WO2009007969A2

WO2009007969A2 - Portable hydration apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009007969A2
Application number: PCT/IL2008/000949
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shai Efrati; Israel Deutsch; Oshik Moshe Efrati
Original assignee: Colint Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-07-09
Filing date: 2008-07-09
Publication date: 2009-01-15
Also published as: WO2009007969A3

Abstract

Apparatus for dispensing a liquid for oral delivery is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir having an output port and adapted for being carried by or mounted on a user; a mouthpiece member adapted to be placed in the mouth of the user; and a liquid meter assembly having therein a toroidal turbine and being in fluid communication with the output port and the mouthpiece member via at least one tube, for measuring an amount of liquid passing through the liquid meter assembly.

Description

PORTABLE HYDRATION APPARATUS

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to hydration apparatus and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a portable hydration apparatus having a dynamic water meter.

It is commonly acceptable that for optimum health and proper nutrition, a person should drink a considerable amount of water a day. The exact amount depends on the ambient conditions, and on the daily activity and perspiration rate of the person. Generally, fluids are continually lost from the body at varying rates throughout the day, the rate of loss increasing during exertion. When the amount of water lost to the environment exceeds that taken in, the resulting body dysfunction can range from mild lethargy to cramps, exhaustion, and death. This problem is compounded because thirst is not a reliable indicator of the need for hydration (water); one can be in severe need of hydration, yet not feel thirsty.

The importance of maintaining adequate hydration more or less continuously, and in any event frequently, while engaging in strenuous physical activities, such as running, bicycling or mountain climbing and the like is well recognized. In the past, participants in such activities carried their water in bottles or canteens from which they drank periodically. More recently, personal hydration systems have been developed which allow users to drink while being engaged in sporting or recreational activities. These personal hydration systems typically have a bag-like fluid reservoir that is carried in a back- or waist-mounted pack. A long flexible hose is connected to the reservoir through an exit port at one end and terminates in a mouthpiece at the other end. The hose is long enough to allow the mouthpiece to be carried in the user's mouth to enable the user to draw water from the reservoir at will. Examples of these hydration systems are disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,489,616, 4,526,298, 5,727,714, 5,060,833, 5,085,349, 6,032,831 and 6,212,959, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,526,298 discloses a system in which the user wears a back-mounted, liquid-filled reservoir. A flexible tube connects the reservoir to a handheld, hand-operated pump. When the pump handle is squeezed, the pump delivers either a stream or a spray of water, depending upon the adjustment of a nozzle attached to the pump's output orifice. The user can thus spray a stream of liquid into his or her mouth to be swallowed. The user can also douse his or her face or other body areas with a cooling mist.

U.S. Patent No. 6,032,831 discloses a personal hydration system in which the mouthpiece includes a neck that is coupled to the supply tube of a hydration system and adapted to receive a flow of fluid therefrom. The mouthpiece is deformable from a closed position in which fluid is prevented from being dispensed, to a dispensing position in which fluid is allowed to be dispensed.

These systems and others, however, do not measure the volume of fluid delivered over a predetermined period of time. U.S. Patent No. 4,350,265 discloses a liquid dispenser meter mounted on a bottle which contains an alcoholic beverage. To dispense the alcohol, the bottle is inverted, causing the alcohol to fill a measuring chamber. Pressing on a plunger causes (a) a predetermined volume of liquid in the chamber to be dispensed, and (b) a counter to be advanced by one count. Thus by knowing the volume dispensed each time the plunger is pushed, and the volume of liquid in the measuring chamber, the total volume of liquid- dispensed through the meter is known.

U.S. Patent No. 3,919,455 teaches an apparatus which measures the volume and flow rate of liquids. This apparatus uses a siphon-suction principle in which a container is filled by suction, then when a predetermined level is reached, a siphon causes the container to drain. Electrical sensors detect the evacuation of the container and signal that the container is ready for another fill-and-drain cycle.

