ES2956157A2 - Ergonomic flexible container for the storage and filtration of liquids during hydration in sports and/or field activities - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to containers for the storage of liquids useful during sports activities, mainly receptacles which comprise purification and filtration mechanisms for purifying and filtering the liquid in the container, particularly water. The ergonomic flexible container (R) comprises an outer roll-up flexible cover bag (1) that can be rolled up and fastened to a portion of the human body. A liquid storage device (4) interconnected with an intake and suction device (2) and with a treatment device (3) is housed internally in the outer roll-up flexible cover bag (1), such that when the user introduces liquids from natural sources or from an aqueduct and subsequently sucks out orally the contents housed inside the invention, an immediate double filtration occurs to remove suspended particles, odours and dissolved heavy metals.

Description

DESCRIPTION

ERGONOMIC FLEXIBLE CONTAINER FOR THE STORAGE AND FILTRATION OF LIQUIDS DURING HYDRATION IN SPORTS AND/OR FIELD ACTIVITIES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers for storing liquids useful during sports and/or field activities, mainly containers that include mechanisms for purifying and filtering the liquid contained in the container, especially water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The immediate hydration of human beings during sports activities or any other type of activity has been a permanent need to be satisfied. This need has motivated the development of multiple hydration devices, some portable and others linked to an extremity of the body.

Generally, containers for liquids suitable for use during sports activities have limited space that only allows the storage of the liquid. For example, patent document US 9,113,699 published in the United States discloses a "hands-free" hydration device, which is configured to be worn on the forearm. The device comprises attachment elements to the forearm and a storage location. , admission and dispensing of the liquid, where the latter is made up of a bladder, a filling cap, an intake valve, a hose and a nozzle.

Patent document US2012152986 published in the United States of America discloses a hydration system that has a flexible sleeve, the lining of which can be a soft or absorbent material, integrated with a bladder or flexible reservoir. The bladder or reservoir has a stored amount of water and contains expandable ribs that allow the user to regulate the amount of liquid contained in the bladder. The bladder is attached to the flexible cuff, and the combined system has a generally cylindrical to tapered cylindrical.

The sleeve and bladder can be flat pieces that are folded and joined at the edges to form the tapered cylinder. Various adjustable straps can be attached to the bladder. If present, elastic straps extend around the bladder and are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bladder, and are adjustable using a hook and loop attachment. A plug is removably connected to an opening of the bladder, which opening serves to introduce liquid into the bladder. A swivel joint may be attached to the lid and provide a fluid passage between the interior of the bladder and the exterior of the bladder.

A flexible straw or straw may extend from an outer end of the rotating joint or lid to suck the housed liquid. Whether a swivel joint is used or not, the straw extends from the hand end of the bladder and draws water from the cuff usually from the elbow end of the bladder. The point at which the user drinks water is at the end of the straw adjacent to the end of the hand, and the water is drawn at a point adjacent to the end of the elbow.

In patent document US2017360184 published in the United States, a hydration device is disclosed that includes a sleeve that is worn securely on an extremity, such as a forearm of a user and contains a bladder to contain liquids such as water, sports drinks, etc The bladder is removable and includes a fill port and drinking valve. The hydration device may be designed to absorb shock while in use, but is light and flexible enough to conform to the user's body.

In patent document US2016083163 published in the United States, a hydration device is disclosed that includes: a band of material with a specific shape and dimension to fit around the extremity of a user; a bladder pocket connected to the sleeve material band; an opening extending into the bladder pocket to allow insertion of a hydration bladder into the bladder pocket; and a nozzle port that extends across the web of sleeve material. Other embodiments and features are described, including single-use hydration bladders and garments incorporating hydration sleeves.

In patent document CN102724895 published in China, a personal hydration system is disclosed that includes a flexible bladder, a filling port assembly, an outlet port and a drying mechanism.

