Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LIQUID DISPENSER AND METHOD OF DISPENSING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally concerns the field of liquid dispensers and exercise
devices incorporating same. More particularly, the invention concerns a liquid
dispenser securable about the limb of a user for storing and dispensing a
liquid as
desired, and preferably automatically storing and dispensing the liquid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various weight training and water dispensing devices exist in the art.
However, these devices have several disadvantages. Often the devices are
intended
for only one purpose and are accordingly constructed as such which prevents
their use
in other ways. For example, some flexible liquid wrist mounted training
devices exist
in the art. Of these known these devices, all have constructions directed to
preventing
the sloshing of liquid therein by providing various means internally of the
liquid
chamber. Further, such devices do not address how to maintain the liquid
training
1 S device in a secure position about the limb of the user when dispensing
liquid during
use, without having to adjust the positioning of the whole device. Still
further, such
devices are not designed to dispense liquid during continuous use, nor
dispense liquid
automatically.
Other devices exist that are more directed to dispensing a liquid during use
of
the device. Again, however, these devices have several short comings. Often,
these
devices are hand held which has obvious disadvantages for use during
exercising or if
one has little hand strength. Also, these devices are not designed to dispense
liquid
automatically. Still further, these devices do not address how to continuously
and
automatically maintain the liquid in a secure position within the device to
prevent
undesirable sloshing when dispensing liquid during use and after the device is
less
than completely full to capacity with the liquid.
Accordingly, a liquid dispenser is needed that overcomes the disadvantages of
the prior weight training and water dispensing devices. In particular, a
dispenser is
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needed that is adaptable for use as an exercise device and also enables a
drinkable
liquid to be dispensed during use, and preferably automatically. Further, a
dispenser
is needed that maintains itself in a secure position about the limb of the
user when
dispensing liquid during use, without having to adjust the positioning of the
whole
device. Still further, a dispenser is needed whereby the liquid within the
dispenser is
continuously and automatically maintained in a secure position within the
dispenser to
prevent undesirable sloshing when dispensing liquid during use and after the
dispenser
is less than completely full to capacity with the liquid.
The devices disclosed in the prior patents and known to me do not offer the
flexibility and inventive features of the liquid dispenser and method of
dispensing a
liquid. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the features of
the present
invention differs from those previously proposed and overcome the
disadvantages of
the prior devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a liquid dispenser
securable about a user's limb for storing and dispensing a liquid. The
dispenser
comprises a sized flexible strap adapted to engage an outer surface of the
limb. A
flexible pouch is joined with the strap. A chamber is housed within the pouch.
A
liquid impervious liner surrounds the chamber and liquid can be stored within
the
chamber. A dispensing nipple extends through the pouch and is in fluid flow
communication with the chamber. The nipple is operable between a closed
position
whereby the liquid is sealed within the chamber and an open position whereby
the
liquid can be communicated to and from the chamber.
Other features of the invention concern a method for dispensing a liquid from
a liquid dispenser locatable about a limb of a user. The method preferably
comprises
the steps of: creating a substantially continuous positive pressure within the
chamber;
and, dispensing the liquid from the chamber by opening the nipple, wherein the
_
pressure within the chamber automatically dispenses the liquid when the nipple
is
open.
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According to other features of the invention there is also provided a
dispenser
structure and method that, preferably, can maintain a substantially continuous
positive
pressure within the chamber, can be constructed with materials having
particular
operational characteristics, can be particularly configured to enhance use of
the same
and can serve dual thirst relief and exercise training purposes.
In accordance with the following, it is an advantage of the present invention
to
store and dispense a liquid from a dispenser that is adaptable for use as an
exercise
device and also enables a drinkable liquid to be dispensed during use, and
preferably
automatically.
A further advantage is to store and dispenses a liquid from a dispenser that
maintains itself in a secure position about the limb of the user when
dispensing liquid
during use, and preferably automatically, without having to adjust the
positioning of
the device.
