SOFT TOY HYDRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A soft toy hydration system for incentivizing hydration, the system including a liquid container, such as a removable bottle, and a soft outer sleeve configured to envelop the container, the sleeve including an outer fleecy skin layer shaped into a decorative form attractive to children, such as a stylized animal or beverage, where a drinking outlet from the container, such as a straw, protrudes through an upper aperture in the sleeve for access, where the sleeve may further include a closable access opening, such as a zipper, to facilitate removal of the container for cleaning or refilling.

Claims

1. A hydration system comprising: a liquid container for holding a liquid, the liquid container comprising a container body and a mouth section with a drinking outlet; and a soft outer sleeve configured to removably receive and envelop the container body, the sleeve comprising an outer fleecy skin layer shaped into a decorative form, and an upper aperture through which the mouth section of the liquid container protrudes.

2. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the soft outer sleeve further comprises a fluffy filling layer disposed within the outer fleecy skin layer to enhance softness.

3. The hydration system of claim 2, wherein the filling layer provides thermal insulation to maintain the temperature of the liquid within the liquid container.

4. The hydration system of claim 3, wherein the thermal insulation further comprises a reflective layer configured to inhibit thermal transfer by radiation.

5. The hydration system of claim 2, wherein the fluffy filling layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of foam, polyester fiberfill, wool roving, bamboo fiber, corn fiber, soy fiber, recycled fabric scraps, shredded paper, and a granular filling.

6. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the liquid container is a bottle.

7. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the drinking outlet comprises a straw.

8. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the drinking outlet is part of a closable drinking aperture comprising a hinged access flap.

9. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the decorative form resembles a stylized beverage, a fruit, an animal, or a character.

10. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the outer fleecy skin layer comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of felt, fleece, suede, cotton, fur, faux fur, mink fabric, polyester, and velvet.

11. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the soft outer sleeve further comprises a closable access opening to facilitate insertion and removal of the liquid container.

12. The hydration system of claim 11, wherein the closable access opening comprises a fastening system selected from the group consisting of a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, buttons, and a hook-and-eye lock.

13. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the soft outer sleeve comprises a separable head section which, when removed, provides access to the liquid container.

14. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the mouth section of the liquid container comprises a detachable and exchangeable decorative head cap.

15. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the soft outer sleeve or a portion of the liquid container is imbued with a pleasant odor.

16. The hydration system of claim 1, further comprising a carrying element attached to the soft outer sleeve or the mouth section of the liquid container.

17. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the soft outer sleeve further comprises a stabilization element on its bottom surface.

18. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the soft outer sleeve includes a pressable stress-relief feature.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a better understanding of the embodiments and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of selected embodiments only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the various selected embodiments may be put into practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing selected elements of a soft toy type hydration system according to a first embodiment of the current invention;

[0025] FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of a possible soft toy type hydration system for incentivizing children to hydrate according to a second embodiment of the hydration system;

[0026] FIG. 2B is a schematic cut-away representation of the second embodiment of the hydration system cut away to reveal the inner layers;

[0027] FIG. 3A schematically represents a rear view of a third embodiment of the hydration system in closed configuration;

[0028] FIG. 3B schematically represents the rear side of a third embodiment of the hydration system in open configuration;

[0029] FIG. 4A schematically represents a top view of a fourth embodiment of the hydration system in closed configuration;

[0030] FIG. 4B schematically represents the top view of a fourth embodiment of the hydration system in open configuration;

[0031] FIG. 5A schematically represents a top view of a fifth embodiment of the hydration system in closed configuration;

[0032] FIG. 5B schematically represents the top view of a fifth embodiment of the hydration system in open configuration;

[0033] FIG. 6A illustrates a first embodiment of a reservoir chamber insert for use with embodiments of the hydration system;

[0034] FIG. 6B illustrates a second embodiment of a reservoir chamber insert for use with embodiments of the hydration system;

[0035] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a further embodiment of the soft toy hydration including a removable head;

[0036] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram representing elements of a container system incorporating a drinking straw;

[0037] FIG. 8B is a cross-section representation of a container system incorporating a drinking straw;

[0038] FIG. 8C is a schematic cut-away representation of a soft toy hydration system, showing a liquid container disposed within a soft outer sleeve; and

[0039] FIG. 8D is an external view of the hydration system of FIG. 8C, illustrating the decorative form of the soft outer sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present disclosure relates generally to a hydration system, and more particularly to a soft toy type hydration system which may incentivize children and other users to drink. The system as a whole is presents an item soft enough to be hugged like a soft toy, combining the utility of a beverage container with the comforting and attractive features of a soft object or a toy.

