WO2004033360A2

WO2004033360A2 - Modular backpack with retractable hose

Info

Publication number: WO2004033360A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/031283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeff Skillern; Shih Sheng Yang
Original assignee: Jeff Skillern; Shih Sheng Yang
Priority date: 2002-10-04
Filing date: 2003-10-03
Publication date: 2004-04-22
Also published as: AU2003275403A1; WO2004033360A3; AU2003275403A8

Abstract

A hydration system for a modular backpack or other container includes a flexible pouch (54) forming a first compartment capable of holding a potable liquid. The system also includes a hose and reel assembly (80) operably connected to the flexible pouch (54). The connection allows potable liquid in the first compartment to exit the flexible pouch (54) through the hose and reel assembly (54).

Description

MODULAR HYDRATION SYSTEM WITH RETRACTABLE HOSE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] For centuries, people have used backpacks for a wide variety of purposes. More recently, outdoor enthusiasts have used backpacks to carry water and other liquids for personal consumption. The amount of liquid to be carried dictates the size of the backpack to be used. In other words, an individual planning a half day hike in the mountains would require less water and a smaller backpack than if the individual were planning a two day trek through the desert.

[0002] To address the varying needs of consumers, companies - such as Camelbak headquartered in Petulma, California - provide liquid carrying backpacks in varying sizes. Smaller, lighter backpacks have smaller cargo capabilities and are designed to carry smaller amounts of water. Larger, bulkier backpacks have larger cargo capabilities and are designed to carry larger amounts of water. Unfortunately, this solution requires consumers who engage in varying outdoor activities to purchase multiple backpacks - an expensive proposition.

[0003] Conventional backpacks have a cargo component permanently affixed to a support component - the support component is designed to hold the pack on the back of the user and the cargo component designed to carry a payload such as water. For.smaller backpacks, the support component can consist of a pair of shoulder straps. Larger backpacks incorporate a fixed waist belt to secure the cargo component against the user's waist. When engaged in activities such as biking or skiing, a wearer' s waste continually shifts. When the wearer's waist shifts, the shifting motion causes a convention al backpack having a fixed waist belt to slide across the wearer's back. This can make wearing a conventional backpack uncomfortable and cumbersome. [0004] A common method for remaining cool during a strenuous activity is to allow air to circulate over a body surface. Conventional backpacks rest securely against the wearer's back trapping heat. This often forces the wearer to remove the backpack in order to cool off. reach the human wearer's mouth. The hose includes a mouthpiece designed such that when the wearer bites down liquid is allowed to flow through the hose. Most humans do not desire to share this hose with a dog. Most dogs are trained to drink from a bowl. To get liquid into a bowl, the wearer is forced to dispense water through the hose by hand or remove the backpack and manually dispense the water. [0006] What is needed is a modular backpack that allows a user to interchange cargo components depending upon the amount of water or other cargo needed for a given activity. The backpack should also have an articulating waist belt allowing the backpack's cargo component to remain stationary relative to the wearer's back. The backpack should incorporate a system that allows air to circulate between the backpack and the wearer's back. Where the pack is designed to carry and dispense liquid for the wearer, it should also incorporate an independent means for dispensing liquid into a receptacle such as a bowl or other container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a rear view of a harness module and a waist module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of a harness module and a waist module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear view of a harness module that can adjust to match the length of a wearer's torso according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 4 illustrates an articulating post for connecting a harness module to a waist module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 5 illustrates a waist module apart from a harness module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 6 illustrates a first cargo module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 7 illustrates the cargo module of Fig. 6 attached to the harness and waist modules of Figs. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 8 illustrates a second cargo module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 9 illustrates the cargo module of Fig. 8 attached to the harness and waist modules of Figs. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate a lift-off module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 11 illustrates the lift-off module of Fig. 10 attached to the harness module of Figs. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0018] Figs 12-16 illustrate a hose and reel assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] INTRODUCTION: It is expected that various embodiments of the present invention will provide a modular backpack that allows a user to interchange cargo modules depending upon the amount of water or other cargo needed for a given activity. The invented backpack incorporates an articulating waist belt allowing the backpack's cargo component to remain stationary relative to the wearer's back as the wearer's hips shift. The backpack also incorporates a lift-off module that allows, without removing the backpack, air to circulate between the backpack and the wearer's back.