A still further advantage is to store and dispense a liquid from a dispenser
wherein the liquid within the dispenser is continuously and automatically
maintained
in a secure position within the dispenser to prevent undesirable sloshing when
dispensing liquid during use and after the dispenser is less than completely
full to
capacity with the liquid.
Yet a further advantage is to store and dispense a liquid in and from a
dispenser that keeps the user's hands free and that can be used by people of
all ages, in
exercise and non-exercise environments alike.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the invention will become more readily
apparent upon reference to the following description when taken in conjunction
with
the accompanying drawings, which drawings illustrate several embodiments of
the ~_
invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispenser secured about a
user's wrist and substantially filled with a liquid, in accordance with the
features of the
invention.
FIG. 2 is partial cross-sectional side view of the dispenser of FIG. l, here
laid
flat.
FIG. 3 is top view of the dispenser of FIG. l, here laid flat.
FIG. 4 is partial cross-sectional side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1, here
laid
flat and only partially filled with the liquid.
FIG. 5 is partial cross-sectional side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1, here
laid
flat and nearly empty of the liquid.
FIG. 6 is partial cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a
dispenser removably secured to a strap which is securable about a user's wrist
and is
here substantially filled with a liquid and laid flat, in accordance with the
features of
the invention.
1 S FIG. 7 is top view of the dispenser of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of the dispenser of FIG. 2, taken along
the
line 8-8.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the dispenser of FIG. 4, taken along
the
line 9-9.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a nipple in a closed
position for the various embodiments of dispensers, in accordance with the
features of
the invention.
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FIG.11 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an alternate nipple in a
closed position for the various embodiments of dispensers, in accordance with
the
features of the invention.
FIG.12 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the nipple of FIG. 10, here
in an open position.
FIG.13 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the nipple of FIG. 11, here
in an open position.
FIG.14 is a perspective view of a filling nozzle, in accordance with the
features of the invention.
FIG.15 is partial cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a
dispenser similar to that of FIG 1, here shown laid flat and including a
weight member
connectable with the strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1-5 for example, the
invention
1 S comprises a liquid dispenser 10 securable about a user's limb 12 for
storing and
dispensing a liquid 14. The liquid may comprise any flowable liquid but is
preferably
water, a sports drink or the like which the user desires to store at a first
time and then
dispense for drinking at a later time.
The liquid dispenser 10 includes a sized flexible strap 16 adapted to engage
an
outer surface 18 of the limb 12. Although the snap is flexible, it is
preferably made of
a non-stretchy/non-elastic material, such as a conventional nylon-type strap
that does
not substantially increase in length when stretched. However, it is
conceivable that a
stretchy/elastic material could be utilized, but that as such, the desirable
feature of a
more universal type strap which is possible with a non-stretchy/non-elastic
material-
would be compromised. In spite of this potentially compromised feature though,
such
a device with a stretchy/elastic material strap is within the scope of the
invention.
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A flexible pouch 20 is joined with the strap 16. A chamber 22 is housed
within the pouch. A liquid impervious liner 24 surrounds the chamber and
enables the
liquid to be stored within the chamber without leaking out. A dispensing
nipple 32
extends through the pouch and is in fluid flow communication with the chamber.
The
S nipple is operable between a closed position 34 (FIGS. 10 and 11 ) and an
open
position 36 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The liquid is substantially sealed within the
chamber
when the nipple is in the closed position (FIGS. 10 and 11 ). However, liquid
can be
communicated to and from the chamber when the nipple is in the open position
(FIGS.
12 and 13). The open position comprises any range of positions where a sealing
flap
44 is not engaged against a sealing seat 45. Liquid is preferably communicated
to the
chamber via a filling nozzle 38, however, other means may be used as desired.