The drying mechanism is configured to be selectively positioned to engage the outer surface of the flexible bladder and deform the flexible bladder from a non-dry configuration to a dry configuration in which the opposite side portions are further apart from each other and further away from the central shaft of the flexible bladder that when the flexible bladder is in the non-drying configuration to allow air circulation in the internal compartment of the flexible bladder.

In some embodiments, the drying mechanism is coupled to the fill port assembly. In some embodiments, the drying mechanism includes at least one elongate member that is pivotally coupled to the fill port assembly.

Another need identified is to have purified water for the user of sports practices, which is desirable to obtain by capturing water from any source, whether natural or from an aqueduct.

Various systems have been developed for water filtration and purification. For example, Colombian patent application CO 09073503 discloses a biological filter for water purification, which includes an internal sand trap container, a membrane aspiration of the liquid, a plastic membrane for retaining waste, among others. However, despite the efficiency of this system, it requires a lot of space for its implementation, so it is not practical for incorporation into containers used in sports practices.

Due to the above, there is still a need to achieve an ergonomic device that supplies potable water to the athlete or any user and that can be drunk immediately without having to suspend their activity, in addition to the water stored in said device can be collected from any source that is within your reach without any danger to your health.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic flexible container for the storage and filtration of consumable liquids during sports practices or in any other activity in which the portability and immediate availability of liquids for body hydration is preferable.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic flexible container that facilitates the purification of water from aqueduct or natural sources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Below, schematic figures of a particular embodiment of the invention are presented, whose dimensions and proportions are not necessarily the real ones, since the figures only have the purpose of didactically presenting its various aspects, whose scope of protection is determined only by the attached claims. . In these figures, the reference codes indicate identical or similar elements without being limiting.

Figure 1 illustrates the top view of the ergonomic flexible container.

Figure 2 illustrates the bottom view of the ergonomic flexible container.

Figure 3 presents a diagram of the internal configuration of the ergonomic flexible container.

Figure 4 presents a diagram of the internal configuration of the ergonomic flexible container in a second arrangement of the ducts of the water storage device.

Figure 5 presents an explosion view of the inlet and suction device and the purification device that make up the ergonomic flexible container.

Figure 5a presents a top view of the cross section of the filter cover, with which the presence of a mesh arranged transversely can be observed.

Figure 5b presents a top view of the cross section of the filter, with which You can observe the presence of a filter mesh arranged transversely.

LIST OF ELEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following list corresponds to the set of elements that are part of the present invention. In front of each element, the reference code included in the set of figures is indicated for easy identification:

Ergonomic flexible container _(R)

Roll-up flexible cover external bag ₍₁₎

Exterior wall (1.1)

Interior wall (1.2)

Hook closure (1.3)

Closing loops (1.4)

Entry and suction device (2)

Nozzle (2.1)

Nozzle base (2.1.1)

Adjustable screw cap (2.2)

Purification device (3)

Elastic duct (3.1)

Connection mouth with nozzle base (3.1.1)

Hermetic adjustable threaded base (3.1.2)

Filter cover (3.2)

Cap mesh (3.2.1)

Filter (3.3)

Filter housing (3.3.1)

Filter bed (3.3.2)

Filter mesh (3.3.3)

Filter cap adjustment base (3.4)

Threaded mouth (3.4.1)

Liquid storage device (4)

Flexible roll-up compartments (4.1)

Main duct (4.2)

Interconnection ducts (4.3)

Hoses (4.4)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to an ergonomic flexible container (R), adjustable to the human body, particularly to the extremities of an individual, useful mainly in the development of sports activities or any other in which immediate availability of liquids for hydration is required.

The ergonomic flexible container (R) comprises a roll-up flexible cover outer bag (1) that can be rolled up and attached to a part of the human body, wherein said part of the human body is preferably a segment of an upper limb.

In the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) of the ergonomic flexible container (R), a liquid storage device (4) is housed internally, interconnected with an inlet and suction device (2) and with a purification device (3). ), so that, when the user introduces liquids from natural sources or aqueduct and subsequently sucks the content housed inside the invention with his mouth, an immediate double filtering occurs to eliminate suspended particles, odors and heavy metals. dissolved.