[0020] As will be described below, the invented backpack includes five main components - a harness module, a waist module, a cargo module, a lift off module, and a hose and reel assembly connected to a flexible pouch for use in transporting and dispensing potable liquids. The harness module is responsible for securing the backpack to a wearer's back. The waist module is responsible for securing the backpack to the wearer's waist. The cargo module can be attached to and detached from the harness module and is responsible for carrying liquid and/or other selected items. Cargo modules can come in various sizes and shapes depending upon the quantity and type of material to be carried.

[0021] A post, referred to hereafter and an articulation post, extends out of the waist module. One end of the post is affixed to the waist module such that, when the waist module is worn, the other end of the post protrudes away from the wearer's posterior, that is, away from the wearer's tailbone. The protruding end of the articulation post slides through a collar formed in the rear base of the harness module. A cap covers the protruding end of the articulation post preventing the harness module from sliding off. In this manner, the harness module and the waist module can rotate freely relative to each other about the articulation post - the rotation of each module passing through parallel planes. [0022] The lift-off module helps maintain a space for air flow across a wearer's back. The flexible pouch and hose and reel assembly enable the backpack to be used to transport and dispense potable liquids.

[0023] COMPONENTS: Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate harness module 10 connected to waist module 12. Fig. 1 shows a rear view, that is, a view an observer would see of a wearer's back if modules 10 and 12 were being worn. Fig. 2 shows an opposing view. Harness module 10 includes shoulder straps 14 and 16, back support 18, sternum strap 20, and connecting straps 22 and 24. When worn, shoulder straps extend from the wearer's sides, over the wearer's chest and shoulders and down to the middle of the wearer's lower back where straps 22 and 24 join together. Back support 18 spans across the upper middle portion of the wearer's back linking shoulder straps 22 and 24.

[0024] Sternum strap 20 is positioned to traverse the wearer's chest with each end connected to a shoulder strap 14 or 16. Preferably, sternum strap 20 includes a buckle or other connecting mechanism allowing the user to more easily don and remove harness module 10. Connecting straps 22 and 24 each link a shoulder strap 14 or 16 to shoulder strap junction 30. Shoulder strap junction 30 represents the portion of harness module 10 where, when worn, shoulder straps 14 and 16 meet near the wearer's lower back. Using quick release buckles, connecting straps 22 and 24 can be easily shortened and lengthened to fit the wearer's size and even detached to allow the wearer to more easily don or remove harness module 10. [0025] Waist module 12 includes base 26 and waist strap 28. When worn, base 26 fits against the wearer's lower back. Waist strap 28 functions like a belt extending around the wearer's waist connecting, with a buckle or other suitable mechanism, near the wearer's abdomen. When tightened appropriately, waist strap 28 causes waist module 12 to fit snugly around the wearer's waist. In various embodiments, waist module 12, particularly base 26, may also include a cargo pouch (not shown) for carrying water or other items. In these cases base 26 may be proportionally larger or of a different shape than that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. [0026] Articulation post 32 (shown in more detail with reference to Fig. 4) connects waist module 12 to shoulder strap junction 30 of harness module 10. Articulation post 32, with an end held by base 26 of waist harness 12 passes through a collar or hole (not shown) formed in shoulder strap junction 30 of harness module 10. Articulation post 32 can freely, or with minimal resistance, slide through and rotate within the collar. This configuration allows harness module 10 and waist module 12 to rotate freely with relation to each other about articulation post 32 - the rotation of each module 10 and 12 passing through generally parallel planes. [0027] Fig. 3 illustrates harness module 34 that is adjustable to fit the length of a wearer's torso. Harness module 34 includes torso straps 36 and 38. Pulling torso straps 36 and 38 up and over the shoulder straps cinching back support 40 upward - decreasing the module's length. Loosening torso straps 36 and 38 allows back support 40 to extend - increasing the module's length.

