Upper torso covering with integrated hydration apparatus

Abstract

A combined upper torso covering having a hydration assembly secured thereto which includes a camelback to provide a hydration source for users of the assembly. In one embodiment the upper torso covering is an athletic chest protector which handily provides access to any liquid stored in the camelback via a delivery line and nozzle placed in proximity to the mouth of the user

1 . In combination:
 (a) an upper torso covering, comprising:
 1) a front portion; 
 2) a back portion; 
 3) shoulder straps interconnecting the back portion to the front portion; and 
   (b) a hydration assembly, comprising:
 1) a liquid containing bladder disposed on the back portion; 
 2) a liquid delivery line having a first end and a second end for delivering a fluid from the bladder; and 
 3) a nozzle, the nozzle being configured to be placed on the front portion in proximity to the mouth of a user when worn; 
   (c) a flexible harness interposed between the bladder and the nozzle for retaining the delivery line in position;   (d) a strap secured to at least one shoulder strap and overlying the delivery line and interposed the harness and the bladder, the strap defining a passageway for the delivery line and maintaining the delivery line in position;   (e) a pouch removably secured to the back portion, the pouch having an opening therethrough through which the delivery line project, and   wherein the delivery line is removably connected to the bladder at the first end thereof and to the nozzle at the second end thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein;
 the bladder being removably disposed in the pouch; and 
 the liquid delivery line projects through the pouch. 
 
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein: the front portion, straps and the back portion cooperate to define a chest protector. 
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 3  which further comprises:
 a removably mounted pocket disposed on the front portion, the pocket removably seating the nozzle. 
 
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the harness comprises:
 a base secured to a shoulder strap, a pair of opposed arcuate flexible members for retaining the delivery line in position defining a control passageway, the delivery line extending therethrough. 
 
     
     
         6 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein: the liquid containing bladder is a camelback.