CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application 18/446,710 filed August 9, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

63/371,566, filed August 16, 2022, entitled MODULAR SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR COMBINING FLUIDS which applications are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hydration packs and bladders have gained wide acceptance for a number of applications. Endurance athletes, military personnel, backpackers, cyclists, and other sports enthusiasts routinely use refillable bladders with a tube attached for easy drinking and convenient storage.

[0003] Many endurance athletes use hydration packs that carry water mixed with electrolytes (salts and other nutrients) to maintain hydration, and to reduce muscle fatigue. Electrolytic solutions allow for longer periods of exertion during competitions and/or long events where continuous and/or semi-continuous performance is desired. During an event, athletes may wish to increase or decrease the amount of electrolytes being consumed, based on event duration, upcoming challenges, etc.

[0004] Current hydration systems provide a single source of hydration/electrolytes and changing the amount of electrolytes per unit volume of fluid is difficult. What is needed are modular systems combining a plurality of fluid chambers that allow users to easily change chambers. Additionally what is needed is a way to control fluid delivery and fluid concentration.

SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed are modular hydration systems combining a plurality of fluid chambers that allow users to easily change fluid chambers. Also disclosed are systems and devices that control fluid delivery and fluid concentration. The systems and devices allow for the ratio of fluid output from each chamber of the modular system to be adjusted. The fluid ratio control does not rely on the size of a particular reservoir contributing to the system. [0006] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0007] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0008] US 2003/0075573 Al published 4/24/2003 by Bailey;

[0009] US 2004/0118942 Al published 6/24/2004 by Courtney;

[0010] US 2004/0262331 Al published 12/30/2004 by Woolfson et al.;

[0011] US 2009/0112164 Al published 4/30/2009 by Reilly et al.;

[0012] US 2015/0217042 Al published 8/6/2015 by Schrivcr et al.;

[0013] US 2022/0002139 Al published 1/6/2022 by Dawson et al.;

[0014] US 3,411,534 A issued 11/19/1968 by Rose;

[0015] US 4,815,635 A issued 3/28/1989 by Porter;

[0016] US 5, 205, 322, A issued 4/27/1993 by Merick et al.;

[0017] US 5,573,505 A issued 11/12/1996 by Johnson et al.;

[0018] US 5,865,797 A issued 2/2/1999 by Zeeman;

[0019] US 6,749,090 B2 issued 6/15/2004 by Bailey;

[0020] US 7,060,049 B2 issued 6/13/2006 by Trombley III et al.;

[0021] US 7,658,303 B2 issued 2/9/2010 by Woolfson et al.;

[0022] US 8,201,711 B2 issued 6/19/2012 by Tsai;

[0023] US 8,240,581 B2 issued 8/14/2012 by Markley;

[0024] US 9,149,109 B2 issued 10/6/2015 by Slaton;

[0025] US 11,229,279 Bl issued 1/25/2022 by Spells et al.;

[0026] WO 2009/023849 Al published 2/19/2009 by Kelly; and

[0027] WO 2022/006559 Al published 1/6/2022 by Foreman.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0029] FIGS. 1A-1O illustrate modular fluid delivery systems;

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a connector for engaging a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir;

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates another connector for engaging a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir;

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another connector for engaging a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates still another connector for engaging a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir;

[0034] FIGS. 6A-6E illustrates a quick disconnect housing for use with a fluid delivery systems;

[0035] FIGS. 7A-7I illustrate a fluid valve for use with the modular fluid delivery systems;

[0036] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate another fluid valve for use with the modular fluid delivery systems;

[0037] FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate dial control configurations for fluid valves for use with the modular fluid delivery systems;

[0038] FIGS. 10A-E illustrate quick disconnect configurations for the disclosed fluid delivery systems; and

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a zipper provided between chambers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] I. DEVICES