[0028] Referring now to Fig. 4, articulation post 32 includes base 42, shaft 44, neck 46, and cap 48. Base 42 represents any structure capable of holding or securing articulation post 32 to waist module 12. Shaft 44 is the portion of articulation module that slides through and rotates within the collar formed in shoulder strap junction 30 of harness module 10. With shaft 44 inserted through the collar, cap 48 firmly attaches to neck 46. Cap 48 is larger than the collar preventing harness module 10 from sliding off articulation post 32. Articulation post 32 may also include safety light 50. Preferably light 50 is a high intensity flashing LED (Light Emitting Diode). Safety light 50 is intended to make the wearer more visible in darker environments. While shown only as a bulb, light 50 represents the bulb, power supply, and other electronic components needed to produce a flashing light source. Where a light 50 is present, cap 48 should be at least partially translucent. [0029] Fig. 5 illustrates waist module 12 apart from harness module 10. This illustration reveals base support 52. Base support 52 represents any structure for securing base 42 or articulation post 32 to waist harness 12. Preferably base support 52 allows articulation post 32 to be easily attached and removed from waist module 12. Here, base support 52 is shown as a collar having a diameter larger than shaft 44 of articulation post 32 but smaller than base 42 and cap 48. With cap 48 removed, shaft 44 of articulation post 32 can be inserted through base support 52. Base 42 prevents articulation post 32 from sliding entirely through base support 52. Shaft 44 can then be placed through the collar formed in shoulder strap junction 30 of harness module 10. With cap 48 attached, articulation post 32 is held in place linking harness module 10 to waist module 12. As an alternative, base 42 of articulation post 32 may be more permanently sewn into waist module 12. [0030] Fig 6 illustrates cargo module 54 designed to hold water or other items. Fig. 7 shows cargo module 54 attached to harness module 10. It is expected that the attachment will be achieved using a combination of hook and loop fasteners and nylon straps. While not shown, it is also expected that cargo module 54 may include a collar like the collar formed in shoulder strap junction 30 of harness module 10. The collar formed in cargo module 54 will be designed to receive shaft 44 of articulation post 32. With shaft inserted through waist module 12, harness module 10, and then cargo module 54, the three modules can be secured together at a common point. Regardless of the particular manner in which cargo module 54 is attached, it should be removable allowing the wearer to replace the cargo module with another cargo module of a different size or configuration. Fig. 8 illustrates a second cargo module 56 that differs both in size and shape from cargo module 54. Fig. 9 illustrates cargo module 56 attached to harness module 10. [0031] Figs. 10A, 10B, and 11 illustrate lift-off module 58. Lift-off module 58 represents any structure that, when attached directly or indirectly to harness module 10, allows the user to create a space for air to flow between the wearer's back and a cargo module. As illustrated in Figs. 10A and 10B, lift-off module 58 is bowed or curved, Y-shaped, and formed from a semi-rigid but flexible material. Lift-off module 58 includes a shoulder portion 60 and tail portion 62. Shoulder portion 60 includes tabs 64 and 66. Tail portion 62 includes clamp 68.

[0032] Fig. 11 shows lift-off module 58 attached to harness module 10. Here, tabs 64 and 66 insert into pockets formed in shoulder straps 14 and 16 near the wearer's shoulders. Clamp 68 is snapped securely around or slid over shaft 44 (not shown) of articulation post 32. However, shaft 44 should still rotate freely within clamp 68. While clamp 68 is shown as C-shaped, clamp 68 may instead be completely circular such that it must be slid over shaft 44. When worn, lift-off module 58 curves away from and forms to the wearer's back.

[0033] While not shown, pull straps can pass through channels formed in back portions 70 and 72 of harness module 10. One end of each strap is affixed to harness module 10 near shoulder strap junction 30. The other free ends of each of the straps extend freely out of shoulder straps 14 and 16 near the wearer's collar bone. See Fig. 3 as an example. The straps should slide freely within the channels so that when the wearer pulls on the free ends of the straps, the shoulder strap junction 30 is urged up the wearers back. This causes lift-off module 58 to flex and bow away from the wearer's back. Securing the free ends of the pull straps hold shoulder strap junction 30 in place keeping lift-off module 58 bowed. In the bowed position, lift-off module 58 forces a cargo module (when attached to harness module 10) away from the wearer's back creating a space for air-flow. Releasing, the free ends of the straps allows lift-off module 58 to return to its natural state urging shoulder strap junction 30 down the wearer's back.