[0041] The hydration system comprises a liquid container configured to contain fluids therewithin. In certain embodiments, the container may be constructed from a material such as stainless steel. In other embodiments, alternative materials such as plastic, glass, ceramic, or combinations thereof may be used. Where appropriate, the container may include an insulation layer between an inner layer and an outer layer to help maintain the temperature of the liquid. The container typically serves as a removable insert, such as a bottle insert, which can be easily placed within and removed from an outer covering.

[0042] Surrounding the liquid container is a soft outer sleeve. This sleeve is formed from an outer fleecy skin layer that has a size and shape selected such that the hydration system has a soft-toy form attractive to children. This attractive form may be a stylized animal, a non-living being, or another decorative form. The fleecy skin may be made from at least one material selected from felt, fleece, suede, faux suede, cotton, fur, faux fur, mink fabric, polyester, velvet, wool, and combinations thereof.

[0043] To enhance the softness and attractiveness of the toy, the soft outer sleeve may further comprise a fluffy filling layer disposed between the outer fleecy skin and the liquid container. This filling layer may comprise at least one stuffing material selected from foam, polyester fiberfill, wool roving, bamboo fiber, corn fiber, soy fiber, recycled fabric scraps, or shredded paper. Additionally or alternatively, the filling may be a granular filling, such as a beanbag filling.

[0044] The filling layer may further serve to prevent thermal conductivity and to maintain the required temperature of the liquid within the reservoir chamber. Where required, additional temperature maintaining elements may be included. For example, shiny, white, or metallic layers may be provided to reflect radiated heat, thereby inhibiting thermal transfer to or from the contents of the container.

[0045] The liquid container is introduced into the outer skin of the soft toy. This may be done through an upper aperture, or through a closable access opening which may be provided at the back, top, or bottom of the toy. Where required, the access opening may include a fastening system such as a zipper, hook-and-eye locking, buttons, or a hook-and-loop fastener to ensure the interior of the toy is not accessible during normal use. In another embodiment, the system may include a separable soft head section which may be removed to open and access the liquid container therewithin.

[0046] A drinking nozzle protrudes from the assembled system to provide an access channel to the liquid stored within. The drinking nozzle may be an outlet of various types, such as a simple opening, a spout, a straw, a closable mouthpiece, a spigot, a faucet, a cock, or a beak. The nozzle may include a closure, such as a sealing element, for preventing liquid from escaping when no one is drinking therefrom. In some embodiments, the nozzle is part of a closable drinking aperture which includes an access flap, which may be hinged.

[0047] To enhance utility and appeal, the hydration system may incorporate further elements. To make the container more stable, a stabilization element, such as a gripping ring with a high coefficient of friction, may be included on its bottom surface. For portability, the system may comprise an attachment element such as a carrying handle or a hanger for connecting the system to school bags, back packs, or the like. In other embodiments, the system, or a detachable head cap portion thereof, may be formed from a soft flexible material and may be imbued with a pleasant odor. Furthermore, the system may include a functional attractive feature, such as a toy or a pressable stress-relief element.

[0048] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0049] It is particularly noted that the systems and methods of the disclosure herein may not be limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings and examples. The systems and methods of the disclosure may be capable of other embodiments, or of being practiced and carried out in various ways and technologies.

[0050] Alternative methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the disclosure. Nevertheless, particular methods and materials described herein for illustrative purposes only. The materials, methods, and examples not intended to be necessarily limiting. Accordingly, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods may be performed in an order different from described, and that various steps may be added, omitted or combined. In addition, aspects and components described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments.

[0051] Reference is now made to the block diagram of FIG. 1 which schematically represents elements of a soft toy type hydration system 100 according to a first embodiment of the current invention.

[0052] The general hydration system includes an internal reservoir chamber 120 configured to hold liquids therewithin. The reservoir chamber 120 is contained by a watertight wall 140 such that the liquid within the reservoir does not leak into the surrounding layers of the soft toy.

