Modular systems and devices for combining fluids

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to modular devices and systems for providing variable strength mixtures of fluids. A fluid combining device allows for the relative volume of a first liquid to be varied with respect to a total volume of fluid being delivered to a user (such as a combination of two or more liquids), which in turn changes the fluid ratios.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A modular fluid delivery system comprising:
 a first reservoir comprising a first reservoir closure mechanism having a first volume and a first reservoir quick disconnect;   a second reservoir comprising a second reservoir closure mechanism having a second volume and a second reservoir quick disconnect;   a reservoir connection system operable to removably secure the first reservoir to the second reservoir;   a twin-line tubing element having a first tubing element end and a second tubing element end wherein a first end of a first tubing element of the twin-line tubing element removably engages the first reservoir quick disconnect and a first end of a second tubing element of the twin-line tubing element removably engages a first end of an inline connector;   a single-line tubing element having a first single-line tubing element end and a second single-line tubing element end wherein the first single-line tubing element end is operable to engage a second end of the inline connector, and the second end of the single-line tubing element removably engages the second reservoir quick disconnect;   a mixing valve 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 element; and   a mixing valve controller.   
     
     
         2 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the second volume is less than the first volume. 
     
     
         3 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the reservoir connection system is one of a zipper, hooks, a hook and loop fastener, and snaps. 
     
     
         4 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  further comprising a hanging element. 
     
     
         5 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the mixing valve controller comprises a dial knob. 
     
     
         6 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the mixing valve further comprises a gasket with three apertures. 
     
     
         7 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the first end of the inline connector and the second end of the inline connector are a male connector. 
     
     
         8 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the first reservoir quick disconnect and the second reservoir quick disconnect are female connectors operable to receive male connectors. 
     
     
         9 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the mixing valve controller is a rotatable knob. 
     
     
         10 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 9  wherein the rotatable knob has a controller interface with a shape selected from tear drop, flag, and dual flag. 
     
     
         11 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the mixing valve further comprises a first ceramic disk and a second ceramic disk. 
     
     
         12 . The modular fluid delivery system of  claim 11  wherein the first ceramic disk has three apertures and the second ceramic disk has two u-shaped apertures. 
     
     
         13 . A method of using a fluid delivery system comprising the steps of:
 providing a first reservoir comprising a first reservoir closure mechanism having a first volume and a first reservoir quick disconnect, a second reservoir comprising a second reservoir closure mechanism having a second volume and a second reservoir quick disconnect, a reservoir connection system operable to removably secure the first reservoir to the second reservoir, a twin-line tubing element having a first tubing element end and a second tubing element end wherein a first end of a first tubing element of the twin-line tubing element removably engages the first reservoir quick disconnect and a first end of a second tubing element of the twin-line tubing element removably engages a first end of an inline connector, a single-line tubing element having a first single-line tubing element end and a second single-line tubing element end wherein the first single-line tubing element end is operable to engage a second end of the inline connector, the second end of the single-line tubing element removably engages the second reservoir quick disconnect, and a mixing valve 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 element, and a mixing valve controller;   placing a first fluid in the first reservoir and a second fluid in the second reservoir; and   adjusting a concentration of a delivery fluid by moving the mixing valve controller.   
     
     
         14 . The method of using a fluid delivery system of  claim 13  wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are different fluids. 
     
     
         15 . The method of using a fluid delivery system of  claim 13  further comprising removing the second reservoir. 
     
     
         16 . The method of using a fluid delivery system of  claim 15  further comprising attaching a third fluid reservoir. 
     
     
         17 . A kit for fluid delivery systems:
 a plurality of reservoirs wherein each reservoir comprises a reservoir closure mechanism and a reservoir quick disconnect;   a reservoir connection system operable to removably secure one of the plurality of reservoirs to a second reservoir;   a twin-line tubing element;   a single-line tubing element;   a mixing valve;   a mixing valve controller; and   a plurality of electrolyte mixes.   
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17  wherein the electrolyte mixes are selected from one or more of fluid concentrates, diluted concentrates, or reconstituted powders. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 17  wherein one or more electrolyte mix of the electrolyte mixes are flavored. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 17  wherein the electrolyte mixes are provided in individual single serve packaging.