[0034] As an alternative, lift-off module 58 may fit within a pocket formed in cargo module with tabs 64 and 66 extending out of that pocket. Shoulder straps 14 and 16 may each include a series of pockets for receiving tabs 64 and 66 - the pockets starting near the wearer's shoulders extending along straps 14 and 16 approaching the center of the wearer's back. Inserting tabs 64 and 66 into pockets formed near the wearer's shoulders holds lift-off module in its natural state. Inserting tabs 64 and 66 into pockets formed closer to the center of the wearer's back causes lift-off module to bow away from the wearer's back. In this position lift-off module 58 holds cargo module 54 (not shown) away from the wearer's back creating a space for air flow.

[0035] As yet another alternative, tabs 64 and 66 of lift-off system 58 may insert into a pocket or pockets formed in cargo module 54 (Figs. 6 and 7). Cargo module 54 has two ends - one end located near a wearer's shoulders and the other end located nearer the wearer's tailbone. With the tailbone end of cargo module 54 secured to harness module 10 near shoulder strap junction 30, the shoulder end of cargo module can be secured to selected position along back portions 70 and 72 of harness module 10. When the shoulder end of cargo module 54 is secured near the wearer's shoulders, lift-off module 58 is held in its normal state. Securing the shoulder end nearer the center of the wearer's back causes lift-off system 58 to bow forcing cargo module 54 away from the wearer's back creating a space for air flow. [0036] It is expected that cargo module 56 and/or waist module 12 will carry a liquid such as water. U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2002/0113101 filed by Jeff Skillern on January 8, 2002 is incorporated herein by reference. The '101 application discloses a liquid containing bladder designed to be inserted into a backpack. Such a bladder could be inserted into cargo module 56 and/or waist module 12. [0037] Figs. 12-14 illustrate an example of a hose and reel assembly 80 for dispensing liquid from a bladder. Hose and reel assembly 80 represents generally any mechanism capable of allowing a hose to be extended and then retracted while making it possible for liquid to flow through the hose. Starting with Fig. 12 hose and reel assembly 80 includes hose 82, valve 84, housing 86, and supply connector 88. Hose 82 represents generally any flexible tubing that can be coiled and through which a liquid can flow. Valve 84 represents generally any structure that can be used to selectively prevent and allow fluid to flow out of hose 82. Housing 86 represents any structure for containing hose 82 when coiled. Supply connector represents generally any structure capable of assisting in connecting assembly 80 to a liquid containing bladder.

[0038] Fig. 13 is an exploded view of hose and reel assembly 80. In addition to hose 82, valve 84, housing 86, and supply connector 88, assembly 80 includes reel 90, axle hub 92, back plate 94, lock 96, and coil spring 98. Reel 90 represent any structure around which hose 82 can be coiled. Axle hub 92 represents any structure around which reel 90 can rotate. Back plate 94 fits between axle hub 92 and reel 90. When axle hub 92 is inserted through back plate 94 and reel 90 a portion of axle hub 92 extends through and beyond reel 90. Lock 96 represents any structure capable of holding axle hub 92 in place keeping axle hub 92 inserted through pack plate 94 and reel 90 such that reel 90 can rotate around axle hub 92. As illustrated lock 96 is a nut and washer. A portion of axle hub 92 extend through lock 96, through coil spring 98, and on through housing 86. Coil spring 98 abuts reel 90 such that as reel 90 rotates in one direction (counterclockwise in the views of Figs. 12 and 13) coil spring 98 tightens urging reel 90 to reverse its rotation. Supply connector 88 connects to the portion of axle hub 92 that extends through housing 86. [0039] Hose 82 includes supply end 100 and reel 90 includes hose connector 102. Hose connector 102 represents any structure capable of assisting in affixing supply end 100 to reel 90. With hose 82 coiled around reel 90, pulling on a free end of hose 82 causes reel 90 to rotate tightening coil spring 98. Releasing hose 82 allows coil spring to reverse the rotation of reel 90 taking hose 82 back up onto reel 90.

