US20070199840A1

US20070199840A1 - Emergency water storage kit

Info

Publication number: US20070199840A1
Application number: US11/363,397
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank Woods; Charles Engel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-02-27
Filing date: 2006-02-27
Publication date: 2007-08-30

Abstract

The emergency water storage kit comprises at least one collapsible bladder having a water-tight interior portion for holding a fluid and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the interior portion of the bladder. The kit further includes a hose assembly for delivering a fluid into a bladder. The hose assembly comprises a flexible tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. A coupling apparatus comprises a first member affixed to the fluid inlet of the bladder and a second member affixed to the outlet end of the tube. The first and second members are configured to be releasably connected to form a fluid-tight passageway between the bladder and the hose assembly. Additionally, the second member of the coupling apparatus includes a means for stopping flow of a fluid through the second member when the first member and the second member are not connected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to emergency water storage systems, and more particularly to an emergency water storage kit containing all the needed supplies for storing potable water in an emergency.

BACKGROUND

Many people take clean, safe and readily available drinking water for granted. If an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm or other disaster strikes, access to food, water and electricity may be temporarily interrupted. Such interruptions may last a few hours up to several days or weeks. Because water is the most important nutrient for the human body, availability of an adequate supply of water in these situations is critical. However, there may not be enough time to obtain necessary supplies after the disaster strikes. In these situations, the ability to quickly collect and store an emergency water supply can be critical to survival.
Many organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), recommend that emergency supplies be gathered and stored in advance in order to be prepared for these situations. Needs will differ, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate, but most people need to drink at least two quarts (8 cups) of water each day. Hot weather can increase the amount needed. Children, nursing women and ill people also will need more. In addition to drinking water, supplies for food preparation and hygiene are needed. In general, it is recommended that at least one gallon of water be stored per person per day for an emergency. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Emergencies and Disasters Web site recommends storing at least a three-day supply. FEMA, as well as the American Red Cross, recommends storing at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.
Many types of containers are available for water storage including those made of glass and plastic. Glass provides an effective container for water storage but glass containers may be heavy and easily broken. Plastic jugs with tight fitting, secure lids which have contained juice, punch, or other edible substances may be used for emergency water storage. However, these containers can degrade over time, and the prior contents of the container may affect the taste of stored water or contaminate the water if not properly cleaned. New containers can be purchased in most house-wares and sporting goods departments, as well as at some water vending locations, but until the new containers are actually used in an emergency, storing the number of containers that may be required in order to have an adequate supply of water when needed may require an inordinate amount of space.
In addition to the problem of finding a suitable container for storing water in an emergency, there is the problem of finding a suitable way to fill the container. Some containers can be held up to a conventional faucet or spigot to be filled, but precious water may be lost down the drain if the opening to the container is smaller than the faucet or spigot opening. In some cases the container may be too big or unwieldy to be lifted or to fit under a faucet. Of course, funnels and hoses may be used to fill containers, but these items may be difficult to find or not even owned in some households.
What is needed to overcome these problems associated with the prior art, is an emergency water storage kit that contains all the supplies needed for collecting and storing a supply of water that includes: an adequate number of containers for storing water; and a means for quickly and efficiently filling the containers that is usable with common household water fixtures and that does not take up much space when not in use.