[0041] FIGS. 1A-1O illustrate fluid delivery systems 100. The fluid delivery system 100 is a modular' system that includes a first fluid reservoir 110 having a fist fluid and a second fluid reservoir 112 having a second fluid. The first fluid and the second fluid can be different fluids. Once the first fluid and the second fluid are combined via the valve, the resulting fluid, a delivery fluid, is delivered to the user. [0042] The second fluid reservoir 112 when positioned in a relatively upper location adjacent a twin-line tubing element 1010 has an hanger aperture 102. The hanger aperture 102 can be used as a mechanism to allow the fluid delivery system 100 to engage a hanger, e.g., the fluid delivery system 100 can be hung from a structure using the hanger aperture 102. The first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 are formed from flexible material and operable to receive fluid within an interior chamber of the fluid reservoir. The first fluid reservoir 110 and second fluid reservoir 112 can be made from, for example, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film. The first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 can also be configured to retain the same or different volumes. Volumes can be selected from, for example, 0.5 L, 0.75L, 1.0L, 1.5L, 2.0L, and 3.0L. Other sizes can be deployed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The disclosed fluid delivery system 100 configurations allow the reservoirs (e.g., first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112) to be hot swapped, e.g., reservoirs and tubing can be removed and replaced at any time including while the system is in use. The hot swap capability provides compatibility across, for example, backpack styles and sizes as well as across sport verticals and is facilitated by the use of a connection system between reservoirs. As discussed below, the connection system includes, but is not limited to zippers, hooks, hook and loop fastener (Velcro®), snaps, etc. Each reservoir is a reusable and releasable container and includes quick disconnect ports for the tubing attachments. Each reservoir is also reversible.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the first fluid reservoir 110 has a larger volume than the second fluid reservoir 112 and the first fluid reservoir 110 is removably positioned above the second fluid reservoir 112. The first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 are shown from a first surface. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 can also hold the same volume without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Each of the first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 can have an opening to receive fluid which allows the first fluid reservoir 110 and second fluid reservoir 112 to be refillable and reusable. The first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 can be refilled at the same time or different times. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B and FIG. IE, an opening of the first fluid reservoir 110 and second fluid reservoir 112 is positionable on a first surface of the first and second fluid reservoirs and is closeable by a reservoir closure 130, 130’ or reservoir closure mechanism. The reservoir closure 130, 130’ includes, for example, two rows of interlocking teeth that latch together via a slider. Other styles of reservoir closures can be used; for example, coil style fasteners, and interlocking rails. Additionally, the slider can have a pull tab 133 to facilitate movement of the slider in a first direction and a second direction during the opening and closing process. The pull tab 133 can have a textured surface.

[0044] A second surface of the first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 can, as shown in FIGS. 1C-D, and FIG. IF, include a handle 140, 140’. The handle can be positioned on each fluid reservoir (as shown) or either fluid reservoir. The second surface of the first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 is opposite the first surface, e.g., a front surface and a rear or back surface. The handle 140, 140’ can comprise a panel that extends from a first side of the fluid reservoir to a second side of the fluid reservoir. The panel can be secured at an upper panel edge, a portion of a first side panel edge and a portion of a second side panel edge to a surface or edge of the respective reservoir. One or more panel apertures 142 can be provided through the surface of the panel. The panel aperture 142 can be pinched to allows for one-handed filling of the reservoir.

[0045] A reservoir connector system, such as the reservoir connector 132 shown in FIG. 2, is provided to removably connect the first fluid reservoir 110 to the second fluid reservoir 112.

[0046] Each of the first fluid reservoir 110 and second fluid reservoir 112 can have an aperture on a surface of the reservoir that is in fluid communication with a quick disconnect 600, 600’, discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 6. The quick disconnect acts as a reservoir quick disconnect enabling the tubing elements to be quickly disengaged or reengaged to a reservoir, which allows the for a hot swap of a reservoir. The housing of the quick disconnect can be welded to the fluid reservoir. The tubing configurations for engaging the quick disconnect 600, 600’ and the dial are described further with respect to FIG. 10.