The invention satisfies the need to provide a container for storing liquid, practical when used during sports or any other activity, which also allows the filtration and purification of water, which is essential in places where access to drinking water is impossible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure corresponds to the detailed explanation of some of the embodiments of the invention and does not imply the limitation of the scope of the invention defined in the claims.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following description in an illustrative and non-limiting manner thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which reference numerals indicate identical or similar elements in the corresponding drawings.

For purposes of understanding the described invention, the expression “ergonomic flexible container” defines the invention as an element that allows the storage of liquids and that its design allows flexibility properties (easy bending) of all its components and ease of adjustment. for its comfortable wrapping around some part of the human body.

In general terms and according to Figures 1 to 5, the ergonomic flexible container (R) is made up of an external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) that has an entry and suction device (2) connected internally with a device of purification (3) which in turn is connected to a liquid storage device (4).

Below is an even more detailed description of each of the structural components of the invention and its particular configuration:

Roll-up flexible cover external bag

In Figures 1 and 2, a preferable embodiment of the invention can be seen in which the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) has a quadrilateral shape and comprises an outer wall (1.1) and an inner wall (1.2), where the Assembly of these walls is carried out around their entire perimeter, that is, along all their edges. with prior introduction of the internal components.

The previously mentioned assembly is carried out using selected assembly techniques of sewing, welding, etc.; It is also possible to do this by producing a single flexible piece that is bent to obtain the appropriate shape.

The quadrilateral to which the shape of the external roll-up flexible cover bag (1) is related may be a square, but is preferably a rectangle or a trapezoid with angles close to a rectangle.

The bag (1) comprises fastening elements on the smaller sides of the quadrilateral that allow it to remain attached to a part of the human body, preferably to a segment of an upper limb. The fastening elements are selected from Velcro, hooks, buttons, closures, among others. In a preferable embodiment of the invention, Velcro or in technical terms an invisible hook and loop closure mechanism is incorporated, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2.

In Figure 1 it is observed that the exterior wall (1.1) has a loop closure (1.4) and in Figure 2 it is observed that the interior wall (1.2) has a hook closure (1.3). This system results in an invisible closure typically known as Velcro, once it has been looped around the user's upper extremity.

In another embodiment of the invention not illustrated, it is possible that the outer wall (1.1) has the hook closure (1.3) and the inner wall (1.2) has the loop closure (1.4). This variation does not correspond to an essential element of the invention, so it is possible to make the variations that are necessary to guarantee the ergonomic adjustment of the invention.

In normal use of the container, a part of the human body is surrounded with the external roll-up flexible cover bag (1) in such a way that the inner wall (1.1) is in contact with the human body and the outer wall (1.2) is in contact with the environment.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, externally to the bag (1) it is also possible to view the inlet and suction device (2) interconnected with the purification device (3), this entire assembly assembled to the bag (1) by means of the adjustment base from the cover to the filter (3.4), as seen in Figures 1, 4 and 5. In other embodiments of the invention, only the entry and suction device (2) is external to the bag (1) since the device purification (3) is located internally in the bag (1), as seen in figure 3.

Given the importance of the flexibility of the invention, the material selected for making the external roll-up flexible cover bag (1) can be cotton, nylon, flexible plastic, and in general, any material that allows it to function as a fabric or flexible structure, preferably a flexible and highly elastic material.

Entry and suction device

In Figures 3 to 5, it is possible to see the layout and configuration of the entry and suction device (2). This entry and suction device (2) is an element that allows the entry of the fluid, preferably water, for filtration and storage within the invention and also allows the exit of the fluid for consumption by the user.

According to Figure 5, the entry and suction device (2) is made up of a nozzle (2.1) with a base (2.1.1) and has an adjustable screw cap (2.2) on said nozzle (2.1). This entry and suction device (2) is external with respect to said bag (1), which is why it can be seen in Figure 1, on the exterior wall (1.1).