[0053] It is a particular feature of embodiments of the soft toy hydration systems that the watertight wall 140 is formed of a material selected for its pliability such that when the soft toy is squeezed the reservoir chamber 120 does not impede the movement of the outer layers. Accordingly the hydration system as a whole provides an item soft enough to be hugged like a soft toy.

[0054] The outer layer of the soft toy hydration system typically consists of a fleecy skin layer 180 or other such material selected for its attractiveness to children or other users as required. It is noted that the size and shape of the fleecy skin layer 180 are selected to form an attractive form, such as a stylized animal or the like.

[0055] Various examples of materials may be used for the fleecy skin 180 of the soft toy hydration system. These may include felt, fleece, suede, faux suede, cotton, fur, faux fur, minky fabric, polyester, velvet, wool and the like.

[0056] Furthermore, the dimensions of the outer fleecy skin layer 180 of the hydration system are larger than the watertight walls of the reservoir chamber 120 such that an inner space is formed within the soft toy which is typically filled with a fluffy filling 160 selected to enhance the softness and attractiveness of the toy.

[0057] Various examples of stuffing may be used for the soft toy hydration system such as foam, polyester fiberfill, wool roving, bamboo fiber, corn fiber, soy fiber, recycled fabric scraps, shredded paper, nylons, repurposed plastic bags or the like. Alternatively the stuffing may be a beanbag filling, sand filled or other such granular filling.

[0058] It is a particular feature of the hydration system 100 that a drinking nozzle 190 may protrude from the outer skin 180 of the toy and provide an access channel 170 to the liquid reservoir therein through which the liquid may be drunk. Where required the nozzle 190 may include a closure 192 such as a sealing element or the like for preventing liquid from the nozzle when no one is drinking therefrom.

[0059] The drinking nozzle 190 may be an outlet of various types such as a simple opening, a spout, a straw, a closable mouthpiece, a spigot, a faucet, a cock, a beak, a lip or the like.

[0060] It is noted that the filling layer typically includes trapped air insulating materials such as foam, wool, fabrics and the like which are both soft and also thermal insulators. Accordingly, the filling layer may further serve to prevent thermal conductivity and to maintain the required temperature of the liquid within the reservoir chamber.

[0061] Where required, additional temperature maintaining elements may be included such as thermal insulation layers, radiation inhibitors and convection prevention elements and the like. For example shiny, white or metallic layers may be provided to reflect radiated heat back into the direction from which it comes thereby inhibiting thermal transfer to or from the contents of the reservoir chamber. In certain embodiments, metallic coatings such as Aluminum foil or the like, may be applied to the inner surface or outer surface of the watertight wall to reduce radiation of heat loss from the reservoir or heat transfer to the reservoir.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 2A which schematically represents of a possible soft toy type hydration system 200 for incentivizing children to hydrate according to a second embodiment of the hydration system. The embodiment has the form of a fleecy doll in the stylized shape of a bear. The soft toy is characterized by the addition of a drinking nozzle 290 protruding from its head through which a liquid contained within may be drunk.

[0063] With further reference to FIG. 2B a schematic cut-away representation is shown of the soft toy 200 type hydration system of the second embodiment of the hydration system. The illustration has cut away the outer layers to reveal the internal reservoir chamber 220 containing liquid as well as a fluffy filling 260 between the reservoir walls 240 and the skin layer 280.

[0064] The reservoir chamber 220 of the hydration system may be accessed for refilling via an opening therewithin. For example according to some embodiments, the drinking nozzle may be opened to provide access to the reservoir chamber for refilling in situ. Additionally or alternatively an additional access opening may be provided for the reservoir chamber, such as a an openable lid to provide a larger access point for filling the reservoir. Accordingly, various embodiments of the hydration system may include watertight sealable openings in the skin layer for accessing the reservoir chamber.