SUMMARY

In order to address these needs, the present invention contemplates an emergency water storage kit. The emergency water storage kit comprises at least one collapsible bladder having a water-tight interior portion for holding a fluid and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the interior portion of the bladder. The kit further includes a hose assembly for delivering a fluid into a bladder. The hose assembly comprises a flexible tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. A coupling apparatus comprises a first member affixed to the fluid inlet of the bladder and a second member affixed to the outlet end of the tube. The first and second members are configured to be releasably connected to form a fluid-tight passageway between the bladder and the hose assembly. Additionally, the second member of the coupling apparatus includes a means for stopping flow of a fluid through the second member when the first member and the second member are not connected.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for using the emergency water storage kit. The method comprises providing an emergency water storage kit comprising at least one water-tight collapsible bladder having a fluid inlet, a hose assembly having an inlet end for removable connection to a fluid source and an outlet end configured to be releasably connected to the fluid inlet of the bladder. The hose assembly includes a flow control member operable to stop flow of water through said outlet end of said hose assembly when the outlet end and the fluid inlet are not connected.
The method further comprises connecting the inlet end of the hose assembly to a fluid source; engaging a flow of fluid from the fluid source into the hose assembly; and releasably connecting the fluid inlet of the bladder to the outlet end of the hose assembly thereby allowing flow of water through the outlet end of the hose assembly into the bladder. Once a desired amount of fluid has been delivered to the bladder, the fluid inlet is disconnected from the outlet end of the hose assembly thereby stopping flow of fluid through the outlet end of the hose assembly. Flow of water out of the bladder through the fluid inlet is prevented by capping the fluid inlet.
One advantage of the present invention derives from the utility of having all of the materials needed to quickly collect and store water in one place for ease of finding and using. Without the kit, a person may have to search in one place in order to find a storage container, in another place to find a hose, yet another place to find a funnel, etc. With the emergency water storage kit, people need only to go to one place to find everything they need to store water in an emergency.
Another advantage derives from the use of collapsible storage containers for storing water. Thus, the kit can contain many collapsed bladders and the hose assembly and still take up very little space. The kit can then be stored in just about any small space that is easily and quickly accessible, preferably near a water source such as a laundry room or kitchen.
Moreover, the functional value of being able to quickly connect and disconnect the hose from the bladder expedites the filling of multiple bladders of water that may be required in an emergency situation. Moreover, the shutoff valve of the coupling apparatus allows the hose to be disconnected from the bladder without having to turn off the water or having to place the outlet end of the hose assembly in a water drainage area such as a sink. This may be particularly beneficial in situations where the supply of water from the faucet may be limited and water from the faucet cannot be wasted.
These and other objects and benefits of the invention will be readily discerned from the following written description, taken together with the accompanying figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects and features of the present embodiments will become apparent as the following description proceeds and upon reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of an emergency water storage kit.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bladder and hose assembly of the emergency water storage kit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a bladder of the emergency water storage kit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a bladder of the emergency water storage kit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a coupling apparatus of the emergency water storage kit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a coupling apparatus of the emergency water storage kit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the locking mechanism of the coupling apparatus of FIG. 4 in the open position.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the locking mechanism of the coupling apparatus of FIG. 4 in the locked position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an emergency water storage kit 10 in accordance with the present invention. The emergency water storage kit 10 comprises at least one collapsible bladder 14 having a water-tight interior portion for holding a fluid. The bladder 14 has a fluid inlet 18 in fluid communication with the interior portion of the bladder 14. Kit 10 further comprises a hose assembly 20 for delivering a fluid into the bladder 14. The hose assembly 20 includes a flexible tube 24 having an inlet end 26 configured to be removably connected to a fluid source 4 and an outlet end 28. A coupling apparatus 30 releasably connects the fluid inlet 18 of the bladder 14 with the outlet end 28 of the hose assembly 20. The coupling apparatus 30 comprises a first member 34 affixed to the fluid inlet 18 of the bladder 14 and a second member 38 affixed to the outlet end 28 of the tube 24. The first 34 and second members 38 are configured to be releasably connected to form a fluid-tight passageway between the bladder 14 and the hose assembly 20. Additionally, the second member 38 of the coupling apparatus 30 includes a means for stopping flow of a fluid through the second member 38 when the first member 34 and the second member 38 are not connected (explained in more detail below).
