GB2462329A - Evaporatively cooled drinking system - Google Patents

Evaporatively cooled drinking system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2462329A
GB2462329A GB0814464A GB0814464A GB2462329A GB 2462329 A GB2462329 A GB 2462329A GB 0814464 A GB0814464 A GB 0814464A GB 0814464 A GB0814464 A GB 0814464A GB 2462329 A GB2462329 A GB 2462329A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
layer
liquid absorbent
absorbent material
reservoir
liquid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0814464A
Other versions
GB0814464D0 (en
Inventor
Matthew Searle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BCB International Ltd
Original Assignee
BCB International Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BCB International Ltd filed Critical BCB International Ltd
Priority to GB0814464A priority Critical patent/GB2462329A/en
Publication of GB0814464D0 publication Critical patent/GB0814464D0/en
Publication of GB2462329A publication Critical patent/GB2462329A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45FTRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/04Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45FTRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/16Water-bottles; Mess-tins; Cups
    • A45F3/20Water-bottles; Mess-tins; Cups of flexible material; Collapsible or stackable cups
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D37/00Portable flexible containers not otherwise provided for
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D7/00Devices using evaporation effects without recovery of the vapour
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45FTRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/16Water-bottles; Mess-tins; Cups
    • A45F2003/166Hydration systems attached to the body by straps, e.g. incorporated in a backpack

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to liquid containers and particularly to a liquid container and delivery means for a mobile hydration system 2. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus whereby such a mobile hydration system 2 can be effectively cooled and also a material for achieving such effective cooling. A reservoir and an elongate member 8 is provided, the elongate member defining a conduit 8 therethrough for transfer of liquid from the reservoir to a mouth piece. The reservoir is arranged to define an enclosure for receipt of the liquid and the walls of the enclosure and the walls defined in the conduit 8 are substantially liquid impermeable. At least a portion of one of the reservoir or elongate member 8 have a covering thereon, the covering arranged to include a liquid absorbent material 16. The liquid absorbent material 16 cools either, or both, of the reservoir and elongate member via evaporative cooling. The covering may consist of a first layer (22) configured to be in thermal communication with the reservoir and/or elongate member, and a second layer (24) including the liquid absorbent material 16. The liquid absorbent material 16 may consists of a matrix including a plurality of liquid absorbent crystals. The liquid absorbent material 16 may be a hydrogel. The surface of the second layer may be undulating. The second layer (24) may also include an anti-microbial portion. Preferably the mobile hydration system 2 is in the form of a backpack 4.