When the user needs to fill the invention with water, he unscrews the entry and suction device (2), removes it, introduces the water into the elastic duct (3.1) and reinserts the entry and suction device (2) to guarantee airtightness. . It is possible that the user decides to remove the elastic duct (3.1), which is removable, and leave the inlet and suction device (2) inserted directly onto the filter cover (3.2). When the user needs to consume the treated water within the invention, he only moves the adjustable screw cap (2.2) and sucks directly from the nozzle (2.1) with his mouth.

The entry and suction device (2) can be made of any appropriate polymeric material known to any person of ordinary knowledge in the field.

Purification device

In Figures 3 and 5 it is possible to see the layout and configuration of the purification device (3) that is part of the invention. The purification device (3) is a mechanism that allows immediate double treatment of the water that is stored within the invention.

The purification device (3) is connected in its upper part to the inlet and suction device (2) and is connected in its lower part to the liquid storage device (4) (see figure 3).

The purification device (3) is made up of the following components:

-an elastic duct (3.1) for collecting water, preferably in the shape of a cup, which has in its upper part a connection mouth with the nozzle base (3.1.1) and in its lower part has a hermetically adjustable threaded base (3.1.2). In figure 5 you can see this essential section of the purification device (3) and its connection with the base of the nozzle (2.1.1) and with the filter cover (3.2). The elastic duct (3.2) can be removed by the user or left in its connection as described before;

-a filter cover (3.2) arranged and inserted under the elastic duct (3.1), which has an essentially cylindrical configuration with a lower portion reduced in its cross section and transversely incorporates a mesh (3.2.1) (see figure 5a);

-a filter (3.3) that has a filter housing (3.3.1) which houses inside the filter bed (3.3.2) and a filter mesh (3.3.3) arranged transversely (see figure 5b). This filter (3.3) is housed inserted between the cover (3.2) and the threaded mouth (3.4.1) of the filter cover adjustment base (3.4).

The filter bed (3.3.2) preferably comprises activated carbon granules and allows the filtration of the liquid contained in the container (R) according to the invention, where the filter not only retains particles, but also adsorbs odors, metals and other contaminants. that can comprise the liquid that the user can introduce into said liquid bag, such that when all the liquid is sucked or flows through the nozzle (2.1) or the elastic duct (3.1), said complete flow of the liquid is forced to also pass through the filter bed (3.3.2).

The filter bed (3.3.2), which consists of activated carbon, is obtained according to the method described in patent NC2017/0013448, the owner of which is the same inventor of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filter is made up of layers of absorbent material within which the activated carbon is arranged.

Liquid storage device

In Figures 3 and 4 it is possible to see two preferred configuration modalities of the liquid storage device (4) that is part of the invention. This component temporarily houses the water or liquid that will be consumed immediately during sports practice or during any other activity.

The liquid storage device (4) is housed inside the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) and is connected to the purification device (3) as seen in Figure 3.

The liquid storage device (4) is made up of at least one flexible roll-up compartment (4.1), preferably, three flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) interconnected with each other. The flexible roll-up intermediate compartment has a main duct (4.2) housed inside it, which receives the liquid from the purification device (3). Said intermediate flexible roll-up compartment also has interconnection ducts (4.3) on its side walls to easily connect with the other flexible roll-up compartments and allow the insertion of hoses (4.4) that give way to the flow of the stored liquid.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main duct (4.2) is independent in connection with the hoses (4.4), as seen in Figure 3. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the main duct (4.2) is completely interconnected with the hoses (4.4), as seen in figure 4.

The flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) are where the filtered water is housed for the first time during the filling of the invention and these same compartments provide the water for its second filtration when the user performs suction through the entry and suction device (2).

When the water is entered by the user, it passes through the intake and suction device (2), then through the purification device (3) and passes to the liquid storage device (4) in particular entering through the main duct ( 4.2). Then, the water is stored in the intermediate compartment and as the water intake increases, it passes through the hoses (4.4) to the other flexible roll-up compartments.