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bladder 14 is shown in more detail. The bladder 14 may comprise any collapsible water-tight container. In a preferred embodiment, the bladder 14 is composed of two opposed sheets 40, 44 of flexible water-impermeable plastic material that are substantially flat when not filled. Food- or beverage-grade polyvinylchloride, polyolefin, polyurethane and polyethylene are some of the many suitable plastics available for construction, but others that are approved for food and beverage use, are sufficiently pliable, water-impermeable, and readily seamed may also be suitable. The front sheet 40 is attached to a rear sheet 44 by seaming about the outer edges; the method of seaming may be adhesive, thermal, radio frequency, or ultrasonic depending on the requirements of the sheeting.
Water weighs approximately 8 lbs. per gallon. Therefore, the interior of the bladder 14, preferably, has a capacity that is less than 2½ gallons which, when filled with a liquid such as water, weighs approximately 21 lbs. However, the water-tight interior of the bladder 14 may have any suitable volume such that, when filled with a liquid, the bladder 14 has a weight and size that is readily lifted and carried by people of even slight physical build and strength. In an exemplary embodiment, the bladder 14 may have a capacity of approximately 6 quarts which is approximately 12 lbs. To aid in moving and carrying a filled bladder 14, bladder may be provided with a carrying means such as handles. Alternatively, kit 10 may further be furnished with storage liners 42 (see FIG. 1) for holding at least one filled bladder and to facilitate carrying the bladder or bladders. Storage liners 42 may comprise any conventional open top bag with handles for carrying or any suitable storage bag.
Referring to FIG. 5, the bladder includes a fluid inlet 18 for receiving a liquid therethrough to fill the bladder 14. The fluid inlet 18 comprises a generally hollow tubular member 48 which defines a longitudinal axial tubular bore 50 or passageway on the inside thereof. Tubular member 48 is secured by heat sealed ring 54 to the bladder 14. Tubular member 48 has an interior opening 58 which is in fluid communication with the interior of the bladder 14, and an exterior opening 60 which is adapted to releasably connect to the outlet end 28 of the hose assembly via a coupling apparatus 30 (explained in more detail below) so as to provide a fluid-tight passageway or connection between the bladder 14 and hose assembly 20.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the emergency water storage kit 10 further includes a hose assembly 20. The hose assembly 20 comprises a flexible tube 24, or hose, having an inlet end 26 adapted for removable attachment to a water faucet 4 or other source of water and an outlet end 28 for releasably attaching to the fluid inlet 18 of the bladder. Preferably, the hose 24 is made from a flexible water-resistant plastic, such as flexible polyvinyl chloride. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of water-resistant flexible materials are compatible with the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, flexible tube 24 is comprised of a ½″ diameter clear plastic tube approximately 3′ long. The clear plastic allows a user to monitor the water flowing through the hose 24 into the bladder 14 and to easily identify any leaking or backflow. It can be appreciated that the tube 24 may be any diameter or length sufficient to be bent and otherwise manipulated to extend from a water source such as a faucet 4 to an area where the bladder 14 is placed for filling.
As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet end 26 of the hose assembly 20 may be removably connected to a liquid source 4 via a fitting assembly 64. Preferably, the fitting assembly 64 of the inlet end 26 of the hose 14 is adapted to engage a conventional water faucet 4 found in most homes. To this end, fitting assembly 64 may comprise a conventional threaded connector 68 attached to the inlet end 24 of hose 20 to facilitate attachment to valve or faucet 4. Threaded connector 68 may be externally or internally threaded depending on the configuration of the faucet 4. Integral to the threaded connector 68 is a hose barb 70 for connecting the threaded connector 68 to the hose 24. Hose barb 70 for the threaded connector 68 is inserted into the hose 24 at the inlet end 26 and secured by a hose clamp 74, or by gluing, or other such attachment means. It should be noted that many faucets are internally threaded and commonly fitted with an aerator (not shown) which must be removed to access the threaded portion.