[0047] FIGS. 1E-1G illustrate various exploded views of the fluid delivery systems 100. In FIG. IE, from a front perspective view the first fluid reservoir 110 is shown separated from the second fluid reservoir 112 and each of the reservoir closure 130, 130’ is shown separated from the first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112. In FIG. IF, from a rear perspective view, the handle 140, 140’ and the twin-line tubing element 1010 are shown extended away from the rear surface. FIG. 1G is a side view of the fluid delivery system 100 with the parts separated from the body of the fluid delivery system. [0048] FIGS. 1H-K illustrate alternative configurations of the fluid delivery systems 100. FIG. 1H illustrates a configuration with the first fluid reservoir 110 adjacent the second fluid reservoir 112 on an y-axis (side-by side), as opposed to the x-axis orientation (top-bottom) in FIGS. 1A-F. FIG. II illustrates a configuration with the first fluid reservoir 110 surrounds the second fluid reservoir 112 on two sides (second fluid reservoir is partially recessed in a planar view). FIG. 1J illustrates a configuration with the first fluid reservoir 110 and second fluid reservoir 112 are stacked (one on top of another with the entire top surfaces aligned). FIG. IK illustrates a configuration wherein a central weld 190 between first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 is moveable in an upward U or downward D direction to change the relative volume of the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. Nonetheless, a central weld can be provided that acts as an adjustable clamp/slider. Additional exit ports can be provided so that the user can move the central clamp up and down to create different reservoir ratios while maintaining tubing compatibility. The multiple connection location configuration of FIG. IK could also be applied to the configurations shown in the prior figures. [0049] FIGS. 1L-O illustrates the overall modular fluid delivery systems 100. The modular fluid delivery systems 100 has a first fluid reservoir 110 and a second fluid reservoir 112. The first fluid reservoir 110 and the second fluid reservoir 112 are in fluid communication with a mixing valve 700 (discussed below in FIG. 7) via separate tubing elements (such as the twin-line tubing element 1010). The mixing valve 700 is then in fluid communication with a tubular element 192 that is connected to a mouth piece 194 for delivery of the mixed fluid to a user.

[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a reservoir connector 132 for engaging a first fluid reservoir 110 and a second fluid reservoir 112. The illustrated connector is a reservoir connector that includes two rows of interlocking teeth that latch together via a slider 131. Other styles of connectors can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. [0051] FIG. 3 illustrates another reservoir connector 332, 332’ for engaging a first fluid reservoir 110 and a second fluid reservoir 112. The reservoir connector 332, 332’, 332” is a hook-and-loop reservoir closure with multiple surfaces. At least one surface of the connector features a plurality of hooks and at least one other surface features a plurality of loops. When a surface comprising hooks is pressed together in a face-to-face relationship with a surface comprising loops, a substantial percentage of the hooks engage with loops and the surfaces are hooked together. Separation of the surfaces occurs when force is applied to pull the surfaces apart. As shown a first surface is configured to engage a front side and a back side of the second surface so that the second surface sandwiches the (top and bottom) the first surface.

[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another reservoir connector 432 for engaging a first fluid reservoir 110 and a second fluid reservoir 112. The reservoir connector 432 has a first planar element 434 with a protrusion 436. Two hinged elements 438, 348’ extend from an upper surface of the first planar element 434 at a location between a first edge and a second edge. The two hinged elements have an aperture 439. In use, the first planar element 434 engages a first surface of the first fluid reservoir 110 and second fluid reservoir 112. The protrusion 436 passes through apertures in the fluid reservoirs. The two hinged elements 438, 438’ are rotated towards the first planar element 434 so that the apertures 439 engage (e.g. snap on) to the protrusion.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates still another reservoir connector for engaging a first fluid reservoir 110 and a second fluid reservoir 112. The reservoir connector is a snap connector comprising two elements that are configured to securely engage when pressure is applied. A first element 532 has a male protrusion that mates within a female recess, or female connector, in a second element 534.

[0054] FIGS. 6A-6E illustrates the quick disconnect 600 shown in FIG. 1 for use with the modular fluid delivery systems in further detail. The quick disconnect 600 can have a plate 602 that is operable to allow the quick disconnect to be to secured or incorporated into a surface of a fluid reservoir (e.g., first fluid reservoir 110 and second fluid reservoir 112) adjacent an aperture for fluid delivery through the quick disconnect 600 to the mixing valve 700. As discussed above, the housing of the quick disconnect 600 can be welded to the fluid reservoir. [0055] The quick disconnect 600 has a first housing piece comprising a first quick disconnect component 622 (with a male end and a female end) wherein the male end that fits within an opening of the corresponding curved conduit 624, and a second quick disconnect component 620 (with two male ends shown in FIG. 10). The first quick disconnect components 622 is valved to prevent fluid from exiting the component when tubing is not attached. The quick disconnect 600 allows for quickly exchanging fluids reservoirs and tubing. A release mechanism 626 is provided which can be pressed inwards to release the quick disconnect from the tubing.

