| WO/2004/033361 | IN-CAR HYDRATION SYSTEMS |
| WO/1999/066809 | INSULATING JACKET DEVICE WITH A LIQUID CONTAINER |
| JP2622816 | HAT INSULATING CUP |
Saunders, Mark (15 Dormer Place, Ground Floor Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5AA, GB)
| 1. | A liquid dispensing device comprising a body formed from a flexible material and having an internal layer therein which creates at least two separate compartments within the body, at least a first one of said compartments being adapted to contain a liquid and a second of said compartments being adapted to retain air therein; a means on the body for selectively enabling liquid to be dispensed from said at least one of said compartments; a means on the body for selectively enabling inflation and deflation of said other of the compartments; and a means of securing the device to a user's body. |
| 2. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is made from a biodegradable material and/or water soluble material. |
| 3. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in either of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least part of the body is made from a resilient and/or deformable material. |
| 4. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the means of dispensing and the means of inflating and deflating comprises a single valve device. |
| 5. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in claim 4, Λvherein the valve device comprises an inner and an outer tube that cooperate with the walls of the body and with said internal layer whereby to allow a user to select whether the valve is to seal both compartments, dispense the liquid from the first compartment or enable inflation/ deflation of the second compartment. |
| 6. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the valve device can be folded flat against the body "when not in use for dispensing liquid from the first compartment or inflating/deflating the second compartment. |
| 7. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the body and the at least one internal layer are sufficiently impermeable to water vapor and gas to retain a pressurised liquid in said first of said compartments. |
| 8. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the body is formed as part of a piece of clothing. |
| 9. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a means for covering the valve when it is not in use. |
| 10. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least two compartments are elongated and joined to one another along at least part of their length. |
| 11. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least two compartments are joined to one anther by means of a flexible strip. |
| 12. | A liquid dispensing device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the means for securing the device to a user's body comprises a tab disposed at one end of the flexible strip and/or at one end of at least one compartment and an aperture disposed at the opposing end of the flexible strip or compartment for receiving the tab. |
| 13. | A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body of the device or individual compartments further comprise insulating layers or are manufactured from materials having insulating properties. |
| 14. | A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is adapted to be located on the wrist, arm, shoulder, torso, or leg of an individual. |
| 15. | A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is capable of being refilled with liquid. |
| 16. | A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the device is refilled by means of a plug, an additional valve or the valve for dispensing the liquid. |
| 17. | A liquid dispensing device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. |
| 18. | A kit of parts for producing a liquid dispensing device comprising a body formed from a flexible material and having an internal layer therein which creates at least two separate compartments within the body, at least a first one of said compartments being adapted to contain a liquid and a second of said compartments being adapted to retain air therein; a means on the body for selectively enabling liquid to be dispensed from said at least one of said compartments; a means on the body for selectively enabling inflation and deflation of said other of the compartments; and a means of securing the device to a user's body. |
| 19. | A kit of parts as claimed in claim 18 for the production of a device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17. |
The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices and in particular, but not exclusively, to dispensing devices for potable liquids.
Numerous liquid dispensing devices worn around or on part of a body are known in the art.
US 5957347 describes a wristband comprising a hollow annular tube filled with a potable liquid and constructed from a flexible, elastic material. It is a single-use, pre-sterilized container, fitted with an integral valve, which is used to dispense the liquid directly into a mouth. It can be used to dispense water, sports drinks or liquid medication.
US 6126041 discloses a wristband device that relies upon the positive pressure produced during the filling of an annular tube, to autonomously provide liquid to a valve sited on the outer surface of the wristband. It is claimed that this facilitates withdrawal of fluid from the container. Furthermore, on introducing liquid the tube expands but then automatically shrinks in size and volume when the liquid is dispensed improving the comfort for the wearer.
US4988097 describes a wrist band drink dispenser which is able to dispense hot and cold drinks due to an insulating layer. A holster and pouch arrangement is shown in US6173866 where the pouches are prefilled with a drink and inserted into the holster and can fit around a wrist.
A device described in US 5669529 can be attached to a wrist and has been designed with a corrugated side section that expands on filling. Although, the valve construction used to dispense liquid is not particularly suitable for carbonated beverages.The device can also be attached to a wrist and can store and dispense hot and cold drinks. However, it must be removed from the wrist to dispense the drink.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a liquid dispensing device comprising a body formed from a flexible inaterial and having an internal layer therein which creates at least two separate compartments within the body, at least a first one of said compartments being adapted to contain a liquid and a second of said compartments being adapted to retain air therein; a means on the body for selectively enabling liquid to be dispensed from said at least one of said compartments; a means on the body for selectively enabling inflation and deflation of said other of the compartments; and a means of securing the device to a user's body.
The present invention therefore provides for a "flat-pack" device that can be easily packaged and transported in large numbers when the device has not been filled with a liquid and is deflated. Furthermore, the present invention also provides for a device that can be secured to a user's body so that liquid is always available and conveniently located for access by an individual. For example, a sports person or a person requiring medication can access a fluid contained within the device without the need to use their hands.