When the water is sucked by the user, the stored water reverses its direction of flow, leaving the flexible roll-up compartments (4.1), passing through the main duct (4.2), being treated again through the purification device (3) and finally coming out through the entry and suction device (2) to fulfill its purpose for which the ergonomic flexible container (R) was developed.

The flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) are preferably made of a flexible and elastic material selected from, but not limited to, polyolefin, polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, among others, and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) for liquids correspond to a multilayer system made up of two or more layers of materials selected from polyolefin, polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, among others. The flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) are manufactured using techniques known as injection molding, among others known to the technician normally versed in the matter.

Technical Advantages

This utility model has the following advantages:

- Facilitates the immediate availability of water for hydration of the user of the invention without having to interrupt their sports and/or field activities.

- Immediate purification of water from any source, whether natural or aqueduct.

- Ergonomic due to its light fit to the body and comfort of its use as a sports garment due to the breathability of the invention in view of the characteristics of the walls with which the external bag is made, just as a garment for sports practices should be. and/or field.

- The particular configuration of the internal compartments of the liquid storage device allows the stored water to have a uniform weight and cause imbalances and to be lighter than a conventional container that normally causes a differential load.

- It can be used on either arm and is hands-free.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

Regarding the industrial application, the invention can be carried out by any person normally versed in the subject with access to the content of this description and the information contained in the Colombian patent NC2017/0013448 cited here by reference.

Although some embodiments of the invention are described in the present description, it will be appreciated that modifications and other embodiments may be conceived by those skilled in the art subsequent to the disclosure of the present invention. For example, features for different modalities can be used in other modalities. Therefore, it will be understood that the attached claims are intended to cover all modifications and modalities that are within the spirit and scope of this description.

Claims (10)

1. A flexible, roll-up, and ergonomic container, for the storage and purification of liquids during hydration in sports and/or field activities, which comprises: An external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) that houses a liquid storage device (4) which in turn is connected to a purification device (3) and the latter in turn connected to an inlet and suction device (2) that protrudes from the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1). 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) has the shape of a quadrilateral and is made up of an outer wall (1.1.) and an inner wall (1.2) assembled together throughout. its perimeter, with fastening elements arranged on the smaller sides of the quadrilateral. 3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the fastening elements are selected from the group of hooks, buttons, invisible hook and loop closures. 4. The container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the external roll-up flexible cover bag (1) has a loop closure (1.4) and a hook closure (1.3). 5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the entry and suction device (2) is formed by a nozzle (2.1) with a base (2.1.1) and on said nozzle (2.1) is an adjustable screw cap ( 2.2); This entire assembly arranged on an elastic duct (3.1). 6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the purification device (3) is connected in its upper part to the inlet and suction device (2) and is connected in its lower part to the liquid storage device (4 ). 7. The container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the purification device (3) is structurally formed by: -the elastic duct (3.1) in the shape of a cup that in its upper part has a connection mouth with the base of nozzle (3.1.1) and in its lower part it has a hermetically adjustable threaded base (3.1.2); -a filter cover (3.2) arranged inserted under the elastic duct (3.1) and having a cylindrical configuration with a lower portion contracted in its cross section; -a filter (3.3) with a housing (3.3.1) that houses inside a filter bed (3.3.2) and a filter mesh (3.3.3); and -a filter cover adjustment base (3.4) inserted inside the bag (1) and with an external threaded mouth (3.4.1) that contacts the bottom part of the filter (3.3). 8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the filter (3.3) is fitted inside between the filter cover (3.2) and the threaded mouth (3.4.1) of the adjustment base of the filter cover (3.4); and said filter bed (3.3.2) has granulated activated carbon. 9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage device (4) is made up of three flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) interconnected with each other by interconnecting ducts (4.3); The flexible roll-up intermediate compartment has a main duct (4.2) housed inside it, independent of the other ducts, and has interconnecting ducts (4.3) on the side walls, through which hoses (4.4) are arranged. 10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the main duct (4.2) is completely interconnected with the hoses (4.4) arranged in each flexible roll-up compartment (4.1).