U.S. Patent No. 6,212,959 discloses a fluid measurement system which measures volume and volume rate of fluid flow obtained by the user through oral suction. The system includes fluid reservoirs, tubing and a flow meter which maintains a record of fluid that the user has drawn into his or her mouth. The flow meter provides auditory, visual or tactile stimuli to signal the user to sip fluids at predetermined or calculated times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for dispensing a liquid for oral delivery. The apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir having an output port and adapted for being carried by or mounted on a user; a mouthpiece member adapted to be placed in the mouth of the user; and a liquid meter assembly having therein a toroidal turbine and being in fluid communication with the output port and the mouthpiece member via at least one tube, for measuring an amount of liquid passing through the liquid meter assembly.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of oral delivery of a liquid. The method comprises providing a liquid reservoir having an output port and adapted for being carried by or mounted on a user; using a mouthpiece for suctioning the liquid from the output port via at least one tube connecting the output port and the mouthpiece; and measuring an amount of liquid passing through the tube using a liquid meter assembly mounted on the tube and having therein a toroidal turbine, so as to monitor liquid consumption of the user and/or remaining volume of liquid in the liquid reservoir.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the apparatus or method wherein the liquid meter assembly measures the amount at accuracy of at least 97% for a liquid flow rate of which is less than 5000, more preferably less than

4000, more preferably less than 3000, more preferably, from about 900 to about 3000 cubic centimeters per minute.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the liquid meter assembly measures the amount at a resolution of 10 cubic centimeters or less.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the liquid meter assembly is a flow meter assembly configured to provide both the amount and a flow rate of the liquid. According to some embodiments of the invention the liquid reservoir comprises a sealable inlet port.

According to some embodiments of the invention the liquid meter assembly is detachable from the tube.

According to some embodiments of the invention the tube is detachable from the liquid reservoir.

According to some embodiments of the invention the mouthpiece is detachable from the tube.

According to some embodiments of the invention the mouthpiece is detachable from the tube to form an opening through which liquid is introduced to the liquid reservoir, and wherein the liquid meter assembly measures an amount of liquid entering the liquid reservoir.

According to some embodiments of the invention the apparatus further comprises a suspension system for supporting the liquid reservoir and the liquid on a body of the user. According to some embodiments of the invention the mouthpiece is deformable from a closed position to a dispensing position in response to user-applied compressive forces to the mouthpiece.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of apparatus for dispensing a liquid for oral delivery, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGs. 2a-c are schematic illustrations of a liquid meter assembly having a toroidal turbine, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGs. 3a-c are schematic illustrations of a liquid meter assembly, according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIGs. 4a-e are schematic illustrations of a mouthpiece member, according to additional embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus for dispensing liquid in an embodiment in which the apparatus is worn as a backpack using a suspension system.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to hydration apparatus and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a portable hydration apparatus having a dynamic water meter. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates apparatus 10 for dispensing a liquid 12, typically but not obligatorily drinking water, for oral delivery. Apparatus 10 comprises a liquid reservoir 14 having an output port 16 and adapted for being carried by or mounted on a user 78 (not shown, see Figure 5). The typical liquid capacity of reservoir 14 is from about 1 liter to about 20 liters. Apparatus 40 further comprises a mouthpiece member 18 adapted to be placed in the mouth of the user, and a liquid meter assembly 20 being in fluid communication with output port 16 and mouthpiece member 18 via one or more tubes. In the representative illustration of Figure 1, assembly 20 is connected to output port via a distal tube 22 and to mouthpiece member 18 via a proximal tube 24. Tube 22 is "distal" and tube 24 is "proximal" in the sense that tube 22 is farther from mouthpiece member than tube 24 along the fluid path from port 16 to mouthpiece member 18.

Tube 22 can be connected to port 16 by a coupling member 36 and to the distal side of assembly 20 by a coupling member 32. Tube 24 can be connected to the proximal side of assembly 20 by a coupling member 34 and to mouthpiece member 18 by a coupling member 38. Each of coupling members 32, 34, 36 and 38 can independently include a male connector and a female connector which In some embodiments of the present invention can be made detachable from each other. Such coupling members are well- known to those skilled in the art of tubing. Proximal tube 24 is preferably flexible. Distal tube 22 can also be flexible, but configurations in which tube 22 is a non-flexible tube are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

