AU3201099A - Liquid dispenser and method of dispensing - Google Patents

Description

WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -1 LIQUID DISPENSER AND METHOD OF DISPENSING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention generally concerns the field of liquid dispensers and exercise devices incorporating same. More particularly, the invention concerns a liquid 5 dispenser securable about the limb of a user for storing and dispensing a liquid as desired, and preferably automatically storing and dispensing the liquid. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various weight training and water dispensing devices exist in the art. However, these devices have several disadvantages. Often the devices are intended 10 for only one purpose and are accordingly constructed as such which prevents their use in other ways. For example, some flexible liquid wrist mounted training devices exist in the art. Of these known these devices, all have constructions directed to preventing the sloshing of liquid therein by providing various means internally of the liquid chamber. Further, such devices do not address how to maintain the liquid training 15 device in a secure position about the limb of the user when dispensing liquid during use, without having to adjust the positioning of the whole device. Still further, such devices are not designed to dispense liquid during continuous use, nor dispense liquid automatically. Other devices exist that are more directed to dispensing a liquid during use of 20 the device. Again, however, these devices have several short comings. Often, these devices are hand held which has obvious disadvantages for use during exercising or if one has little hand strength. Also, these devices are not designed to dispense liquid automatically. Still further, these devices do not address how to continuously and automatically maintain the liquid in a secure position within the device to prevent 25 undesirable sloshing when dispensing liquid during use and after the device is less than completely full to capacity with the liquid. Accordingly, a liquid dispenser is needed that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior weight training and water dispensing devices. In particular, a dispenser is WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -2 needed that is adaptable for use as an exercise device and also enables a drinkable liquid to be dispensed during use, and preferably automatically. Further, a dispenser is needed that maintains itself in a secure position about the limb of the user when dispensing liquid during use, without having to adjust the positioning of the whole 5 device. Still further, a dispenser is needed whereby the liquid within the dispenser is continuously and automatically maintained in a secure position within the dispenser to prevent undesirable sloshing when dispensing liquid during use and after the dispenser is less than completely full to capacity with the liquid. The devices disclosed in the prior patents and known to me do not offer the 10 flexibility and inventive features of the liquid dispenser and method of dispensing a liquid. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the features of the present invention differs from those previously proposed and overcome the disadvantages of the prior devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 15 According to the present invention there is provided a liquid dispenser securable about a user's limb for storing and dispensing a liquid. The dispenser comprises a sized flexible strap adapted to engage an outer surface of the limb. A flexible pouch is joined with the strap. A chamber is housed within the pouch. A liquid impervious liner surrounds the chamber and liquid can be stored within the 20 chamber. A dispensing nipple extends through the pouch and is in fluid flow communication with the chamber. The nipple is operable between a closed position whereby the liquid is sealed within the chamber and an open position whereby the liquid can be communicated to and from the chamber. Other features of the invention concern a method for dispensing a liquid from 25 a liquid dispenser locatable about a limb of a user. The method preferably comprises the steps of: creating a substantially continuous positive pressure within the chamber; and, dispensing the liquid from the chamber by opening the nipple, wherein the pressure within the chamber automatically dispenses the liquid when the nipple is open.

WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -3 According to other features of the invention there is also provided a dispenser structure and method that, preferably, can maintain a substantially continuous positive pressure within the chamber, can be constructed with materials having particular operational characteristics, can be particularly configured to enhance use of the same 5 and can serve dual thirst relief and exercise training purposes. In accordance with the following, it is an advantage of the present invention to store and dispense a liquid from a dispenser that is adaptable for use as an exercise device and also enables a drinkable liquid to be dispensed during use, and preferably automatically. 10 A further advantage is to store and dispenses a liquid from a dispenser that maintains itself in a secure position about the limb of the user when dispensing liquid during use, and preferably automatically, without having to adjust the positioning of the device. A still further advantage is to store and dispense a liquid from a dispenser 15 wherein the liquid within the dispenser is continuously and automatically maintained in a secure position within the dispenser to prevent undesirable sloshing when dispensing liquid during use and after the dispenser is less than completely full to capacity with the liquid. Yet a further advantage is to store and dispense a liquid in and from a 20 dispenser that keeps the user's hands free and that can be used by people of all ages, in exercise and non-exercise environments alike. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent upon reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with 25 the accompanying drawings, which drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention.

WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -4 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispenser secured about a user's wrist and substantially filled with a liquid, in accordance with the features of the invention. FIG. 2 is partial cross-sectional side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1, here laid 5 flat. FIG. 3 is top view of the dispenser of FIG. 1, here laid flat. FIG. 4 is partial cross-sectional side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1, here laid flat and only partially filled with the liquid. FIG. 5 is partial cross-sectional side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1, here laid 10 flat and nearly empty of the liquid. FIG. 6 is partial cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a dispenser removably secured to a strap which is securable about a user's wrist and is here substantially filled with a liquid and laid flat, in accordance with the features of the invention. 15 FIG. 7 is top view of the dispenser of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of the dispenser of FIG. 2, taken along the line 8-8. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the dispenser of FIG. 4, taken along the line 9-9. 20 FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a nipple in a closed position for the various embodiments of dispensers, in accordance with the features of the invention.

WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -5 FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an alternate nipple in a closed position for the various embodiments of dispensers, in accordance with the features of the invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the nipple of FIG. 10, here 5 in an open position. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the nipple of FIG. 11, here in an open position. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a filling nozzle, in accordance with the features of the invention. 10 FIG. 15 is partial cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a dispenser similar to that of FIG 1, here shown laid flat and including a weight member connectable with the strap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1-5 for example, the invention 15 comprises a liquid dispenser 10 securable about a user's limb 12 for storing and dispensing a liquid 14. The liquid may comprise any flowable liquid but is preferably water, a sports drink or the like which the user desires to store at a first time and then dispense for drinking at a later time. The liquid dispenser 10 includes a sized flexible strap 16 adapted to engage an 20 outer surface 18 of the limb 12. Although the strap is flexible, it is preferably made of a non-stretchy/non-elastic material, such as a conventional nylon-type strap that does not substantially increase in length when stretched. However, it is conceivable that a stretchy/elastic material could be utilized, but that as such, the desirable feature of a more universal type strap which is possible with a non-stretchy/non-elastic material 25 would be compromised. In spite of this potentially compromised feature though, such a device with a stretchy/elastic material strap is within the scope of the invention.

WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -6 A flexible pouch 20 is joined with the strap 16. A chamber 22 is housed within the pouch. A liquid impervious liner 24 surrounds the chamber and enables the liquid to be stored within the chamber without leaking out. A dispensing nipple 32 extends through the pouch and is in fluid flow communication with the chamber. The 5 nipple is operable between a closed position 34 (FIGS. 10 and 11) and an open position 36 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The liquid is substantially sealed within the chamber when the nipple is in the closed position (FIGS. 10 and 11). However, liquid can be communicated to and from the chamber when the nipple is in the open position (FIGS. 12 and 13). The open position comprises any range of positions where a sealing flap 10 44 is not engaged against a sealing seat 45. Liquid is preferably communicated to the chamber via a filling nozzle 38, however, other means may be used as desired. The nozzle is preferably sized at one end to be large enough to fit over and sealingly engage a liquid source (e.g., a conventional faucet tap, a beverage bottle, etc.) and at a second end to be sized to sealingly fit within a communicating channel 48 of the 15 nipple. In this way, the nozzle can supply a flow of pressurized liquid to the chamber, for reasons hereinafter discussed. The pouch is preferably constructed of a stretchy/elastic material. For example, depending on the features desired as hereinafter discussed, the pouch may comprise a material like that of an ACE M bandage, a rubber or synthetic rubber 20 material, a composite material having the desired stretchy/elastic characteristic or the like. In particular, the pouch preferably has the ability to expand in size, and the chamber 22 therein in volume, in response to receiving the liquid and then automatically shrink in size, and volume, when the liquid is dispensed whereby the pouch can return to its pre-liquid containing condition or at rest position when all 25 liquid is dispensed. In this way, such a pouch can supply a force exerted on a periphery of the chamber in a substantially radial inward direction 30 whenever the pouch is stretch from its at rest position. Such a construction can also provide a pouch wherein the force maintains a substantially continuous positive pressure, and preferably a pressure at least as great as 30 atmospheric pressure, within the chamber whenever the pouch is stretched from its at WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -7 rest position. In this way, liquid can be automatically dispensed from the chamber whenever the nipple is in the open position and there is liquid within the chamber. If the pressure within the chamber is less than atmospheric, the invention can still be practiced when the nipple is open. However, one must exert a pressure on the pouch 5 to thereby create a greater positive pressure within the chamber, suck the liquid from the chamber, or use some similar means to dispense the liquid. In another embodiment of the invention, the desired forces may be exerted on the pouch by use of a stretchy/elastic strap 16 with a non-stretchy/non-elastic pouch or a stretchy/elastic pouch. For a dispenser constructed in this way, the strap will have to 10 be particularly sized to particular lengths in combination with the stretch and elasticity characteristics of the pouch. Although this means for constructing a dispenser is quite possible and readily determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art, it is not presently the preferred way to practice the invention. Concerning the chamber, it preferably comprises a single chamber, as 15 depicted. With a single chamber, when dispensing liquid the radial pressure exerted by the pouch will be substantially uniform, the pouch will shrink at a substantially uniform rate and liquid can be readily dispensed more uniformly. Additionally, with the single chamber the remaining liquid can be securely maintained about the user's wrist although the volume within the chamber has decreased. Further in this regard, 20 the chamber preferably has a substantially continuously smooth chamber wall, as opposed to a wall with ridges, sub-chambers or other protrusions extending inwardly from the chamber wall. Again, this further assists in the uniform dispensing of liquid and to securely maintain the dispenser 10 about the user's wrist although the volume within the chamber has decreased. In summary, these preferred features contribute to 25 providing a stable and secure liquid mass about the user's wrist even as the volume changes, and without having to adjust the strap 16 to securely maintain the dispenser about the user's wrist. The pouch may be joined directly with the strap 16, such as through conventional sonic or thermal weld processes, a stitched relationship, or similar type WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -8 process or relationship as known in the art. Additionally, the pouch may be joined indirectly with the strap such as by conventional glue bonds or some other conventional adhesive-type material positioned between these two to join them together. Yet further, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, as depicted in 5 FIGS. 6 and 7, the pouch can be removably attached to the strap, such as by a conventional pair of cooperating VELCRO TM layers 21. The pouch and the liner may be unified in a homogeneous or composite material. In such a case, the liquid impervious liner 24 may merely be an inner surface of the pouch 20, wherein the whole pouch is liquid impervious and also has 10 the desired flexible and/or elastic characteristics. Additionally, the pouch and the liner may be integrally connected whereby the liner and the pouch comprise distinct layers relative to one another and are formed by conventional means. Still further, the pouch and the liner may not be connected in any permanent way, but rather, the liner may comprise a separate layer that provides the liquid impervious characteristics and 15 the pouch provides the stretchy/elastic characteristics as desired. In each case, the pouch, the liner and a combination of the pouch and the liner could be disposable and in replaceable communication with the strap and the other respective members. As shown in FIG. 7, a sealable opening 23 of a VELCRO TM type closure material is provided so that the liner alone can be separated from the pouch and the 20 strap and a separate liner inserted therein. The construction of the pouch and the liner will then determine the way that the nipple is connected with the pouch and/or the liner. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the liner and the pouch are of either a homogeneous, composite or integrally connected construction, and the pouch may be removably or fixedly attaching with the strap. In such a case, a nipple outer portion 25 42 will preferably be integrally connected with both the pouch and the liner, as shown, by appropriate means such as forming integrally, bonding, gluing, friction fitting, thermal or sonic weld process, a combination of these or another similar means. Liquid can be communicated via the nipple through the communicating passageway 48 located internally of the outer portion. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the liner is 30 removable from the pouch, and the pouch may be removably or fixedly attaching with WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -9 the strap. In such a case, the nipple outer portion 42 will preferably be integrally connected with only the pouch, as shown, by appropriate means such as forming integrally, bonding, gluing, friction fitting, thermal or sonic weld process, a combination of these or another similar means. The liner will have a nipple neck 25 5 that extends through the outer portion 42. The nipple will further include an inner portion 46 which is insertable into the outer portion 42 and which sandwiches the nipple neck 25 between the outer portion 42 and the inner portion 46. In this embodiment, liquid can be communicated via the nipple through the communicating passageway 48 located internally of the inner portion. 10 Yet a further feature the invention may include is a weight member 40 attachable with the strap (FIG. 15). The weight is preferably sized and configured to be slightly smaller than the strap in length and width. In this way, although attaching may be by any conventional means, excellent results are contemplated when the means comprises inserting the weight in a pocket within the strap. In this regard, 15 isometric advantages may be better utilized. In operation, the invention may preferably function as follows. First, some amount of liquid is put into the chamber using the filling nozzle. This, in turn, creates a substantially continuous positive pressure within the chamber because of the elastic characteristic of the pouch and it being elastically tensioned due to the presence of the 20 liquid. That is, preferably the elastic tensioning creates a substantially radial inward force on a periphery of the chamber. Next, the liquid is dispensed from the chamber by opening the nipple, wherein the pressure within the chamber preferably automatically causes the liquid to be dispensed when the nipple is open. Although not required, it is preferred that the chamber comprise the single 25 chamber wherein a cross-sectional diameter of the chamber is reduced at a substantially uniform rate when dispensing the liquid, see FIGS. 8 to 9 for example. Also, similar to that discussed above, this feature further contributes to providing a stable and secure liquid mass even as the volume changes, without having to adjust WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -10 the strap 16, i.e., automatically maintaining the liquid dispenser in a secure position about the limb of the user when dispensing liquid. The step of dispensing preferably comprises partially pinching together a portion of the nipple, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In this way, the sealing flap 44, 5 hinged at a portion of its edge, is forced away from a sealing seat 45 and liquid can exit the chamber through the gap. To put liquid into the chamber, pinching is not required because the liquid coming into the chamber under pressure will force flap 44 out of the way. Liquid is sealed in the chamber by a natural biasing tendency of the sealing flap to remain seated against the sealing seat when in its rest position. Further, 10 when liquid is in the chamber the force of the liquid under pressure therein further acts to press the sealing flap against the sealing seat to thereby seal the chamber. As various possible embodiments may be made in the above invention for use for different purposes and as various changes might be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is understood that all of the above matters here set forth or shown in 15 the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (19)