[0040] Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of hose and reel assembly 80. This view reveals axle reservoir 104, axle channel 106, reel channel 108, and gaskets 110. Axle reservoir 104 is a sealed annular or ring shaped gap between reel 90 and axle hub 92. Axle channel 106 is a passage formed in axle hub 92 that passes from supply connector 88 to axle reservoir 104. Reel channel 108 is a passage formed in reel 90 that passes from axle reservoir 104 to hose connector 102. Gaskets 104 provide a seal between axle hub 92 and reel 90 allowing liquid to flow in through supply connector 88 through axle channel 106, into axle reservoir 104, on through reel channel 108, and into hose 82. Axle reservoir 104 is positioned such that as reel 90 rotates, reel channel 108 also rotates with relation to axle hub 92 but remains aligned with axle reservoir 104. This arrangement makes it possible for liquid to continually flow into hose and reel assembly 80 through supply connector 88. [0041] Fig. 15 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of hose and reel assembly 80. Here, hose and reel assembly 80 includes housing shells 112A and 112B, input port 114, reel 116, gasket 118, clip 120, valve 122, and hose 124. Housing shells 112A and 112B represent generally any structure capable of containing reel 116 and hose 124 in such a manner that reel 116 is secured but can rotate within and relative to housing shells 112A and 112B. Input port 114 represents generally any structure that can be secured to housing shell 112A while providing a channel through which liquid can flow into hose and reel assembly 80 from a source such as a bladder. Reel 116 represents generally any structure around which hose 124 can be coiled. Reel 116 also provides a channel through which liquid can flow connecting input port 114 to hose 124. [0042] Reel 116 includes axle/exit port combination 116A, reel stop/coil spring combination 116B, and reel stop 116C. Axle/exit port combination 116A represents generally any structure around which hose 124 can be coiled. Axle/exit port combination 116A also provides a channel connecting input port 114 to hose 124. Axle/exit port combination 116A includes channel exit 126 and channel input 128. Channel exit 126 connects reel 116 to hose 124. Channel input 128 extends through reel stop/coil spring combination 116B and connects to input port 114. Channel input 128 allows liquid to flow in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation R of reel 116. Channel exit 126 allows liquid to flow in a direction perpendicular to that axis of rotation R allowing hose 124 when coiled to occupy a plane that is also perpendicular to that axis of rotation R. With reel 116 connected to hose 124 and input port 114, liquid can flow into input port 114 from a bladder or other source, through reel 116, and exit through hose 124. Fig. 16 provides an additional illustration of axle/exit port combination 116A.

[0043] Reel stop/coil spring combination 116B and reel stop 116C represent generally any structures, in this case opposing walls, for securing and guiding hose as it is coiled around axle/exit port combination 116A. Reel stop/coil spring combination 116B abuts housing shell 112A such that as reel 116 rotates in one direction the coil spring tightens urging reel 116 to reverse its rotation. In this manner as hose 124 is pulled out and uncoiled, reel 116 rotates within housing shells 112A and 112B causing the coil spring to tighten. Releasing hose 124 allows the coil spring to reverse the rotation of reel 116 thus recoiling hose 124 around reel 116. [0044] Gasket 118 provides a seal between channel input 118 of axle/exit port combination 116A and input port 114. The connection between axle/exit port combination 116A and input port 114 is such that axle/exit port combination 116A is allowed to rotate relative to input port 114 with gasket 118 operating to prevent liquid from leaking at that connection.

[0045] Clip 120 represents generally any structure affixed to housing shell 112B that can help secure hose and reel assembly 80 to another structure such as a belt or pocket. Valve 122 represents generally any structure that can be used to selectively prevent and allow fluid to flow out of hose 124.