Because a typical spout of a water faucet may be externally or internally threaded, the kit 10 may further include an adapter fitting 78 to enable the inlet end 26 of the hose 24 to be attached to a faucet 4 or spigot having either male or female threads. In this embodiment, threaded connector 68 is internally threaded and sized to fit a standard-sized externally threaded faucet or spigot. The adaptor fitting 78 has a first end 80 sized for threaded engagement with the internal threads of the threaded connector 68 and a second end 84 sized for threaded engagement with an internally threaded faucet 4. Thus, the hose assembly 20 may be readily used with most faucets and/or spigots available for use in a home.
Although the fitting assembly 64 is described with reference to the figures, it should be understood that any devices capable of removable attachment to a water source, such as a water faucet, that will permit fluid flow communication between the water source and the hose 24 is considered suitable for purposes of this invention. Furthermore, flexible hose 24 may be fitted directly around or inside the spout 4 of the water outlet, without the need for a connector.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exemplary coupling apparatus 30 for releasably connecting the fluid inlet 18 of the bladder 14 to the outlet end 28 of the hose 24. The coupling apparatus 30 comprises a male coupling insert 34 affixed to the exterior opening 60 of the fluid inlet 18 of the bladder 14 and a female coupling body 38 affixed to the outlet end 28 of the hose 14. The coupling insert 34 and coupling body 38 are each adapted to releasably connect to each other so as to provide a fluid-tight passageway or connection between the bladder 14 and the hose assembly 20. Fluid is able to pass freely through the members when they are engaged. When disengaged as shown, at least the portion of the coupling apparatus that is directly connected to the hose assembly, i.e., the coupling body 38, is shut-off or closed-off to flow.
More particularly, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, coupling insert 34 has a generally hollow tubular housing 88 which defines a longitudinal axial tubular bore that is co-axial with bore 26. Housing 88 has a back end 90 which is open and in connection with the exterior opening 60 of the fluid inlet 18 of the bladder 14 and a front end 94 for engaging the coupling body 38. Thus, coupling insert 34 is always open to flow. The kit 10 may further include a cap 16 for sealing the coupling insert 34 when not in engagement with the coupling body 38 to prevent liquid from escaping through the coupling insert 34. The cap 16 may be a snap or press-fit type cap or any other suitable structure operable to seal the coupling insert 34 attached to the exterior end of the fluid inlet 18.
In some embodiments, the coupling insert 37 of the fluid inlet 18 may be enclosed by a transversely extending membrane seal. Preferably the membrane is integral with housing 88 such that coupling insert 34 is molded by a unitary molding process as a single piece from a low density polyethylene, or other suitable material. The membrane acts to seal the interior of the bladder until use so as to prevent contamination of the bladder, and is sufficiently thin so that it can be punctured by insertion of the coupling insert into the coupling body of the outlet end of the hose assembly.
Coupling body 38 has a housing 100 which also defines an inner tubular bore 104 along a longitudinal axis thereof. Both ends of bore 104 are open with back end 98 being suitably attached to hose 24. In the embodiment shown, back end 98 is sonic welded to a tubular hose barb 108 which in turn is connected to hose 24 with a hose clamp 110 to assure a fluid-tight seal. Tubular bore 104 at front end 114, has an inside diameter which is slightly greater than the outside diameter of housing 88 of the coupling insert 34 such that housing 88 is releasably insertable into the bore 104 of coupling body 38.
The coupling apparatus 30 can be disconnected with one hand by pressing on lever 118 of the locking mechanism 120 which releases coupling insert 34 and allows it to be withdrawn coupling body 38. To this end, coupling body 38 preferably includes a depressable release lever 118 and a locking mechanism 120 to releasably lock both coupling members together. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the front end 94 of coupling insert 34 has a protrusion 124 in the outer surface of housing 88 which extends about the circumferential extent thereof. Protrusion 124 cooperates with a releasible locking mechanism 120 mounted near the front end of housing 100 of coupling body 38 so as to releasably lock both coupling members together when coupling insert 34 is inserted a predetermined axial distance into coupling body 38.
In the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 120 includes a locking plate 128 which is slideably mounted adjacent front end 114 of coupling body 38. Plate 128 is slideably mounted for transverse movement between a first or released position as illustrated in FIG. 7 and a second or locking position as illustrated in FIG. 8. Plate 128 includes a portion 118 which is folded over so as to provide a relatively flat lever. A coiled spring 134 (See FIG. 6) is positioned so as to bias plate 128 toward the locked position wherein plate 128 engages protrusion 124 of the coupling insert 34. Plate 128 has an opening 130 such that coupling insert 34 can be inserted therethrough into bore 104 of the coupling body 38. In the locked position as illustrated in FIG. 8, an inner edge 138 of plate 128 projects into the bore 104 of coupling body 38 for engaging coupling insert 34 just behind protrusion 124 thereby releasably locking coupling body 38 with coupling insert 34. By pressing radially inward on lever 118, plate 128 is caused to move radially such that the edge 138 of plate 128 does not engage the protrusion 124 of the coupling insert 34 and the coupling insert 34 is free to be removed from the coupling body 38.
