US20050087574A1

US20050087574A1 - Combination hydration and temperature regulating device

Info

Publication number: US20050087574A1
Application number: US10/694,261
Authority: US
Inventors: Susan Butler; Kelly Huskey; Richard Phillips
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-10-27
Filing date: 2003-10-27
Publication date: 2005-04-28

Abstract

A combination personal hydration and temperature stabilizing/regulating device that provides for hands free activities. The device, which is intended to be worn around the user's neck, will hold consumable liquids, ice and both heating and cooling devices to promote stability of temperatures of both the liquid and the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is an original application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

This invention did not utilize any Government funds and was not made under any Government contract.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to athletic, sporting, and other outside activity devices, and more particularly to liquid hydration containers and body temperature stabilizing/regulating devices that allow for hands-free activities.
Conventional liquid hydration containers, such as water bottles, canteens and thermoses, have been designed and used to for the most part as a delivery system for needed body re-hydration during exercise or other activities. Container enhancements that are represented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,151 to Freimark and U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,781 to Shurnick, et al, introduce the ability to strap drinking containers to the person's extremity to allow for hands-free exercise. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,089 to Abreu-Marston, additional benefits are described when securing containers to the body increases load on selected limbs and muscles. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,719 to Janus, a liquid delivery system is described that is U-shaped and can be secured around the user's neck.
Prior art, however, does not address the need for fluid delivery and body temperature regulating while still promoting hands-free physical activities. It is desirable to provide a device that addresses these three critical objectives.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention in one exemplary embodiment is a semi-U shaped device that is intended to be worn around the user's neck. The unit encompasses two main internal compartments. The first functional compartment, which we will call the FIC (Fluid and Ice Compartment), is intended to hold a variety of hot or cold beverages as well as ice, if desired, which is to be consumed by the user. The second functional compartment, which we will refer to as the TSRC (Temperature Stabilizer/Regulator Compartment), is intended to house a removable and interchangeable temperature regulator device. Dependent on the temperature regulator device inserted into the TRC, stored fluids will be heated or cooled. In addition, due to the proximity of the TRC to the user's neck, the heating or cooling properties will be transferred to the user. Numerous studies have shown that the carotid arteries located in the neck area play a key role in eliminating discomfort from heat and cold when the opposite temperatures are applied to the area. Additionally, studies have shown that as the condensation moisture created by the invention evaporates from the skin in the neck area additional cooling will occur.
The exterior portion of the container will be covered with a removable jacket or sleeve to assist in the control of thermal exchange effects, including condensation, as well as to provide decorative attributes and increased durability to the device. A removable, closable spout will be used to fill the FIC compartment and dispense fluid when desired. Optional straps and Velcro type strips can be attached to the exterior cover should a user desire additional means for securing the device to their body or clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Combination Hydration and Temperature Regulating Device worn by a user with optional straps and Velcro in place,
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device with the exterior cover removed,
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIC (Fluid and Ice Compartment),
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the TRC (Temperature Regulator Compartment).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the specific embodiment illustrated, a semi-U shaped device is shown that is intended to be worn around the user's neck to provide for liquid hydration and temperature regulation while promoting hands-free activities. The unit encompasses two main internal compartments (one compartment to house the consumable liquids and solids (such as ice) and one compartment to house the temperature stabilizer/regulator), a dispensing/filling spout, exterior jacket and optional straps. The removable exterior “jacket or cover” of the device can be made from a number of different fabrics and materials, include different colors, designs, writings and artwork not limited in any way to the specific embodiment depicted in the diagrams.
Referring to FIG. 1, the device is placed around the user's neck to promote hands-free activities. Referring to FIG. 2, which illustrates the device without the outer jacket/cover, the compartment located nearest to the user's neck contains the temperature stabilizing/regulating device. This is has been designed to provide dual benefits which include either the heating or cooling of the consumable liquid as well as the heating or cooling of the user. Referring to FIG. 3, consumable liquids (including ice) can be stored for the user's consumption through a removable lid/spout. Referring to FIG. 4, a removable temperature stabilizing/regulating device can be used to heat or cool stored liquids in the adjacent compartment as well as to beat or cool the user through the neck area.
In prior art, attempts were made to address the need for portable personal hydration devices that promoted hands-free activities but they did not address the added need to cool down or warm up the user through external sources. Likewise, prior art addressed the need to cool down or warm up the user but did not address the hydration requirement during physical activities. The Combination Hydration and Temperature Regulating Device proposed is capable of addressing the need for a hands-free personal hydration device that promotes heating and cooling of the consumable liquids as well as the user.
While there have been described above the principles of this invention in connection with specific apparati, it should be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example, and not as a limitation to the scope and specific embodiment of the invention. The invention is forward looking in encompassing future materials that may be introduced into the market that would improve functionality, durability, comfort and/or appearance.

Claims

1. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device comprising: two interior compartments to include a FIC (Fluid and Ice Compartment) and a TSRC (Temperature Stabilizer/Regulator Compartment), an exterior jacket, a lid/spout unit, removable straps and Velcro strips.

2. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 that is shaped in a semi-U formation to be draped around the user's neck to promote hands-free activities.

3. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 wherein an accessible compartment (FIC) is available for storing liquids and solids (such as ice) for the user's consumption.

4. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 wherein an accessible compartment (TSRC) is available for inserting a re-usable heating or cooling unit used in the process of achieving desired temperatures of both the liquid and the user.

5. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 that includes a removable lid with a closable drinking spout for filling and dispensing fluids.

6. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 that includes a removable exterior jacket to promote user comfort, enhance product durability, and be interchanged with other jackets for fashion purposes.

7. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 that includes removable, adjustable straps and Velcro that are applied when a user desires a more secure fit.

8. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 where the TSRC is located on the inner portion of the semi-shaped U to allow for heating or cooling of the stored liquids as well as the user.

9. A Combination Hydration & Temperature Regulating Device in accordance with claim 1 wherein a hook is located on the spout/lid and the opposite end of the unit to fasten straps if desired for a more secure fit or to use as a shoulder strap when carrying the unit.