US 2016/0235188 A1 · RACE HYDRATION SYSTEM

Abstract

An improved race hydration system and method are provided that will enable runners and other athletes participating in competitive events using the system and method to easily and quickly access hydrating fluids without interfering with their competition pace or stride. The system may be formed from lightweight disposable components and is designed to be worn by the athlete without discomfort or distraction during competition. A hydration assembly, including a straw element with attachment structures, may be removably attached to the athlete's clothing by an attachment assembly. The straw element has a length and diameter that permits the athlete to obtain a maximum amount of hydrating fluid from an open top container while continuing to maintain a desired pace and stride. The hydration assembly is secured in place when it is not being used at an attachment assembly location that is easily accessed by the athlete when needed.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An improved race hydration system designed to facilitate athlete hydration during competition or training without compromising competition or training performance, comprising:

a. a hydration assembly comprising a longitudinal straw element with a length and a diameter selected to facilitate hydration when an athlete is moving, a pair of spaced annular attachment elements positioned along a length of the longitudinal straw element so that an outermost extent of one of the pair of spaced annular attachment elements is spaced a distance b from an outermost extent of the other of said pair of annular attachment elements, and an adjustable neck cord attached to one of said annular attachment elements;
and
b. an attachment assembly comprising a removably or permanently attachable patch positioned in a selected location and at a desired orientation on an item worn by the athlete, wherein said attachable patch is made of a material selected to form a secure removable attachment between each one of said pair of annular elements and said patch has at least one dimension at least equal to or greater than distance b.

A method for facilitating optimal hydration of a competing or training athlete during competition or training comprising:

a. providing a hydration assembly comprising a longitudinal straw element with a length and a diameter selected to facilitate hydration while an athlete is running, a pair of spaced annular attachment elements positioned along a length of the longitudinal straw element so that an outermost extent of one of the pair of spaced annular attachment elements is spaced a distance b from an outermost extent of the other of said pair of annular attachment elements, and an adjustable neck cord attached to one of said annular attachment elements;
b. providing an attachment assembly comprising a removably attachable patch with at least one dimension at least equal to or greater than distance b made of a material selected to form a secure removable attachment between each one of said pair of annular elements and said patch;
c. positioning said patch in a selected location and at a desired orientation on an item worn by the athlete and adjusting the neck cord to a length that comfortably moves the straw element between the patch and the athlete's mouth and attaching the straw element attachment elements to the patch;
d. when an athlete wearing the hydration assembly and the attachment assembly is offered an open top container of hydrating fluid during competition, removing the straw element from the patch and inserting one end of the straw element into the open top container and the opposite end of the straw element into the athlete's mouth;
and
e. drinking a hydrating amount of hydrating fluid from the open top container through the straw element, discarding the open top container, and replacing the straw element on the patch while continuing to move at a desired running pace or stride.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Race hydration system

Life of this patent

Race hydration system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15