The
nozzle is preferably sized at one end to be large enough to fit over and
sealingly
engage a liquid source (e.g., a conventional faucet tap, a beverage bottle,
etc.) and at a
second end to be sized to sealingly fit within a communicating channel 48 of
the
nipple. In this way, the nozzle can supply a flow of pressurized liquid to the
chamber,
for reasons hereinafter discussed.
The pouch is preferably constructed of a stretchy/elastic material. For
example, depending on the features desired as hereinafter discussed, the pouch
may
comprise a material like that of an ACE' bandage, a rubber or synthetic rubber
material, a composite material having the desired stretchy/eiastic
characteristic or the
like. In particular, the pouch preferably has the ability to expand in size,
and the
chamber 22 therein in volume, in response to receiving the liquid and then
automatically shrink in size, and volume, when the liquid is dispensed whereby
the
pouch can return to its pre-liquid containing condition or at rest position
when all
liquid is dispensed. In this way, such a pouch can supply a force exerted on a
periphery of the chamber in a substantially radial inward direction 30
whenever the
pouch is stretch from its at rest position.
Such a construction can also provide a pouch wherein the force maintains a _
substantially continuous positive pressure, and preferably a pressure at least
as great as
atmospheric pressure, within the chamber whenever the pouch is stretched from
its at
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rest position. In this way, liquid can be automatically dispensed from the
chamber
whenever the nipple is in the open position and there is liquid within the
chamber. If
the pressure within the chamber is less than atmospheric, the invention can
still be
practiced when the nipple is open. However, one must exert a pressure on the
pouch
to thereby create a greater positive pressure within the chamber, suck the
liquid from
the chamber, or use some similar means to dispense the liquid.
In another embodiment of the invention, the desired forces may be exerted on
the pouch by use of a stretchy/elastic strap I6 with a non-stretchy/non-
elastic pouch or
a stretchy/elastic pouch. For a dispenser constructed in this way, the strap
will have to
I O be particularly sized to particular lengths in combination with the
stretch and elasticity
characteristics of the pouch. Although this means for constructing a dispenser
is quite
possible and readily determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art, it is
not presently
the preferred way to practice the invention.
Concerning the chamber, it preferably comprises a single chamber, as
15 depicted. With a single chamber, when dispensing liquid the radial pressure
exerted
by the pouch will be substantially uniform, the pouch will shrink at a
substantially
uniform rate and liquid can be readily dispensed more uniformly. Additionally,
with
the single chamber the remaining liquid can be securely maintained about the
user's
wrist although the volume within the chamber has decreased. Further in this
regard,
20 the chamber preferably has a substantially continuously smooth chamber
wall, as
opposed to a wall with ridges, sub-chambers or other protrusions extending
inwardly
from the chamber wall. Again, this further assists in the uniform dispensing
of liquid
and to securely maintain the dispenser 10 about the user's wrist although the
volume
within the chamber has decreased. In summary, these preferred features
contribute to
25 providing a stable and secure liquid mass about the user's wrist even as
the volume
changes, and without having to adjust the strap 16 to securely maintain the
dispenser
about the user's wrist.
The pouch may be joined directly with the strap 16, such as through
conventional sonic or thermal weld processes, a stitched relationship, or
similar type
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process or relationship as known in the art. Additionally, the pouch may be
joined
indirectly with the strap such as by conventional glue bonds or some other
conventional adhesive-type material positioned between these two to join them
together. Yet further, in an alternative embodiment of.the invention, as
depicted in
FIGS. 6 and 7, the pouch can be removably attached to the strap, such as by a
conventional pair of cooperating VELCRO' layers 21.
The pouch and the liner may be unified in a homogeneous or composite
material. In such a case, the liquid impervious liner 24 may merely be an
inner
surface of the pouch 20, wherein the whole pouch is liquid impervious and also
has
the desired flexible and/or elastic characteristics. Additionally, the pouch
and the
liner may be integrally connected whereby the liner and the pouch comprise
distinct
layers relative to one another and are formed by conventional means. Still
further, the
pouch and the liner may not be connected in any permanent way, but rather, the
liner
may comprise a separate layer that provides the liquid impervious
characteristics and
the pouch provides the stretchy/elastic characteristics as desired. In each
case, the
pouch, the liner and a combination of the pouch and the liner could be
disposable and
in replaceable communication with the strap and the other respective members.