[0065] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically represents a rear view of an openable hydration toy system 300 which provides access to the insides of the toy via a closable access opening 310 at the back of the toy. FIG. 3A illustrates the rear view of the embodiment in a closed configuration and FIG. 3B illustrates the rear view of the embodiment in an open configuration such that the interior of the toy is accessible. Where required the access opening may include a fastening system such as a zipper, hook-and-eye locking, buttons, Velcro or the like as suit requirements.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the access opening 410 may be provided in other parts of the system. For example in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B a top view of an openable hydration toy system 400 is illustrated which provides access to the insides of the toy via a closable access opening 410 at the top of the toy. FIG. 4A illustrates the rear view of the embodiment in a closed configuration and FIG. 4B illustrates the rear view of the embodiment in an open configuration such that the interior of the toy is accessible. As another example in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B a rear view of an openable hydration toy system 500 is illustrated which provides access to the insides of the toy via a closable access opening 510 at the bottom of the toy. FIG. 5A illustrates the rear view of the embodiment in a closed configuration and FIG. 5B illustrates the rear view of the embodiment in an open configuration such that the interior of the toy is accessible. Still other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art.

[0067] According to certain embodiments, the reservoir chamber may comprise an insert unit which may be removable. Such an insert may be usefully removed from the hydration system in order to be refilled. This may have the benefit of preventing the outer material of the hydration system body from being wettened by spillage during the refilling. The insert may then be dried down and returned full of liquid to the system through an opening in the skin layer.

[0068] FIG. 6A illustrates a first embodiment of a reservoir chamber insert 600A for use with embodiments of the hydration system. The first embodiment of the reservoir chamber insert 600A is a pliable waterproof bag such as a flexible plastic container or the like having a removable top 630A including the drinking nozzle 690A. The top 630A may be removed such that the insert may be filled with water. The filled insert may be introduced into the outer skin of the soft toy hydration skin such that nozzle 690A protrudes therefrom. The pliability of the soft insert allows the soft toy hydration system to be comfortably hugged by a user.

[0069] FIG. 6B illustrates a second embodiment of a reservoir chamber insert for use with embodiments of the hydration system. The second embodiment of the reservoir chamber insert 600B is a bottle having a lid 630B incorporating the drinking nozzle 690B. The bottle insert 600B may be removed from the system skin, the lid 630B may be removed and the insert filled. The filled bottle insert may then be reintroduced into the outer skin of the soft toy hydration skin such that nozzle 690B protrudes therefrom. In particular embodiments, the bottle insert may be formed of pliable material flexible enough not to present an obstruction to the soft toy being hugged.

[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a further embodiment of the soft toy hydration system 700 may include a separatable soft head 730 which may be removed to open the reservoir chamber 720 and then resealed to seal the liquid therein. Still other systems will occur to those skilled in the art.

[0071] With reference now to FIG. 8A, another embodiment of a container system 800 is shown which has a drinking straw accessible when the container is open but configured to fit within the container system when the system is closed. The system 800 includes a container 802, a sealing cap 804, a straw 806 and a straw retention mechanism 808. The sealing cap 804 includes a recess 810 therewithin provided to house the protruding section of the drinking straw 806 when the container 802 is sealed with the sealing cap 804. FIG. 8B represents a cross-section view of a container system 800', wherein the straw has a lower section 814 extending into the bottom of the container 812 and an upper section 816 protruding upwards therefrom. The upper section of the straw includes a straw retention mechanism configured to rest upon an inner ledge around the inside of the neck of the container.

[0072] FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate a further embodiment of the hydration system wherein a liquid container 812 is removably received within a soft outer sleeve 880. FIG. 8C is a schematic cut-away representation showing the liquid container 812, which serves as a removable insert, placed inside the soft outer sleeve 880. The liquid container 812 includes a straw comprising a lower section 814 and an upper section 816, held in place by a straw retention mechanism 808. FIG. 8D illustrates the external view of the assembled system, wherein the soft outer sleeve 880 comprises an outer fleecy skin layer shaped into a decorative form. The upper section of the straw 816 protrudes through an upper aperture in the soft outer sleeve, providing an access channel to the liquid stored within the container. Where required, the combination of the liquid container and the soft outer sleeve may present an item soft enough to be hugged like a soft toy.

[0073] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0074] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that other alternatives, modifications, variations and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, variations and equivalents that fall within the spirit of the invention and the broad scope of the appended claims. Additionally, the various embodiments set forth hereinabove are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, a block diagram and the accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture, layout or configuration.

[0075] The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0077] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0078] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term or is generally employed in its sense including and/or unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.