In operation, the user places mouthpiece member in his or her mouth and generates suction. In response to this suction, the liquid leaves the reservoir and is delivered to the mouth, through the tube(s) and the liquid meter assembly. The liquid meter assembly measures the amount of liquid passing therethrough. This amount corresponds to the amount of liquid consumed by the user. The flow meter assembly preferably provides indication as to the amount of consumed liquid, but in some embodiments it may be desired to provide indication as to the amount of liquid which is remained in the reservoir. It these embodiments the flow meter assembly is calibrated based on the contents of the reservoir. If desired, the flow meter assembly can be a flow meter assembly configured to measure and provide the user an indication regarding the amount and rate of liquid consumption. Apparatus 10 can be used by while performing a physical activity particularly aerobic activity. For example, apparatus 10 can be used as a hydration apparatus for ensuring proper hydration while the user is riding a bicycle, climbing a mountain, skiing or running. Apparatus 10 can be used by civilians, such as athletes and travelers, as well as troops such as soldiers and other law enforcing officers. Knowledge of the amount of consumed liquid or, equivalently, the amount of remaining liquid according to some embodiments of the present invention is advantageous for several reasons. First, it is crucial that the body remain properly hydrated, especially during physical activity. Knowing the amount of consumed liquid and/or the rate of liquid consumption aids the user assessing whether he or she maintains adequate hydration. Additionally, knowing that .the reservoir is running low enables the user to refill or replace the reservoir it in a timely way. The user can also take into account the time period which is expected to elapse before the reservoir is refilled or replaced. In the case of backpacking in wilderness areas, for example, quite often the sources of water do not contain safe drinking water, and the water must be filtered or treated with chemicals prior to drinking. Both these activities result in a time period elapsing before the water may be consumed.

Reservoir 14 can be either disposable or reusable. When reservoir is reusable, it can include a sealable inlet port 26 which is connectable to a liquid source (not shown) for refilling the reservoir. Inlet port 26 can be sealed by means of a manually operated valve 28 and/or a cap 30. However, it is not necessary for apparatus 10 to include an inlet port even in the case of reusable reservoir. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the liquid meter assembly, the tube(s) and the mouthpiece are detachable. In these embodiments, the detachment preferably forms an opening which can be used for refilling. For example, in one embodiment, tube 22 is detachable from port 16, in which case refilling is effected by connecting port 16 to a liquid source (not shown); in another embodiment, assembly 20 is detachable from tube 20 in which case refilling is effected by connecting tube 22 to the liquid source; in an additional embodiment, mouthpiece member 18 is detachable from tube 24 in which case refilling is effected by connecting tube 24 to the liquid source. In the latter embodiment, liquid meter assembly 20 can measure the amount of liquid entering reservoir 14. Measuring the amount of liquid entering reservoir 14 can. also be done by detaching tube 24 from assembly 20 (e.g., by disconnecting the male connector of coupling member 34 from the female connector thereof), and connecting the liquid source directly or indirectly to assembly 20. Reference is now made conjointly to Figures 2a-c which are schematic illustrations of liquid meter assembly 20, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In Figures 2a-c, Figure 2a is an exploded view of assembly 20 including coupling members 32 and 34, Figure 2b is a fragmentary side view illustrating a motor unit 42 of assembly 20, and Figure 2c is a schematic cross sectional view of section along line A-A of Figure 2b.

Assembly 20 generally comprises an assembly housing 40, a motor unit 42, gears 44 and 46 and a scale device 48. Housing 40 includes a chamber 54 for receiving motor unit 42, and an inlet and outlet ports 50 and 52 for allowing the liquid to flow through the housing. Motor unit 42 preferably comprises a toroidal turbine 60 fitted within a toroidal turbine housing 62 which serves as a toroidal working channel. The body of motor unit 42 comprises a helical groove or thread 41 formed on its surface so as to allow the connection of motor unit 42 into housing 40. Once motor unit 42 and housing 40 are fitted together, the toroidal working channel is formed between the body of motor unit and housing 40. Turbine 60 includes a plurality of working vanes 61 which are rotated within the working channel in response to liquid pressure.

Under the influence of liquid flow, working vans are driven in rotation and their movement is transmitted to scale device 48 by means a transmission assembly 45 disposed in. a transmission assembly chamber 65. Transmission assembly 45 comprises a gear train having a plurality of interleaved gear disks. Some of the gear disks are shown at 44, 46 and 68. The motion of the vanes initiates rotation of a shaft 58 and the first gear disk of the train. The rotational motion is transmitted layerwise along the train via the interleaving of the gear disks, up to the upper gear disk 68 which is partially exposed above chamber 65.