Description

Drinking System The present invention relates to liquid containers and particularly to a liquid container and delivery means for a mobile hydration system. The present invention in particular relates to an apparatus whereby such a mobile hydration system can be effectively cooled, and also a material for achieving such effective cooling.
The principle of cooling liquids for consumption by a person through evaporation of a second liquid is widely known. Such arrangements are known, for example, in US6182464 which comprises a self cooling liquid container having a shell which may be come saturated with a liquid such as water and exposed to the atmosphere thus enabling the liquid within the shell to evaporate at an ambient temperature thus chilling the liquid inside the container through heat transfer. It is accepted that such an arrangement will maintain the liquid within the container cooler for longer than if such a shell is not present.
Rucksacks which are arranged to receive a reservoir and having a tube extending from the reservoir with a valve at the end of the tube which a user bites and thus sucks liquid from the reservoir have become widely available in recent years. They have become almost essential for use in a number of sporting activities and also for military users in hot and hostile environments. Such arrangements are beneficial as they enable a user to take on a greater volume of liquid without having to carry bottles or other containers. Such reservoirs i-nay vary in size and may keep a user hydrated for a number of hours. However, there is a significant problem with such arrangements in that heating of the liquid within the reservoir occurs due to the ambient temperature.
The present invention provides an arrangement overcoming such problems.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a mobile hydration system including a reservoir and an elongate member, the elongate member defining a conduit therethrough for transfer of liquid from the reservoir to a mouthpiece, the reservoir arranged to define an enclosure for receipt of the liquid, the walls of the enclosure and walls defining the conduit being substantially liquid impermeable, wherein at least a portion of one of the reservoir or elongate member have a covering thereon, the covering arranged to include a liquid absorbent material.
There are a number of benefits associated with such an arrangement. A standard reservoir and/or tube may be provided and adapted to include a covering which includes a liquid absorbent material. This liquid absorbent material can then be "charged" by immersion in water or any other liquid thereby ensuring cooling. Such a system is uncomplicated and will not result in any leakage of the fluid from the reservoir or tube which is destined for the user.
The system is arranged such that the covering comprises a first layer configured to be in thermal communication with at least a part of the reservoir and/or elongate member when in use, and a second layer including the liquid absorbent material.
1 5 The system may further comprise a third permeable layer.
The liquid absorbent material may comprise a matrix and wherein the liquid absorbent material may include a plurality of liquid absorbent crystals. The crystals are preferabaly retained by the matrix.
The liquid absorbent material may comprise a hydrogel.
The system beneficially further comprises a fourth layer located between the first and the second layer, the fourth layer comprising a second liquid absorbent material, different to the liquid absorbent material. The second liquid absorbent material may be a fabric.
The system may further comprise an adhesive for adhering the first layer to the portable drinking arrangement. The surface configuration of the second layer is beneficially undulating.
The covering beneficially comprises an anti-microbial portion. Even more beneficially, the second and/or third layer comprises an anti-microbial portion.
The elongate member is beneficially flexible, enabling ease of manipulation by a user.
The system further preferably includes a carrying device arranged to support the reservoir on the back of a user.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is a cooling arrangement for a portable drinking system, the cooling arrangement comprising a first layer configured to be in thermal contact with at least a part of the cooling system when in use, and a second layer including a liquid absorbent material.
Preferred features of the cooling arrangement are defined in the claims.
The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mobile hydration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the covering according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1, there is a mobile hydration unit 2 which generally comprises a backpack 4 having straps 6 which when in use extend over a user's shoulders in order that the backpack sits against the user's back. This leads to a problem wherein heat energy is transferred from the ambient temperature and/or from the user into the liquid which makes the liquid less palatable for the user. This then often results in the user drinking less fluid than necessary. The backpack 4 is arranged to receive a reservoir (not shown) which has a tube 8 extending therefrom such that the liquid in the reservoir can be removed by sucking on a valve 10. The outlet 12 to the reservoir is provided at the lower portiOn thereof in order that a user can extract all of the liquid from the reservoir, particularly when the arrangement is in a generally upright configuration, for example when on a user's back. -4..