[0046] It is expected that hose and reel assembly 80 will fit into a pocket formed in waist module 12. Waist module 12 will contain a liquid carrying bladder having an outlet connecting to supply connector 88 (Fig. 13) or input port 114 (Fig. 15) of hose and reel assembly 80. In this manner a wearer can extend hose 82,124 and actuate valve 84,126 allowing liquid to flow out of the bladder into hose and reel assembly 80 and out of valve 84,126. Alternatively, hose and reel assembly 80 could be connected to a bladder contained in cargo module 54. In yet another version, cargo module 54 and waist module 12 may both contain liquid carrying bladders. The bladder in the cargo module may include a traditional hose to dispense liquid to the wearer. The waist module may include hose and reel assembly for dispensing liquid to a pet. In fact, hose and reel assembly 80 can be incorporated into any pack or other container holding a liquid dispensing bladder. Other containers include golf bags, duffel bags, tote bags, purses, briefcases, and suitcases. [0047] CONCLUSION: The novel features of the present invention allow a user to interchange cargo modules depending upon the amount of water or other cargo needed for a given activity. Rather than being forced to purchase multiple backpacks, a consumer already having a harness and waist modules can purchase two or more cargo modules to meet his or her needs. It is expected that the cost of a cargo module will be substantially less than a conventional backpack providing similar cargo capabilities. Therefore, purchasing a harness module, a waste module, and two cargo modules should also be significantly less expensive than purchasing two conventional backpacks. As added incentives, the invented back incorporates an articulating waist module belt, a lift-off module, and a hose and reel assembly. The articulating waist module allows the backpack's cargo and harness modules to remain stationary relative to the wearer's back as the wearer's hips shift. The lift-off module allows, without removing the backpack, air to circulate between a cargo module and the wearer's back. The hose and reel assembly provides an efficient manner for dispensing liquids to a recipient or receptacle other than the wearer. [0048] The present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that other forms, details, and embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention that is defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A hydration system comprising: a flexible pouch forming a first compartment capable of holding a potable liquid; and a hose and reel assembly operably connected to the flexible pouch, the connection allowing potable liquid in the first compartment to exit the flexible pouch through the hose and reel assembly.

2. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the flexible pouch includes a plurality of layers forming the first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being filled with a thermal capacitance medium.

3. The system of Claim 1 , further comprising a container, the container capable of securing the flexible pouch and the hose and reel assembly.

4. The system of Claim 3, wherein the container is a waist pack.

5. The system of Claim 3, wherein the container is a backpack.

6. The system of Claim 3, wherein the container is a golf bag.

7. The system of Claim 3, wherein the container includes a waist module for securing the hose and reel assembly and a cargo module for securing the flexible pouch.

8. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the hose and reel assembly includes a hose retractably connected to a reel, the hose having a supply end, the reel being connected to the flexible pouch, and the connection allowing potable liquid in the first compartment to flow out of the flexible pouch, through the hose, and exit through the supply end of the hose.

9. The system of Claim 8, wherein the hose and reel assembly includes a housing securing the reel in such a manner that the reel can rotate within the housing, the system further comprising a clip affixed to the housing.

10. The system of Claim 8, wherein the hose and reel assembly includes a channel through which potable liquid can flow into the hose, the channel being formed by an input port and the reel.

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein: the hose and reel assembly includes a housing securing the reel in such a manner that the reel can rotate within the housing; the input port is connected to the housing; the reel includes an axle/exit port combination providing a structure around which the hose can be coiled and through which potable liquid can flow from the input port and out to the hose; and the axle/exit port combination includes an input channel rotatably connected to the input port and an exit channel connected to the hose.

12. The system of Claim 11 , wherein the reel also includes: first and second reel stops connected to the axle/exit port combination that guide the hose as it is coiled around the axle/exit port combination; and a coil spring attached to the housing and the first reel stop providing a rotational bias on the axle/exit port combination.

13. The system of Claim 12, wherein the first reel stop and the coil spring form a reel stop/coil spring combination.

14. A hose and reel assembly, comprising: a reel; a hose retractably connected to a reel; a housing securing the reel in such a manner that the reel can rotate within the housing; an input port connected to the housing and the reel such that the reel can rotate relative to the input port; and a channel through which potable liquid can flow into the hose, the channel being formed by the input port and the reel.

15. The assembly of Claim 14, wherein the reel includes an axle/exit port combination providing a structure around which the hose can be coiled and through which potable liquid can flow in from the input port and out to the hose.

16. The assembly of Claim 15, wherein the axle/exit port combination includes an input channel rotatably connected to the input port and an exit channel connected to the hose.

17. The assembly of Claim 15, wherein the input channel is oriented such that it allows potable liquid to flow in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the reel and the output channel is oriented such that is allows potable liquid to flow in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the reel.

18. The assembly of Claim 14, wherein the reel includes: an axle/exit port combination providing a structure around which the hose can be coiled and through which potable liquid can flow in from the input port and out to the hose; first and second reel stops connected to the axle/exit port combination that guide the hose as it is coiled around the axle/exit port combination; and a coil spring attached to the housing and the first reel stop providing a rotational bias on the axle/exit port combination.

