Single and dual disposable hydration system

Abstract

A bladder assembly ( 14 ) for a hydration system ( 10 ) includes a flexible disposable bladder ( 15, 17 ) for fluid containment. The bladder ( 15, 17 ) has an inner layer ( 372 ), a lamination layer ( 374 ) and an exterior structural layer ( 376 ). An output connector ( 52 ) is sealed to the bladder ( 15, 17 ) and is adaptable to a fluid distribution circuit ( 22 ) of the hydration system ( 10 ). A valve assembly ( 66 ) for a hydration system ( 10 ) includes an outer member ( 70 ), a housing ( 72 ) and fluid line attachments ( 93 ). An inner member ( 80 ) rotates within the outer member ( 70 ). The inner member ( 80 ) has fluid flow adjustment portions ( 92, 94 ) that are associated with the fluid line attachments ( 93 ). A position selector ( 86 ) is position adjustable to select incremental positions of each of the fluid flow adjustment portions ( 93 ) relative to the outer member ( 70 ). The position selector ( 86 ) includes a position indicator ( 100, 102 ) that indicates the incremental position of the fluid flow adjustment portions ( 93 ).

1 . A bladder assembly for a hydration system comprising: 
 at least one flexible disposable bladder for fluid containment comprising: 
 an inner layer  
 a lamination layer; and  
 an exterior structural layer; and  
   an output connector sealed to said at least one flexible disposable bladder and adaptable to a fluid distribution circuit of the hydration system.    
   
   
       2 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a cap, said output connector adaptable to said cap.  
   
   
       3 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein said inner layer comprises at least one material selected from polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.  
   
   
       4 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein said inner layer comprises linear low-density polyethylene.  
   
   
       5 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein said inner layer comprises a tasteless and odorless material.  
   
   
       6 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein said inner layer is an anti-microbial material free layer.  
   
   
       7 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein said lamination layer comprises an epoxy adhesive.  
   
   
       8 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein said exterior structural layer comprises nylon.  
   
   
       9 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein thickness of said at least one flexible disposable bladder is approximately between 0.0045-0.0065 inches.  
   
   
       10 . The bladder assembly of  claim 1  wherein thickness of said interior layer is approximately 0.0045 inches and wherein thickness of said exterior structural layer is approximately 0.001 inches.  
   
   
       11 . A valve assembly for a hydration system having at least one fluid bladder and a plurality of fluid lines coupled to said at least one fluid bladder, said valve assembly comprising: 
 an outer member comprising: 
 a housing; and  
 a plurality of fluid line attachments coupled to said housing and adaptable to said plurality of fluid lines;  
   an inner member that rotates within said outer member, said inner member comprising a plurality of fluid flow adjustment portions associated with said plurality of fluid line attachments;    a position indicator; and    a position selector coupled to said position indicator and adjustable to select a plurality of incremental positions of each of said plurality of fluid flow adjustment portions relative to said outer member;    said position indicator indicating position of said plurality of fluid flow adjustment portions based on said selection.    
   
   
       12 . The valve assembly of  claim 11  wherein said outer member includes a mouthpiece.  
   
   
       13 . The valve assembly of  claim 11  wherein said plurality of incremental positions comprise a range of positions between ON and OFF.  
   
   
       14 . The valve assembly of  claim 11  wherein said plurality of fluid flow portions comprise openings in said inner member.  
   
   
       15 . The valve assembly of  claim 11  wherein said plurality of fluid flow portions comprise internal channels.  
   
   
       16 . The valve assembly of  claim 11  wherein said position indicator comprises a user feel indicator that is position and rotation discernable based on touch.  
   
   
       17 . The valve assembly of  claim 11  wherein said position indicator comprises at least one of a notch, a tab, a sprocket, a stopper, a clicker, and a ticker.  
   
   
       18 . A hydration system comprising: 
 a fluid distribution circuit comprising: 
 a valve assembly;  
 a plurality of fluid lines coupled to said valve assembly; and  
 a fluid interface coupled to said plurality of fluid lines;  
   at least one flexible disposable body for fluid containment comprising: 
 an inner layer;  
 a lamination layer; and  
 an exterior structural layer;  
   an output connector sealed to said flexible disposable body and adaptable to and forming a plurality of seals with said fluid interface.    
   
   
       19 . The hydration system of  claim 18  comprising a plurality of flexible disposable bodies and a carry pack having a plurality of individually accessible sections, each of said sections containing at least one of said flexible disposable bodies.  
   
   
       20 . The hydration system of  claim 18  wherein said output connector comprises a different material makeup than said cap and said fluid interface.