The reservoir comprises a sealable opening including a lid 14 which may be opened and closed in order to let fluid into the reservoir, and subsequently out of the reservoir if all of the liquid has not been used by the user. The aperture sealed by the lid should also be of sufficient area to enable cleaning of the inside of the reservoir.
In the embodiment represented in Figure 1, it will be appreciated that a predefined area of the reservoir has a covering which is arranged to include a liquid absorbent material 16. In one embodiment, a cut out portion may be provided in the rearward facing part of the rucksack 4 such that when the reservoir is slid into the rucksack 4 the liquid absorbent material 16 is arranged to protrude through the opening in the rucksack 4. When in use, the reservoir may be soaked in a liquid and subsequently located in the rucksack 4, or alternatively may be located in the rucksack 4 and subsequently immersed in liquid. The liquid absorbent material would then absorb fluid and the fluid then evaporates to the atmosphere keeping the fluid in the reservoir cooler.
In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the rucksack 4, which could be any percentage content of the rucksack 4, may be made of the covering including the liquid absorbent material. It will be appreciated however that in order for the object of the invention to be achieved, the inner wall of the covering must be in thermal communication with the reservoir. The covering may be in the form of a patch. The reservoir is slid into the rucksack 4 and thermal communication is then achieved. Alternatively, particularly for cooling of the reservoir, the covering may be sewn or otherwise fixed integrally into the rucksack 4. This would remove the requirement for adhesives and would mean that the reservoir could be removed from the rucksack 4 independently of the covering. It will also be appreciated that the covering may be removably attached to the rucksack 4 through the use of hook and loop type fitting arrangements such as Velcro TM This allows ease of cleaning of the covering.
Referring also to Figure 2, there is an exemplary embodiment of the covering according to the present invention including a liquid absorbent material which may be positioned on the reservoir and/or tube 8. The covering 18 includes a first layer which is configured to be in thermal communication with at least a part of the reservoir and/or elongate member when in use. The elongate member 8 is tubular and is beneficially flexible in order that it can be compliant to accommodate a user's position in use. The covering 1 8 may comprise an adhesive backing layer (not shown) for adhesion to the reservoir or tube 8.as required.
Clearly, the outline shape of the covering may be adapted to cover the tube 8 or a part thereof as indicated by reference numeral 20 and alternatively may be shaped to cover the reservoir or a portion thereof with the liquid absorbent material indicated in Figure 1 by reference numeral 16. The cover beneficially comprises backing layer 22 and a permeable layer 24 retaining the liquid absorbent material there between. The liquid absorbent material may be manufactured of a number of alternatives, including fabrics which may be 1 0 woven or non woven, for example, including micro fibres. Alternatively, absorbent crystals may be provided for example comprising potassium acrylate or acrylamid co-polymer hydrogels, There are numerous natural and organic options including starch, gelatine and agar. In one embodiment, as indicated in Figure 2a, the liquid absorbent material is retained between the backing layer 22 and the layer 24. In an alternative embodiment, however, the liquid absorbent material such as crystals may be retained in a matrix, preferably a fabric matrix, without the provision of the layer 24. A matrix is beneficial to retain crystals as will prevent significant migration of the crystals through the covering, thereby reducing effectiveness of the system.
The layer 24 must be gas permeable such that when in use liquid may evaporate from the liquid absorbent material to the surrounding environment. The backing layer 22 may be a fabric material and may provide a support to retain the liquid absorbent material in thermal communication with the reservoir or tube in order to allow heat transfer between the liquid in the reservoir from the liquid absorbent material. A wicking layer 26 may also be provided positioned between the backing layer and the liquid absorbent material.
Referring to an embodiment wherein the liquid absorbing material comprises hydrogel crystals, these may take some time to swell up and absorb the maximum volume of liquid.
Accordingly, a liquid absorbent wicking layer be provided which immediately absorbs liquid in the event that there is insufficient time for the hydrogels to swell to the desired degree.
The covering 18 (or partial covering) for the reservoir or tube may comprise an anti-microbial portion beneficially on the outer surface. This is important as the combination of heat and damp environment may lead to significant bacteria! growth. The anti-microbial material may in one embodiment include silver coated yarn in the covering. Such yarn can be integrally woven into a quilted material to form a matrix for liquid absorbent crystalline material such as hydrogel crystals, the crystals being retained by the matrix.
The present invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of appended claims.

