US20080067201A1

US20080067201A1 - Hydration pack with canine attachment

Info

Publication number: US20080067201A1
Application number: US11/164,357
Authority: US
Inventors: Ellen Obstler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-18
Filing date: 2005-11-18
Publication date: 2008-03-20

Abstract

A hydration pack incorporates a first hose for use in delivering water or other liquids to the person wearing the pack, and a second hose for use in delivering water or other liquids to one or more dogs accompanying the person wearing the pack on a hike or walk. The hydration pack can utilize a single compartment to which both hoses are attached or may utilize two compartments, one attached to each hose.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of outdoor equipment, and more specifically to hydration gear for use in walking and hiking.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining proper hydration when walking and hiking is important for optimum health and comfort. Water or other liquids for consumption during walking or hiking are typically carried in hand-held containers, in containers attached to the waist, or in hydration packs worn on the back.
Proper hydration is also important for animals. When pets such as dogs accompany a person walking or hiking, it is typically necessary to accommodate water consumption by the dogs. In particular, for long walks or hikes and in areas without access to water, it may be necessary to carry water for both the humans and the accompanying dog or dogs. Also, humans and dogs both lose even more fluids at high altitudes, in heat and in low humidity and need to drink more than usual.
Unfortunately, it is typically inconvenient and uncomfortable to transport water for accompanying dogs. Hydration packs or packs to which water containers can be attached are available for dogs themselves to wear. This solution is not acceptable to many dog owners and in many cases dogs are not willing to wear such packs. The humans may also carry additional water for the accompanying animals, but this is also inconvenient. What is needed is a convenient apparatus for transporting water or other liquids by a person for use by both humans and dogs during walks or hikes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the shortcomings described above by providing a single hydration pack that is utilized to transport water or other liquids for both the person wearing the hydration pack and one or more accompanying animals such as dogs. By providing tubes for both the wearer and the dogs, the wearers hands are left free and there is no need to remove the pack in order to provide water to the dogs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention incorporates a single hydration pack worn by a person walking or hiking with one or more accompanying dogs. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. Hydration pack 300 is worn on the back as a conventional backpack using shoulder straps 600. An optional waist belt 500 may be provided in some embodiments to further secure the hydration pack to the wearer and to provide storage space for dog treats, keys, etc.
A first tube 100 protrudes from hydration pack 300 and is accessible to the mouth of the person wearing the pack. The first tube 100 is coupled to an internal compartment (not shown) and is used to suck water or other liquids from this compartment. A second tube 400 protrudes from hydration pack 300 and is used to deliver water to dogs accompanying the person wearing the pack.
In certain embodiments, the second tube 400 is coupled to the same internal compartment as the first tube 100. In other embodiments, a second internal compartment (not shown) is provided for internal to hydration pack 300 and the second tube 400 is coupled to such second internal compartment. The one or more internal compartments are filled through one or more access ports (not shown) on the back side of hydration pack 300. In embodiments where two compartments are provided, the hydration pack may be designed such that the total volume available for liquid transport may vary between the first and second compartments, depending on the needs of the wearer and the needs of the accompanying animals. In certain embodiments the second tube 400 may be attached to the waist belt, if present, for more convenient access.
In certain embodiments, the second tube 400 has a hand operated valve at the tip and gravity feed is used to force water or other liquids from the internal compartment. In other embodiments a squeeze bulb is used in conjunction with one or more check valves to allow the person wearing the pack to manually force water or other liquids from the internal compartment.
In a preferred embodiment, a collapsible water bowl 200 is also provided and can be attached to the side or back of the hydration pack 300 or to the waist belt 500. Collapsible water bowl 200 is filled through the second tube 400 and provided for water consumption by the accompanying dogs.

Claims

1. A hydration pack comprising:

a first compartment for storing liquid;

a first hose coupled to said compartment accessible to the mouth of the wearer;

a second hose coupled to said compartment for providing water to be consumed by an accompanying animal.

2. The hydration pack according to claim 1 wherein said accompanying animal is a dog.

3. The hydration pack according to claim 1 comprising a waist belt.

4. The hydration pack according to claim 1 further comprising a collapsible water bowl attachable to said hydration pack.

5. The hydration pack according to claim 1 wherein said second hose comprises a valve and said liquid is dispensed under gravity feed.

6. The hydration pack according to claim 1 wherein said second hose comprises one or more check valves and a squeezable bulb for dispensing said liquid.

7. A hydration pack comprising:

a first compartment for storing liquid;

a second compartment for storing liquid;

a first hose coupled to said first compartment accessible to the mouth of the wearer;

a second hose coupled to said second compartment for providing water to be consumed by an accompanying animal.

8. The hydration pack according to claim 7 wherein said accompanying animal is a dog.

9. The hydration pack according to claim 7 comprising a waist belt.

10. The hydration pack according to claim 7 further comprising a collapsible water bowl attachable to said hydration pack.

11. The hydration pack according to claim 7 wherein said second hose comprises a valve and said liquid is dispensed under gravity feed.

12. The hydration pack according to claim 7 wherein said second hose comprises one or more check valves and a squeezable bulb for dispensing said liquid.