[0056] FIGS. 7A-7I illustrate a mixing valve 700 for use with the disclosed modular fluid delivery systems. The mixing valve 700 comprising a mixing chamber and three connectors wherein a first mixing valve connector engages a second end of the first tubing element of the twin-line tubing element and a second mixing valve connector engages a second end of the second tubing element of the twin-line tubing clement. [0057] The mixing valve 700 has a valve housing with a main mixing valve body 702. The main mixing valve body 702 has a rotatable knob 701 and forms a mixing chamber which receives fluid via two male receiving connectors 710, 712 from the fluid reservoirs and delivers a mixed fluid via a male delivery connector 714. The rotatable knob can be a rotatable dial knob. A tourniquet and magnetic coupler 703, or magnetic dial coupler, are positionable on the side opposite the rotatable dial knob 701. As illustrated the male receiving connectors 710, 712 are positioned on an opposing side of the main mixing valve body 702 from the male delivery connector 714. Other locations could be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the use of female vs. male connectors could change without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As will be appreciated in reviewing the exploded and partially exploded views in FIG. 7E-H, a variety of components are placed compiled to form the valve. For example, positioned within the valve housing is a first housing gasket 721, a first ceramic disk 720, a second ceramic disk 722, and a second housing gasket 723. The first housing gasket 721 and fust ceramic disk 720 have a plurality of ceramic disk apertures 724 spaced triangularly, e.g., three apertures. The apertures 724 can be round or another shape. Additionally, the apertures 724 can have the same size or different sizes. As illustrated two apertures 724 are positioned adjacent one another in a first axis and a third aperture is positioned below the first two apertures on an axis perpendicular to the first axis. The second ceramic disk has a plurality of openings, e.g., a u-shaped lower opening 725 or aperture and a u-shaped upper opening 726 or aperture, while the second housing gasket 723 has a larger opening surrounding an exterior of the openings in the second ceramic disk 722.

[0058] A magnetic coupler 703 can be provided that engages a face of the valve housing. When the rotatable dial knob 701 is turned the second ceramic disk 722 moves with respect to the first ceramic disk 720. The movement of the second ceramic disk 722 controls fluid flow through the apertures located in the disk (e.g., by increasing or decreasing fluid flow from each aperture). When the rotatable dial knob 701 is turned fully to one side, flow from one aperture on the ceramic disk will be fully restricted while flow from the other aperture will be fully unrestricted. As the rotatable dial knob 701 moves from an extreme position (either turned farthest in a first direction or farthest in a second direction) to a neutral position (between either extreme position), the flow through the apertures evens out. The top two apertures on the ceramic disk are configured to, for example, coincide with the two inlet ports (e.g., male receiving connectors 710, 712) on the main mixing valve body. Regardless of where the rotatable dial knob is positioned, the total flow rate remains constant or substantially constant. A magnet, tourniquet, or mechanical clip interface can also be provided that engages the valve. Umbrella valve 762 is provided to prevent backflow. When fluid is drawn through the tube by a user, e.g., by sucking on a bite valve, the umbrella valve diaphragm lifts to allow fluid to flow through the valve. When the user stops drinking the fluid, e.g., no longer sucking on the bite valve, there is pressure of the fluid trying to flow back into the twin tubing. The umbrella valve 762 closes the diaphragm and prevents backflow.

[0059] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate another mixing valve 700 configuration operable for use with the disclosed modular fluid delivery systems. The magnetic coupler 713 engages a face plate 704 which engages a ring 705. Fasteners can be provided to secure the components together. The mixing valve 700 includes can include two lateral extensions with apertures which are operable to, for example, receive a strap.

[0060] FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate mixing valve controllers. The mixing valve controller can be a rotatable dial knob 701 that is operable to control the fluid valves of the modular fluid delivery systems. In FIG. 9A the rotatable dial knob has a controller interface 701 with a teardrop shape. In FIG. 9B the rotatable dial knob has a controller interface 701 with a small flag shape. In FIG. 9C the rotatable dial knob has a controller interface 701 with a dual flag configuration. In FIG. 9D the rotatable dial knob has a controller interface 701 with a small flag on a band. In FIG. 9E the rotatable dial knob has a controller interface 701 is a clear flag.