Claims (29)

  1. CLAIMS1. A mobile hydration system including a reservoir and an elongate member, the elongate member defining a conduit therethrough for transfer of liquid from the reservoir to a mouthpiece, the reservoir arranged to define an enclosure for receipt of the liquid, the walls of the enclosure and walls defining the conduit being substantially liquid impermeable; wherein at least a portion of one of the reservoir or elongate member have a covering thereon, the covering arranged to include a liquid absorbent material. I0
  2. 2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the covering comprises a first layer configured to be in thermal communication with at least a part of the reservoir and/or elongate member when in use, and a second layer including the liquid absorbent material.
  3. 3. A system according to claim 2 further comprising a third permeable layer.
  4. 4. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the liquid absorbent material comprises a matrix.
  5. 5. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the liquid absorbent material includes a plurality of liquid absorbent crystals.
  6. 6. A system according to claims 4 and 5 wherein the crystals are retained by the matrix.
  7. 7. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the liquid absorbent material comprises a hydrogel.
  8. 8. A system according to any preceding claim further comprising a fourth layer located between the first and thc second layer, the fourth layer comprising a second liquid absorbent material, different to the liquid absorbent material.
  9. 9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the second liquid absorbent material is a fabric.
  10. 1 0. A system according to any of claims 2-9 further comprising an adhesive for adhering the first layer to the portable drinking arrangement.
  11. 11. A system according to any of claims 2-10 wherein the surface configuration of the second layer is undulating.
  12. 12. A system according to any of claims wherein the covering comprises an anti-microbial portion.
  13. 13. A system according to any of claims 2-12 wherein the second and/or third layer comprises an anti-microbial portion.
  14. 14. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is flexible.
  15. 1 5. A system according to any preceding claim further including a carrying device arranged to support the reservoir on the back of a user.
  16. 1 6. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the covering is fixedly attached to the elongate member and/or reservoir.
  17. 17. A system according to claim 15 wherein the covering is moveably attachable to the carrying device, such that when the reservoir and/or elongate member is supported by the carrying device, the covering is in thermal contact with the reservoir and/or elongate member.
  18. 18. A cooling arrangement for a portable drinkng system, the cooling arrangement comprising a first layer configured to be in thermal contact with at least a part of the cooling system when in use, and a second layer including a liquid absorbent materi a!.
  19. 19. A cooling arrangement according to claim 18 further comprising a third permeable layer.
  20. 20. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 18-19 wherein the liquid absorbent material comprises a matrix.
  21. 21. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 18-20 wherein the liquid absorbent material includes a plurality of liquid absorbent crystals.
  22. 22. A cooling arrangement according to claims 20 and 21 wherein the crystals are retained by the matrix.
  23. 23. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 18-22 wherein the liquid absorbent material comprises a hydrogel.
  24. 24. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 18-22 further comprising a fourth layer located between the first and the second layer, the fourth layer comprising a second liquid absorbent material, different to the liquid absorbent material.
  25. 25. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 1 8-24 wherein the second liquid absorbent material is a fabric.
  26. 26. A cooling arrangement according to. any of claims 18-25 further comprising an adhesive for adhering the first layer to the portable drinking arrangement.
  27. 27. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 18-26 wherein the surface configuration of the second layer is undulating.
  28. 28. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 18-27 wherein the covering comprises an anti-microbial portion.
  29. 29. A cooling arrangement according to any of claims 19-28 wherein the second and/or third layer comprises an anti-microbial portion.
GB0814464A 2008-08-07 2008-08-07 Evaporatively cooled drinking system Withdrawn GB2462329A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0814464A GB2462329A (en) 2008-08-07 2008-08-07 Evaporatively cooled drinking system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0814464A GB2462329A (en) 2008-08-07 2008-08-07 Evaporatively cooled drinking system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0814464D0 GB0814464D0 (en) 2008-09-10
GB2462329A true GB2462329A (en) 2010-02-10

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0814464A Withdrawn GB2462329A (en) 2008-08-07 2008-08-07 Evaporatively cooled drinking system

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017086797A1 (en) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-26 Van Der Vleuten Ivo Henry Slipcover for cooling an insulin pump and a combination of such a slipcover, a protective cover and an insulin pump

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6182464B1 (en) * 1998-08-10 2001-02-06 Harvey R. Mamich Self-chilling bottle for a bicycle and the like
US20020112499A1 (en) * 1999-07-28 2002-08-22 Goldfine Andy A. Evaporative cooling article
US20040007553A1 (en) * 1997-09-19 2004-01-15 Smolko Daniel D. Pervaporatively cooled containers
WO2004019713A1 (en) * 2002-09-02 2004-03-11 Paul Adam Hearfield Sports activity garment
GB2413757A (en) * 2004-05-06 2005-11-09 Kan Hing Plastic Products Fact A bag formed from a material having antibacterial, ultraviolet blocking and water repellence properties

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040007553A1 (en) * 1997-09-19 2004-01-15 Smolko Daniel D. Pervaporatively cooled containers
US6182464B1 (en) * 1998-08-10 2001-02-06 Harvey R. Mamich Self-chilling bottle for a bicycle and the like
US20020112499A1 (en) * 1999-07-28 2002-08-22 Goldfine Andy A. Evaporative cooling article
WO2004019713A1 (en) * 2002-09-02 2004-03-11 Paul Adam Hearfield Sports activity garment
GB2413757A (en) * 2004-05-06 2005-11-09 Kan Hing Plastic Products Fact A bag formed from a material having antibacterial, ultraviolet blocking and water repellence properties

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017086797A1 (en) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-26 Van Der Vleuten Ivo Henry Slipcover for cooling an insulin pump and a combination of such a slipcover, a protective cover and an insulin pump

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0814464D0 (en) 2008-09-10

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