1. A liquid dispenser securable about a user's limb for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising: a sized flexible strap adapted to engage an outer surface of the limb; a flexible pouch joined with the strap; 5 a chamber housed within the pouch; a liquid impervious liner surrounding the chamber, wherein the liquid can be stored within the chamber; a dispensing nipple extending through the pouch and in fluid flow communication with the chamber, the nipple being operable between a closed 10 position wherein the liquid is sealed within the chamber and an open position wherein the liquid can be communicated to and from the chamber when the nipple is in the open position.

2. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising means for elastically tensioning the pouch wherein a force is exerted on a periphery of the chamber in a substantially radially inward direction.

3. The liquid dispenser of claim 2, wherein the force maintains a substantially continuous positive pressure within the chamber.

4. The liquid dispenser of claim 3, wherein the positive pressure is at least as great as atmospheric pressure. WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -12

5. The liquid dispenser of claim 2, wherein the means comprises the pouch having a elastic characteristic.

6. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a single chamber having a substantially continuously smooth chamber wall.

7. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pouch and the liner are integrally connected.

8. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising the pouch surrounding the liner and wherein a member from a group consisting of the pouch, the liner and a combination of the pouch and the liner are disposable and in replaceable communication with the strap.

9. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, in combination with a filling nozzle engagable with the nipple for communicating a supply of the liquid into the chamber.

10. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, in combination with a weight member connectable with the strap.

11. A method for dispensing a liquid from a liquid dispenser locatable about a limb of a user, the liquid dispenser including a chamber and an operable nipple in liquid flow communication with the chamber, the method comprising: creating a substantially continuous positive pressure within the chamber; and, 5 dispensing the liquid from the chamber by opening the nipple, wherein the pressure within the chamber automatically dispenses the liquid when the nipple is open. WO 99/48405 PCT/US99/06399 -13

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the liquid dispenser further includes a flexible strap adapted to engage at least a portion of a circumference of the limb and wherein a flexible pouch is joined to the strap and houses the chamber.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the creating step comprises exerting a substantially radially inward force on a periphery of the chamber.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the exerting step is performed substantially continuously.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the chamber has a substantially curved chamber wall.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the pressure within the chamber is greater than atmospheric pressure.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the chamber comprises a single chamber and wherein a cross-sectional diameter of the chamber is reduced at a substantially uniform rate when dispensing the liquid.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the dispensing step comprises partially pinching together a portion of the nipple.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising continuously automatically maintaining the liquid dispenser in a position about the limb of the user when dispensing liquid.