Adipo-mimetic motion-control hydration system pack

Abstract

An improved hydration system for runners that provides superior motion control. Fluid is contained within a flexible bladder and pack, and attached to the waist. The pack is constructed of comfortable, elastic, and thermally insulating fabric. When attached to the waist, tension in the fabric compresses the bladder against the user and dampens motion. Along with reduced thickness of the fluid-filled bladder, uniform distribution of fluid in the bladder contributes to motion control and is provided by placement of the zipper in a horizontal orientation across the lower portion of the pack. Additional stability is achieved by attachment of waist straps at angles above horizontal, thereby increasing tension across the top portion of the pack, preventing it from flopping away from the user's body.

1 . A hydration system for runners comprising: 
 a) a waist pack formed by joining at least two sheets of elastic fabric about the perimeter, said sheets forming an outer layer and an inner layer of fabric, said layers defining an internal compartment;    b) a flexible bladder for containment of fluid, said bladder having a fluid holding capacity of between about 1 and 3 liters, and contained within the inner compartment of said waist pack;    c) said waist pack having an inelastic member attached to the front sheet, said inelastic member being placed in a horizontal orientation within the lower front portion of the pack, said lower portion being defined as being between 0.15 and 0.5 times the greatest vertical extent of said pack from the lowest vertical extent of said pack, resulting in motion control as a result of the inelastic nature of said member constricting said flexible bladder within the region of the inelastic member, resulting in a partial baffle effect and more even distribution of fluid in the vertical direction;    d) means for attaching said pack about the waist of the user, said means comprising straps attaching at their proximal ends to left and right side of said pack and being secured at their distal ends by buckles about the user's waist;    
   
   
       2 . The hydration system of  claim 1  where said sheets of elastic fabric are thermally insulating;  
   
   
       3 . The hydration system of  claim 1  where said inelastic member is a zipper;  
   
   
       4 . The hydration system of  claim 1  where said waist straps are attached to the lateral edges of the pack, said straps being oriented at an angle between 15° and 60° above the horizontal axis of said pack;  
   
   
       5 . The hydration system of  claim 1  where said bladder, when filled to capacity, has a maximum thickness, measured normal to the surface of the bladder to the surface of the user's back, of about 4 cm or less;  
   
   
       6 . The hydration system of  claim 1  and further including means for increasing tension about the upper portion of the pack, said means including inelastic elements sewn about the upper lateral portions of the pack, thereby reducing stretch and increasing tension in this area;  
   
   
       7 . A hydration system comprising a waist pack formed by joining apposed front and back layers of elastic thermally-insulating fabric, said fabric layers being joined about the perimeter and thus defining an inner compartment for containment of a flexible bladder for containing between about 1 and 3 liters; said bladder having a shape approximating that of an ovoid; means for attaching pack about the waist of the user, said means comprising straps or webbing attached to the lateral edges of said pack, said straps being oriented at an angle of between 15° and 60° above the horizontal axis of said pack, said orientation providing increased tension across the upper portion of said pack, said increased tension acting to draw upper portion of said pack and bladder firmly against the body of the user; an inelastic member sewn in a horizontal orientation across the lower front portion of said pack, said lower portion being defined as being between 0.15 and 0.5 times the greatest vertical extent of said pack from the lowest vertical extent of said pack.  
   
   
       8 . The hydration system of  claim 7  where said inelastic member is a zipper.  
   
   
       9 . The hydration system of  claim 7  where said bladder, when filled to capacity, has a maximum thickness, measured normal to the surface of the bladder to the surface of the user's back, of about 4 cm or less;