Advantageously, the body of the device can be made from a biodegradable and/or recyclable and/or a water soluble material. It will therefore be apparent to one skilled in the art that a number of materials may be used for the production of the body to allow it to be disposed of easily. For example, the material may be a biodegradable polymeric material such as a plastics material or rubber based material.
The feature that the body can be produced from a biodegradable or water soluble material is also advantageous as it allows the device to have a prolonged and/or pre-determined shelf life. The biodegradability and/or water solubility of the material may be activated when a liquid has been introduced into the device and the device is only intended to carry liquid for a short period of time. Alternatively, the biodegradability/water solubility may be pre-determined when the device is storing the liquid, such as is the case with many shampoo bottles that have a finite shelf life. Furthermore, materials that are commonly associated with carrying portable liquids may also be employed. For a number of applications, it is also preferred that the body is made at least partially (such as the at least two compartments for example), from a resilient and/or deformable material. The means of dispensing and the means of inflating and deflating are preferably a single valve device, but may also comprise one or more valves linked or located near to one another. Preferably, the valve device comprises an inner and an outer tube that cooperate with the walls of the body and with said internal layer whereby to allow a user to select whether the valve is to seal both compartments, dispense the liquid from the first compartment or enable inflation/deflation of the second compartment.
Advantageously, the valve device can be folded flat against the body when not in use for dispensing liquid from the first compartment or inflating/deflating the second compartment. Preferably, the device further provides a means of cohering the valve so as to protect it from contamination and/or damage when in use. Such a means of covering may be simply a flap of material extending from the body of the device that is capable of covering the valve and/or the device permitting the valve to be retractable within the body itself. Should a cover be employed, it is preferable that the cover is releasably attached to the body of the device so as to enable the individual to access the fluid a plurality of times. The cover may be releasbly attached to the body of the device by means of Velcro™ or a re- positionable adhesive for example.
Preferably, the at least two compartments are elongated and joined to one another along at least part of their length. The at least two compartments may be joined to one another by means of a flexible strip. The flexible strip may also provide a means by which compartments are joined to the body of the device, or the means of securing the device to a user's body (such as by means of a wrist band for example).
It will be evident to the skilled addressee that a number of securing means may be used in conjunction with the present invention. Preferably, the securing means comprises a tab that is disposed at one end of the flexible strip and/or at one end of at least one compartment and an aperture disposed at the opposing end of the flexible strip or compartment. The tab can then be looped though the aperture and releasably adhered to itself. For example, the tab may employ Velcro™ on one side of the tab so that it can be adhered to a corresponding region of the tab after the tab has been placed though the aperture.
Optionally, the body and the at least one internal layer are sufficiently impermeable to water vapor and gas to retain a pressurised liquid in said first of said compartments. This will be particularly important for hot liquids or liquids that are produced with carbonated water. In order that the temperature of the liquid (whether it be hot or cold) can be maintained relative to the surrounding environment and indeed the user's body temperature, the body of the device or individual compartments may additionally have insulating layers or the components may be manufactured from materials which have insulating properties.
The body may also be formed as part of a piece of clothing and preferably will have a valve disposed in a location that can be accessed easily by an individual, such as located near to the wrist or the neck of the piece of clothing. Furthermore, the device may be incorporated into the sleeve of a jacket or similar garment and the individual raise the sleeve so that the valve can easily be placed in the mouth.
The device may also be adapted to be located directly on the Λvrist, arm, shoulder, torso, or leg of an individual. For example, the device may b e in configuration of an arm or a wrist band.
It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the device may be re-usable and therefore may also be provided with a means of re-filling the at least one compartment with liquid. Such a re-filling means may compzrise a plug or additional valve, but may also be by means of the valve used for dispensing the liquid.
Should the device be used for the administration of a medicine, the amount of liquid dispensed from the valve may metered so that a pre-destermined dose of the medicament is dispensed.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for producing a liquid dispensing device comprising a body formed from a flexible material and having an internal layer therein which creates at least two separate compartments within the body, at least a first one off said compartments being adapted to contain a liquid and a second of said compartments being adapted to retain air therein; a means on the body for selectively enabling liquid to be dispensed from said at least one of said compartments; a means on the body for selectively enabling inflation and deflation of said other of the compartments; and a means of securing the device to a user's body.
The kit of parts may be used to produce a device as herein above described above.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a liquid dispenser in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 arranged so that a tab has been placed through a hoop to secure the two ends of the dispenser together;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a valve device of the dispenser; and
Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the device as shown in Figs 1 and 2 placed around an individuals arm. A flexible drink dispenser for placing around an arm or a leg of a user will be described hereinafter, but it should be noted that the present invention relates to a drink dispensing device that can have a multitude of applications.