Coupling body 38 preferably includes an automatic shutoff valve assembly 140. Shutoff valve assembly 140 is slideably mounted in the bore 104 of coupling body 38. Valve assembly 140 is biased toward front end 114 of coupling body, into a closed position, by a spring 144. When coupling insert 34 is inserted into coupling body 38, valve assembly 140 is forced axially toward back end 98 of coupling body 38 into an open position. When coupling insert 34 is withdrawn from coupling body 38, the valve assembly 140 is biased by spring 144 back into its closed position and automatically seals the fluid passageway through the coupling body 38.
It is to be understood that other types or sizes of fittings or couplings may be employed in the present invention. What is of interest is a fitting for the hose assembly that can be easily connected and disconnected, with a check valve or shut-off valve preventing fluid from passing through the hose when the hose assembly is not connected to the bladder.
The emergency water storage kit 10 may be comprised of any number of optional beneficial components. For instance, because shutoff valve 140 is normally closed when coupling apparatus is not engaged, emergency water storage kit 10 may beneficially include a hose cleanout plug 22 (see FIG. 1). Cleanout plug 22 comprises a housing which defines a longitudinal axial tubular bore that is open therethrough. At one end of the bore is attached a coupling insert. The housing has a back end which is open. Thus, cleanout plug is always open to flow. Cleanout plug may be inserted into the coupling body on the hose assembly thereby opening valve so that fluid may be allowed to flow through the coupling body to flush out the hose assembly to prevent water from becoming trapped therein.
The shelf life of water depends on the original quality of the water, the temperature at which it is stored, how much light it is exposed to just to name a few. It is recommended that stored water be used with seven days of being filled unless purified. Therefore, to further add to the usefulness of the emergency water storage kit 10, a marking pen 32 (see FIG. 1) may be provided for marking the bladder with the current date.
The kit 10 may also be provided with a storage container 42 for holding the contents of kit 10, such as a plurality of bladders 14, the hose assembly 20, adaptor fitting 78, cleanout plug 22 and marking pen 32, etc. The storage container 42 may comprise a plastic or nylon bag and may include an apparatus for closing the bag such as a drawstring or zipper. The kit contained in storage container 42 takes up very little space and may easily be stored in just about any location. Preferably the kit is kept near a water source in a home such as in a laundry room or kitchen.
When use of the emergency water storage kit is required, a bladder is preferably placed on a clean flat surface near a water source such as a faucet. If the faucet includes an aerator, the aerator may have to be removed to access the internal threads of the faucet. In this case, first end 80 of adaptor fitting 78 is threadingly connected to threaded connector 68 of the hose assembly 20 and second end 84 is threadingly connected to faucet 4. The water may turned on at the faucet before or after hose assembly 20 is releasably connected to bladder 14 via coupling apparatus 30 because the automatic shutoff valve 140 operates to prevent flow of water through the hose assembly 20 until coupling apparatus has been engaged. When ready to fill a bladder 14, coupling insert 34 of the fluid inlet 18 is inserted into coupling body 38 on the outlet end 28 of hose 24, thereby releasably locking coupling insert in position causing valve 140 to open to allow flow of water from the faucet 4 to pass therethrough into bladder 14.
Water is allowed to flow into bladder 14 until a desired quantity of water is contained therein. The coupling apparatus may then be disconnected with one hand by pressing on lever 118 of the locking mechanism 120 which releases coupling insert 34 and allows it to be withdrawn from coupling body 38 thereby closing valve 140 and preventing the passage of water through the hose assembly 20. The kit 10 preferably includes a cap for placing over the coupling insert on the bladder in order to prevent fluid from escaping the bladder. The kit 10 may further include a writing instrument, such as a marker, to mark a filled bladder with the current date and/or a “use by” date before it is placed in a clean, dry place preferably away from chemicals or other dangerous products.
The functional value of being able to quickly connect and disconnect the hose from the bladder expedites the filling of multiple bladders of water that may be required in an emergency situation. Moreover, the shutoff valve 140 allows the hose to be disconnected from the bladder without having to turn off the water or having to place the outlet end of the hose assembly in a water drainage area such as a sink. This may be particularly beneficial in situations where the supply of water from the faucet may be limited and water from the faucet cannot be wasted.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected

