FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of one configuration of the fluid pumping system according to FIG. 1 showing fluid flowing from the bladder to the bowl.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the configuration of FIG. 3 showing fluid flowing from the bowl to the bladder.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of another configuration of the fluid pumping system according to FIG. 1 showing fluid flowing from the bladder to the bowl.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the configuration of FIG. 5 showing fluid flowing from the bowl to the bladder.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the bladder bag removed from the zipper compartment with a detachable flexible tube according to FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a collapsible bowl in an expanded position according to FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a collapsible bowl in a collapsed position according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views. FIG. 1 depicts a top view of one configuration of the invention where the fluid pumping system 100 is positioned in a harness, which in this configuration comprises a vest 102 that can be worn by an animal (e.g., a dog).

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, vest 102 may comprise an upper portion 104 that would generally sit on top of the animal's back and around its sides, and a lower portion 106 that would extend under the animal's belly. The vest securing mechanism may comprise multiple detachable connections that may comprise, for example, hook and loop fasteners. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hook fasteners 103, 105 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are connectable with the loop fasteners 107, 109. In the configuration illustrated, the hook fasteners 103, 105 extend around both sides of the loop fasteners 107, 109 effectively sandwiching them to provide a secure connection that can be snug and tight to the animal's body.

[0041] Additionally, vest 102 may be provided with hook and loop fasteners running along a center portion 111 of the vest on the top of the animal's back. For example, an overlapping section 115 is provided to extend over and lay flat against an upper section 117. This will allow for adjustment of vest 102 to fit snug against the animal's body.

[0042] The system 100 includes a collapsible container(s) of water or other liquid stored within a flexible vest/harness 102 that is removably secured between the shoulders and/or the upper torso of the animal fitting snug as to not slap the animal while the animal walks or runs.

[0043] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, there are two compartments shown each having an opening mechanism 182, which in this configuration comprises a zipper and shown in more detail in connection with FIG. 7. Each of the compartments is adapted to receive a bladder bag that is capable of holding a liquid. A fluid pumping system 100, which will be discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS. 3-6 may be positioned within vest 102, for example, along the center portion 111 of the vest on the top of the animal's back. The various handles that can be adjusted and discussed below, may be fitted into vest 102 such that they are easily accessible from the exterior of the vest in area 111. Additionally, the various flexible tubing may extend within the interior of the vest 102, or may extend through various openings (e.g., opening 184).

[0044] A water containment receptacle 128 having a flexible tube 130 connected to it, may be attachable to the vest 102. In one configuration, the water containment receptacle 128 is provided in the form of a bowl and may be positioned in a mesh compartment 113 provided on the exterior of vest 102 as shown for easy access and secure holding with not in use. In other configurations, the bowl may be attachable to the exterior of vest 102 via an attachment mechanism as illustrated in FIGS. 8 & 9.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid pumping system 100 comprises a first bladder bag (fluid container) 110 and a second bladder bag 112 connected by a flexible tubing 114. It is contemplated that the first and second bladder bags will generally sit on the sides and upper back of the animal while being transported. The bladder bags are in fluid communication with each other to act as one large fluid reservoir. A flexible tube 116 extends from the second bladder bag 112 to a first valve 118. A flexible tube extends from the first valve 118 to a pump 120 via a flexible tube 122. The pump 120 is connected to a second valve 124 via a flexible tube 126. The second valve 124 is in turn, connected to the water containment receptacle 128 via a flexible tube 130.

[0046] First valve 118 and second valve 124 are provided as ball valves. In addition to being constructed as ball valves, each of the valves is provided with an internal one-way valve 132, 134 in the first and second valves 118, 124 respectively. The one-way valves 132, 134 function to allow fluid to flow in one direction, but not flow backward in the opposite direction.

[0047] The fluid pumping system 100 functions as follows. The pump 120 is provided as a bulb pump that causes an internal displacement of any fluid in the internal space of the pump 120 when depressed and creates a negative pressure within the internal space of the pump 120 when it expands back to its resting shape. The pump comprises a biasing mechanism that biases the pump back toward its resting shape. This can be achieved by selecting a material that is sturdy and will readily resume its original shape when an external pressure collapsing it is removed. The selection of the material can provide a very resilient structure that will exert a relatively strong negative force to draw fluid into the pump when expanding to its resting shape. Alternatively, an internal biasing member could be used in conjunction with the resilient material that can exert an outward pressure on the inner walls of the pump 120.

[0048] When the valves 118, 124 are positioned in a first position as indicated in FIG. 3 and pump is actuated (collapsed), any fluid within the pump 120 will be displaced toward water containment receptacle 128 being prevented by the one-way valve 132 from traveling back into the first and a second bladder bags 110, 112. If no fluid is in the pump, then air is simply displaced. When the pump expands back to its original shape, this will function to create a negative pressure within the pump 120 where that negative pressure is transmitted to the first and a second bladder bags 110, 112. Fluid within the first and a second bladder bags 110, 112 is then drawn through the flexible tubes 114, 116, through the first valve 118 (through the one-way valve 132) and flexible tube 122 into the internal space of pump 120. When the pump is depressed again, the fluid that was drawn into the internal space of pump 120 is ejected outward. The only path for the fluid to take is through flexible tube 126 through valve 124 (through one-way valve 134), and through flexible tube 130 into water containment receptacle 128. This functions to deposit fluid (water) into the water containment receptacle 128, which may comprise in one configuration, a bowl for an animal to drink from.