[0061] FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate quick disconnect configurations for the disclosed fluid delivery systems. The quick disconnect configurations can use modular or non-modular tubing. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the use of modular tubing allows the system to achieve a fully modular system. Moreover, the tubing elements are compatible with a plurality of reservoir sizes. The tubing elements include a single-line tubing element and a twin-line tubing element. Each tubing element has a first end and a second end. The tubing element ends are operable to engage, for example, a male end of a connection interface.

[0062] FIG. 10A illustrates a twin-line tubing element 1010. The twin-line tubing has two tubing elements, e.g., long hollow flexible cylindrical tubes for transporting liquid. Other cross-sectional shapes for the tubes can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The two tubing elements are secured together to provide a single piece form factor. As shown in FIG. 10C, the twin-line tubing element 1010 engages a tubing connector assembly 1020. The tubing connector assembly 1020 in turn engages a first quick disconnect 600 on a first side and a tubular element 1012 which in turn engages a second quick disconnect 600’ on a second side. Turning now to FIG. 10D, a non- modular tubing assembly is illustrated. In this configuration, a male-to-male connector 1022 is provided on a first side in fluid communication with the twin-line tubing element 1010, and a first quick disconnect 600 on the second side. The male-to-male connector 1022 is then connected to a tubular element 1012 which in turn engages a second quick disconnect 600’. In at least some configurations, the tubular element 1012, a single tubing element, cannot be swapped for use with shorter or longer segments for different reservoir sizes. The tubing architecture in FIG. 10D is configured for use, for example, with one standard reservoir size. FIG. 10E is a modular tubing assembly. As with the configuration in FIG. 10D, a twin-line tubing element 1010 is used. Instead of using a male-to-male connector as shown in FIG. 10D, this configuration uses two side-by-side quick disconnects. The first side-by-side disconnect includes a first quick disconnect component 622 (with a male end and a female end) and a second quick disconnect component 620 (with two male ends) which is part of the first quick disconnect 600. The first quick disconnect components 622 is valved to prevent fluid from exiting the component when tubing is not attached. The quick disconnect valve is spring loaded such that when the male connector of the quick disconnect valve is inserted into the valve, the spring is compressed. Compression of the spring allows fluid to flow through the valve. When the button is pressed, the male connector is disengaged and the spring expands. When the spring expands, fluid flow through the valve is blocked. The second side-by- side disconnect includes a first quick disconnect component 622’ (with a male end and a female end) and a second quick disconnect component 620’ (with two male ends) engages the tubular element 1012. The tubular element 1012 engages the second quick disconnect 600’. The single tubing segment can be swapped out for shorter or longer segments to accommodate different reservoir sizes. Thus, for example, as reservoir capacity increases, the tubing can be changed to a longer tubing to reach the quickconnect ports.

[0063] FIG. 11 discloses a zipper 1100 which could be provided between chambers. Use of a central reservoir connection creates a system similar to the modular multiple reservoir system described above. Although the use of a single dividable reservoir does not provide modularity, the single dividable reservoir allows the user to reverse the divided chambers of the reservoir for cleaning, which is also a benefit of the modularity configurations described above.

[0064] II. METHOD OF USE

[0065] The system is compiled by securing a first reservoir to a second reservoir. A valve system with tubular members are secured to the reservoirs. The valve member is turned to control the amount of fluid from the first reservoir and the second reservoir that is mixed before delivery to a user via the mouthpiece.

[0066] As desired by the user, a reservoir can be disconnected from the remaining reservoir and valve system and a new reservoir can be secured in its place. This process allows for hot swapping a first reservoir with a replacement reservoir. [0067] Each of the reservoirs can contain a fluid. For example, a first reservoir could contain water while a second reservoir contains an electrolyte fluid. In an alternative, two different electrolyte fluids can be contained in each reservoir. The electrolyte fluids can be from fluid concentrates, diluted concentrates, or reconstituted powders. Additionally, the electrolyte fluids can have flavors.

[0068] III. KITS

[0069] The system can comprise part of a kit that includes two or more reservoirs, one or more twin-line tubing elements, one or more tubing elements, a mouth piece, and a tourniquet. Electrolyte fluids and powders can also be provided. The electrolyte fluids and powders can be provided in individual single served packaging.

[0070] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that any claims presented define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.