19. The assembly of Claim 18, wherein the first reel stop and the coil spring form a reel stop/coil spring combination.

20. The assembly of Claim 14 further comprising a clip connected to the housing.

21. A modular backpack, comprising: a harness module operable to secure the backpack to a wearer's back; a waist module operable to secure the backpack to the wearers waist; and an articulation post extending out of the waist module and through a collar formed in the harness module, the articulation post allowing the harness module to pivot relative to the waist module.

22. The modular backpack of Claim 21 , further comprising a cargo module removeably affixed to the harness module.

23. The modular backpack of Claim 22, wherein the articulation post extends through a collar formed in the cargo module allowing the cargo module to pivot relative to the waist module.

24. The modular backpack of Claim 21 , further comprising a lift-off module capable, when at least indirectly attached to the harness module, of being flexed to assist in maintaining a space for air flow between the cargo module and the wearer's back.

25. The modular backpack of Claim 24, wherein the lift-off module is attachable to and removable from the articulation post allowing the lift-off module to pivot relative to the waist module.

26. The modular backpack of Claim 21 , wherein the articulation post includes a base, a shaft, and a cap removably affixed to the shaft, wherein the base secures the articulation post to the waist module, the shaft extends through the collar formed in the harness module, and the cap when affixed to the shaft prevents the harness module from separating from the articulation post.

27. The modular backpack of Claim 21 , wherein the harness module includes a torso strap operable, when cinched, to shorten a length of the harness module.

28. The modular backpack of Claim 21 , further comprising: a flexible pouch forming a first compartment capable of holding a potable liquid; a cargo module removeably affixed to the harness module, the cargo module securing the flexible pouch; and a hose and reel assembly operably connected to the flexible pouch, the connection allowing potable liquid in the first compartment to exit the flexible pouch through the hose and reel assembly, the hose and reel assembly being secured by the waist module.

29. The modular backpack of Claim 28, wherein the flexible pouch includes a plurality of layers forming the first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being filled with a thermal capacitance medium.

30. The modular backpack of Claim 28, wherein the hose and reel assembly includes a hose retractably connected to a reel, the hose having a supply end, the reel being connected to the flexible pouch, and the connection allowing potable liquid in the first compartment to flow out of the flexible pouch, through the hose, and exit through the supply end of the hose.

31. The modular backpack of Claim 21 , further comprising: a flexible pouch forming a first compartment capable of holding a potable liquid; a hose and reel assembly operably connected to the flexible pouch, the connection allowing potable liquid in the first compartment to exit the flexible pouch through the hose and reel assembly; and wherein the flexible pouch and the hose and reel assembly are secured by the waist module.

32. The modular backpack of Claim 31 , wherein the flexible pouch includes a plurality of layers forming the first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being filled with a thermal capacitance medium.

33. The modular backpack of Claim 31 , wherein the hose and reel assembly includes a hose retractably connected to a reel, the hose having a supply end, the reel being connected to the flexible pouch, and the connection allowing potable liquid in the first compartment to flow out of the flexible pouch, through the hose, and exit through the supply end of the hose.

34. A modular backpack, comprising: a harness module operable to secure the backpack to a wearer's back; a waist module operable to secure the backpack to the wearers waist; a cargo module removeably affixed to the harness module; a lift-off module capable, when at least indirectly attached to the harness module, of being flexed to assist in maintaining a space for air flow between the cargo module and the wearer's back; and an articulation post extending out of the waist module and through a collar formed in the harness module, a collar formed in the cargo module, and a collar formed in the lift off module, the articulation post allowing the harness module, cargo module, and lift-off module to pivot relative to waist module.

35. A modular backpack, comprising: a harness module operable to secure the backpack to a wearer's back; a waist module operable to secure the backpack to the wearers waist; and an articulation post extending out of the waist module and through a collar formed in the harness module, the articulation post allowing the harness module to pivot relative to waist module; a flexible pouch formed from a plurality of layers, the flexible pouch having a first compartment capable of holding a potable liquid and a second compartment being filled with a thermal capacitance medium; a cargo module removeably affixed to the harness module, the cargo module securing the flexible pouch; and a hose and reel assembly operably connected to the flexible pouch, the connection allowing potable liquid in the first compartment to exit the flexible pouch through the hose and reel assembly, the hose and reel assembly being secured by the waist module.