Claims

1. An emergency water storage kit comprising:

at least one collapsible bladder having a water-tight interior portion for holding a fluid, said bladder including a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the interior portion of the bladder;

a cap for closing said fluid inlet;

a hose assembly for delivering a fluid to said at least one bladder, said hose assembly including:

a flexible tube having an inlet end configured to be removably connected to a fluid source and an outlet end; and

a coupling apparatus for releasably connecting said fluid inlet of said bladder with said outlet end of said hose assembly, said coupling apparatus including a first member affixed to said fluid inlet of said bladder and a second mating member affixed to said outlet end of said tube;

wherein said first member and said second member are configured to be releasably connected to form a fluid-tight passageway between said bladder and said hose assembly; and

wherein said second member of said coupling apparatus includes an apparatus for stopping flow of a fluid through said second member when said first member and said second member are not connected.

2. The emergency water storage kit of claim 1, comprising two or more collapsible bladders.

3. The emergency water storage kit of claim 1, wherein said inlet end of said hose assembly includes a fitting assembly configured to be removably attached to a conventional water faucet.

4. The emergency water storage kit of claim 3, wherein said fitting assembly comprises an internally threaded connector for threaded engagement to a water faucet having external threads.

5. The emergency water storage kit of claim 4, further comprising an adaptor fitting, said adaptor fitting having a first end for threaded engagement with said internal threads of said threaded connector and a second end for threaded engagement with a water faucet having internal threads.

6. The emergency water storage kit of claim 1, wherein said first member of said coupling apparatus includes a coupling insert and said second member of said coupling apparatus includes a coupling body;

further wherein said coupling insert is configured to be releasably inserted into said coupling body to form a fluid-tight passageway between the bladder and hose assembly.

7. The emergency water storage kit of claim 6, wherein said coupling body includes a normally closed valve that is configured to open when said coupling insert is releasably inserted into said coupling body.

8. The emergency water storage kit of claim 1, further comprising at least one storage bag configured to hold at least one fluid-filled bladder, said storage bag including a lifting means for lifting said storage bag containing said at least one fluid-filled bladder.

9. The emergency water storage kit of claim 8, further comprising a writing instrument for writing a fill date on said bladder.

10. A method of using an emergency water storage kit, the method comprising:

providing an emergency water storage kit comprising at least one water-tight collapsible bladder having a fluid inlet, a hose assembly having an inlet end for removable connection to a fluid source and an outlet end configured to be releasably connected to said fluid inlet of said bladder, said hose assembly including a flow control member operable to stop flow of water through said outlet end of said hose assembly when said outlet end and said fluid inlet are not connected;

connecting said inlet end of said hose assembly to a fluid source;

engaging a flow of fluid from said fluid source into said hose assembly;

releasably connecting said fluid inlet of said bladder to said outlet end of said hose assembly thereby allowing flow of water through said outlet end of said hose assembly into said bladder;

disconnecting said fluid inlet from said outlet end of said hose assembly thereby stopping flow of fluid through said outlet end of said hose assembly; and

capping said fluid inlet.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said inlet end of said hose assembly includes a threaded connector for threaded engagement to a threaded water faucet; and further wherein the step of connecting said inlet end of said hose assembly to a fluid source comprises threading said threaded connector onto said water faucet.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said threaded connector is internally threaded and said water faucet is internally threaded; and wherein the method further comprises:

connecting said internally threaded connector to an externally threaded first end of an adaptor assembly; and

connecting said internally threaded faucet to an externally threaded second end of said adaptor assembly.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the releasably connecting said fluid inlet of said bladder to said outlet end of said hose assembly step comprises:

providing a coupling apparatus for releasably connecting said fluid inlet of said bladder with said outlet end of said hose assembly, said coupling apparatus comprising a coupling insert affixed to said fluid inlet of said bladder and a coupling body affixed to said outlet end of said tube; and

releasably inserting said coupling insert into said coupling body to form a fluid-tight passageway between the bladder and hose assembly.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said coupling body includes a normally closed valve, and further wherein said normally closed valve is configured to open when said coupling insert is releasably inserted into said coupling body.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

marking a fill date on said bladder.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

placing a filled bladder in a storage bag, said storage bag comprising a container for holding at least one filled bladder, said storage bag including a lifting means for lifting said storage bag containing at least one filled bladder.