The drink dispenser 1 comprises a flexible body formed by three elongate layers of flexible elastomer material 2,4,6, which are sealed at their edges to form two watertight elastic compartments 3,5. The two compartments 3, 5 are joined along their entire length by the central layer 6, which extends longitudinally beyond the seal to create two overhangs 8,9. The elastomer material can be any polymeric material possessing suitable elasticity to permit each compartment 3, 5 to be inflated and deflated.
The two overhangs 8,9 are used to form a means of securing the two ends of the dispenser together, thereby allowing the dispenser to fit around an elongate object such as an arm of a user. In the latter case, the dispenser would be in the form of a wristband.
In the present embodiment, the securing means comprises a combination of a tab 9 disposed at one end of the central layer 6 and a hoop 8 disposed on the other end. The tab 9 has a Velcro (RTM) strip on one side and appropriately placed on the outside of the elastomer material 2 there is a corresponding region of Velcro (RTM) 12. Once the tab 9 has been inserted through the hoop , the tab is folded back on itself and thereby looped around the hoop. The Velcro (RTM) then adheres the one side of the tab to the elastomer material, thereby securing the device around an arm 20 or other body part.
Alternatively, the hoop 8 and tab 9 could be made of a material less deformable than the central layer 6. Obviously, there is a plurality of ways in which one end of the dispenser 1 can be secured to the other end, such as a tab and buckle arrangement, a hook and loop arrangement or any type of conventional arrangement used on wrist watch straps. The hoop 8 and tab 9 combination is currently preferred as it can be easily incorporated into the manufacture of the dispenser 1.
The outer compartment 3 is used to house potable liquids such as water, sports drinks, alcohol or medicine.
The inner compartment 5 can be inflated by the introduction of air. The air provides a means of adjusting the size of the dispenser.
The dispenser 1 also includes a two-way valve device 10 disposed within a nipple 11 on the outer wall of the fluid containing compartment 3. The nipple includes a tube 13 which extends through the outer compartment 3, through the intermediate strip 6 and into the inner compartmen 5t. The end of the tube 13 disposed in the inner compartment 5 preferably carries a flap valve 15 enabling air to be introduced but normally resisting air escape. The valve 10 has three different primary functional states: (a). a first closed state where the valve 10 seals both the inner and the outer compartments, allowing no air to be int reduced or liquid to be dispensed; (b). a second state, where the inner compartment 5 can be inflated or deflated but the outer compartment remains sealed; and ( c). a third, dispensing state where the liquid from the outer compartment 3 may be dispensed.
When in state (a), the valve can lie flat against the body 2. On the other hand, when the valve is to adopt its operational states (b) and ( c) it is moved out of its folded position against body 2 to assume the projecting position shown in Fig 3 where it projects away from the flexible body to permit easy access to the mouth ofthe wearer.
In a preferred embodiment, the tube will initially provide a means of covering the nipple to protect it from contaminants prior to use.
The above described embodiment is for a single-use-drinking device. However, it should be noted that the invention includes repeated use devices.
In a different embodiment of the present invention, a multiple layer device possessing suitable barrier properties can be used to accommodate carbonated beverages and medicine, the additional layers conferring the necessary sealing properties. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the inner compartment, or one internal chamber therein, is pressurised and so aids the extraction of the liquid.
A multiple layer system may incorporate a feature that allows the outer compartment 3 to be refilled and re-used.
Fabricating the device from biodegradable or water-soluble materials that permit easy recycling is preferable.
To drink from the container, the valve 10 is pulled into its extended position to dispense the liquid with no need to remove the dispenser from the wrist. The valve 10 is inserted into the wearer's mouth and the liquid is dispensed by gently depressing the nipple as shown by the arrows A in Fig. 3 and applying suction. On completion the valve is returned to its closed position.
For inflating the inner compartment 5, the valve 10 is moved to its extended state (b) and inserted into the mouth whereby air can be blown into the compartment 5 via the tube 12.
For withdrawing liquid from the outer compartment 3, the user simply sucks on the valve, an internal ball 14 allowing liquid to be withdrawn by suction from the compartment 3. When no suction is applied the ball 14 automatically adopts a position in which liquid is prevented from escaping from compartment 3.
Thus, in a typical case where the device is in the form of a single use wristband, the operation is as follows:-
1. The wristband device is supplied pre-filled with the desired beverage.
2. The wristband is secured to the wrist via the tab (revealing the nipple) and loop located on the opposing ends of the two compartments.
3. The nipple is pulled until in position 1.
4. The inner diameter of the wristband is adjusted by introducing air, by blowing into the nipple valve, until it fits snugly to the wrist.
5. The nipple is returned to its closed position.
6. For dispensing the liquid, the nipple is pulled into position 2.
7. The nipple is introduced into the wearer's mouth and the contents (say 300ml) removed by biting and sucking the nipple.
8. On finishing the drink the nipple is returned to the closed position.