[0049] When the animal has had enough water to drink, any excess in the water containment receptacle 128 does not need to be wasted but can be pumped back into the first and a second bladder bags 110, 112 as described in connection with FIG. 4.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4, when it is desired to pump water remaining in the water containment receptacle 128 back into the first and a second bladder bags 110, 112, the user must first change the positions of the first and second valves 118, 124 from the first position (shown in FIG. 3) to the second position (shown in FIG. 4) by changing the positions of handles 119, 121. This effectively reverses the one-way valves 132, 134 within each of the first and second valves 118, 124 respectively. Additionally, the handles 119, 121 for valves 118, 124 could be linked such that turning one automatically turns the other. For example, a single handle could be provided that could be switched between a fill bowl and water return setting.

[0051] At this point, the system functions similarly as described in connection with FIG. 3, however, the fluid is only allowed to travel toward the first and a second bladder bags 110, 112. In this way, any excess water left over in the bowl after the animal has finished drinking can be pumped back into the bladder bags with no spilling. Additionally, the system can function without vest 102 being removed from the animal reducing the amount of time needed to stop to allow the animal to drink.

[0052] Once the water has been returned to the first and second bladder bags 110, 112, the bowl can be stowed on the exterior of the vest 102 quickly and easily to allow immediate resumption of activities.

[0053] It should be noted that, while various functions and methods have been described and presented in a sequence of steps, the sequence has been provided merely as an illustration of one advantageous embodiment, and that it is not necessary to perform these functions in the specific order illustrated. It is further contemplated that any of these steps may be moved and/or combined relative to any of the other steps. In addition, it is still further contemplated that it may be advantageous, depending upon the application, to utilize all or any portion of the functions described herein.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another configuration for system 100 is depicted. In this configuration, the pump 120 is partitioned into a first pump section 136 and a second pump section 138. The first pump section 136 is associated with a first pumping line 140 that functions to allow fluid to be transferred from the first and second bladder bags 110, 112 to the water containment receptacle 128.

[0055] In this configuration, the one-way valves 132, 134 are not reversible. In other words, they only ever allow flow of fluid from the first and second bladder bags 110, 112 toward the water containment receptacle 128.

[0056] One difference in this configuration is that valve 118 comprises a shutoff handle 142 such that when the handle is turned from the first position (shown in FIG. 5) to the second position (shown in FIG. 6), fluid will be prevented from passing through the valve 118. Another difference is the T-connector that connects flexible tube 130 with flexible tube 146 that extends toward the water containment receptacle 128.

[0057] The configuration of FIG. 5 functions similar to the configuration described in connection with FIG. 3 where actuation of the pump 120, in particular, the first section 136, causes fluid to be transferred from the first and second bladder bags 110, 112 to the water containment receptacle 128.

[0058] Turning now to FIG. 6, a description of the second pumping line 144 is provided. A flexible tube 148 connects at one end to the T-connector that extends towards the water containment receptacle 128 and at another end to valve 150. A flexible tube 152 connects from the valve 150 to the second section 138 of pump 120, while a flexible tube 154 connects from the second section 138 of pump 120 to a valve 156. Finally, a flexible tube 158 connects between valve 156 and first bladder bag 112.

[0059] Valves 150, 156 are each provided with one-way valves 160, 162 that are provided internal to valves 150, 156 respectively. Additionally, a shutoff handle 164 that, when moved the position shown in FIG. 6 will allow fluid to pass through the valve 156.

[0060] In function, the system in FIG. 6 functions similarly to that shown in FIG. 4 namely fluid is transferred from the water containment receptacle 128 to the first and second bladder bags 110, 112.

[0061] While four valves 118, 124, 150, 156 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is contemplated that only two valves need to be used. For example, valves 124, 150 could be eliminated such that only valves 118, 156 are used. The system would function similarly to that previously described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. Additionally, a T-connection could be used to join flexible tubes 116, 158 into a common tube prior to connecting to the first and second bladder bags 110, 112. Still further, the shutoff handles 142, 164 for valves 118, 156 could be linked such that turning one automatically turns the other. For example, a single handle could be provided that could be switched between a fill bowl and water return setting.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 7, the detachable nature of the bladder bag 110 is illustrated. For example, bladder bag 110 is illustrated as removed from pocket 180 that is in the side of vest 102. Pocket 180 is illustrated by the dashed line indicating the internal size of pocket 180. Pocket 180 may be accessible via an opening mechanism 182, which in this illustration comprises a zipper. However, it is contemplated that virtually any type of opening mechanism could be used, including, for example, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or any suitable mechanism.

[0063] Also shown on the side of vest 102 is an opening 184, that is provided to allow for flexible tube 118 to pass through. It is contemplated that flexible tube 118 may be detachable from bladder bag 110 via a connector 186, 188 that could comprise any type of suitable connector allowing for a secure connection. It is contemplated that a connector 190 can be provided at the other end of flexible tube 118 allowing the conduit to be removed and cleaned or replaced as needed. Additionally, it is contemplated that any of the flexible tubes described herein can be detachable for east of cleaning and/or replacement including the flexible tubes extending between the bladder bags 110, 112.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the water containment receptacle 128 is illustrated. The water containment receptacle 128 is provided in the form of a collapsible bowl where FIG. 8 shows the bowl expanded and FIG. 9 shows the bowl collapsed. The bowl may comprise a lightweight plastic material having an upper lip 192 and an expandable body portion 194. The upper lip 192 may further be provided with a connecting mechanism 196 that facilitates the bowl to be fastened to the vest 102 but allowing for quick and easy removal for use. In the example shown, the mechanism comprises a clip, however, it is contemplated that many different types of mechanisms could effectively be utilized to secure the water containment receptacle 128 to the vest. For example, a mesh pocket could be formed on the exterior of vest 102 to hold the water containment receptacle 128 and a portion of the flexible tubing 130.

[0065] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.