As shown in FIG. 7, a sealable opening 23 of a VELCROT'" type closure
material is provided so that the liner alone can be separated from the pouch
and the
strap and a separate liner inserted therein. The construction of the pouch and
the liner
will then determine the way that the nipple is connected with the pouch and/or
the
liner. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the liner and the pouch are of either a
homogeneous, composite or integrally connected construction, and the pouch may
be
removably or fixedly attaching with the strap. In such a case, a nipple outer
portion
42 will preferably be integrally connected with both the pouch and the liner,
as shown,
by appropriate means such as forming integrally, bonding, gluing, friction
fitting,
thermal or sonic weld process, a combination of these or another similar
means.
Liquid can be communicated via the nipple through the communicating
passageway_
48 located internally of the outer portion. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the
liner is
removable from the pouch, and the pouch may be removably or fixedly attaching
with
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the strap. In such a case, the nipple outer portion 42 will preferably be
integrally
connected with only the pouch, as shown, by appropriate means such as forming
integrally, bonding, gluing, friction fitting, thermal or sonic weld process,
a
combination of these or another similar means. The liner will have a nipple
neck 25
that extends through the outer portion 42. The nipple will further include an
inner
portion 46 which is insertable into the outer portion 42 and which sandwiches
the
nipple neck 25 between the outer portion 42 and the inner portion 46. In this
embodiment, liquid can be communicated via the nipple through the
communicating
passageway 48 located internally of the inner portion.
Yet a further feature the invention may include is a weight member 40
attachable with the strap (FIG. 15). The weight is preferably sized and
configured to
be slightly smaller than the strap in length and width. In this way, although
attaching
may be by any conventional means, excellent results are contemplated when the
means comprises inserting the weight in a pocket within the strap. In this
regard,
1 S isometric advantages may be better utilized.
In operation, the invention may preferably function as follows. First, some
amount of liquid is put into the chamber using the filling nozzle. This, in
turn, creates
a substantially continuous positive pressure within the chamber because of the
elastic
characteristic of the pouch and it being elastically tensioned due to the
presence of the
liquid. That is, preferably the elastic tensioning creates a substantially
radial inward
force on a periphery of the chamber. Next, the liquid is dispensed from the
chamber
by opening the nipple, wherein the pressure within the chamber preferably
automatically causes the liquid to be dispensed when the nipple is open.
Although not required, it is preferred that the chamber comprise the single
chamber wherein a cross-sectional diameter of the chamber is reduced at a
substantially uniform rate when dispensing the liquid, see FIGS. 8 to 9 for
example.
Also, similar to that discussed above, this feature further contributes to
providing a
stable and secure liquid mass even as the volume changes, without having to
adjust
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the strap 16, i.e., automatically maintaining the liquid dispenser in a secure
position
about the limb of the user when dispensing liquid.
The step of dispensing preferably comprises partially pinching together a
portion of the nipple, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In this way, the sealing
flap 44,
hinged at a portion of its edge, is forced away from a sealing seat 45 and
liquid can
exit the chamber through the gap. To put liquid into the chamber, pinching is
not
required because the liquid coming into the chamber under pressure will force
flap 44
out of the way. Liquid is sealed in the chamber by a natural biasing tendency
of the
sealing flap to remain seated against the sealing seat when in its rest
position. Further,
when liquid is in the chamber the force of the liquid under pressure therein
further acts
to press the sealing flap against the sealing seat to thereby seal the
chamber.
As various possible embodiments may be made in the above invention for use
for different purposes and as various changes might be made in the embodiments
above set forth, it is understood that all of the above matters here set forth
or shown in
the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a
limiting
sense.