Scale device 48 typically serves as a totalizer for providing indication as to the amount of liquid passing through assembly 20. In the embodiment in which assembly is a flow meter, scale device 48 also provides indication of flow rate. Scale device 48 includes a scale base 56, a rotatable scale plate 74 having thereon graduations in separations corresponding to units of liquid amount or flow rate, and a scale plate housing 76 partially covering plate 74 for protection but maintaining a view of the plate. Base 56 of scale device 48 is mounted on gear body 66, such that the exposed part 70 of the gear train engages base 56. In response to the rotations of the gear disks, scale plate 74 rotates. Numbers corresponding to the amount of liquid or liquid flow rate can be marked on plate 74 or on plate housing 76. Figures 3a-c are schematic illustrations of assembly 20 according to other embodiments of the present invention. In Figures 3a-c, Figure 3 a is an exploded view and Figure 3b is cross sectional view of assembly 20. Figure 3c is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the gear and motor unit of assembly 20. Like numerals in Figures 3a-c represent like elements in Figures 2a-c above. Hence in this embodiment, assembly also comprises assembly housing 40 with chamber 54 and inlet and outlet ports 50 and 52, and scale device 48 with scale plate housing 76. The difference is that in this embodiment chamber 54 serves as a working channel and a turbine 80 is fitted directly into chamber 54 rather into a toroidal working channel. The shaft 84 of turbine 80 is directly connected to a cogwheels transmission system 86 which is separated from the vans of the turbine by a partitioning section 88.

In operation, the liquid flow rotates turbine 80, which in turn rotates cogwheels transmission system 86 such that the amount of accumulated turbine rotations is indicated by scale device 48. The cogwheels transmission system can be configured to present accumulated flow, equivalent to the volume of the liquid reservoir to one full rotation of the scale plate. In the exemplified illustrations of Figures 3a-c, the cogwheels transmission system employs 4 transmission layers each of 1:7 reduction ratio. The total reduction ratio is therefore 1:2401.

A toroidal turbine (Figures 2a-c) is advantageous from the standpoint of measurement accuracy. This is because the vanes are confined in a to move within the toroidal channel and the liquid is brought to flow within that channel thus improving the relation between the flow of the liquid and the motion of the vans. In the configuration shown in Figures 3a-c the turbine is placed in relatively large volume and part of the liquid bypasses the vans, making the measurement less accurate.

In various exemplary embodiments of the invention liquid meter assembly 20 measures the amount at accuracy of at least 97 % (or, equivalently an error of no more than 3 %) for a liquid flow rate which is less than 5000, more preferably less than 4000, more preferably less than 3000, more preferably from about 900 to about 3000 cubic centimeters per minute. In some embodiments of the present invention, liquid meter assembly 20 measures the amount of liquid at a resolution of 10 cm³ or less. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention mouthpiece member 18 is deformable from a closed position to a dispensing position in response to user-applied compressive forces to the mouthpiece. For example, mouthpiece member 18 can be similar to the mouthpiece disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,085,947 or 6,708,950, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Several configurations of a mouthpiece member suitable for the present embodiments are schematically illustrated in Figures 4a-e. Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a configuration suitable for mouthpiece 18, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In this configuration, a fluid delivery conduit 181 is attached at a proximal end of valve body 183. A distal end of body 183 carries a slit 185. Slit 185 is self-biased to a closed position, as illustrated in Figure 4a. Hollow body 183 can be made from a soft, easily deformable and elastic material. Transversely squeezing body 183, as illustrated in Figure 4b, forms an opening 187 in slit 185 through which the liquid may flow.

Figures 4c-e illustrate a configuration suitable for mouthpiece 18, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, an in-line bite valve is employed. The valve is "in-line" in that it has a body 103 disposed for fluid delivery substantially as a continuation of fluid delivery conduit 181. Valve body 103 is formed as a flexible first conduit having an exterior surface at an end, generally indicated at 105, being self-biased into engagement with a seal surface carried by cap 107. Cap 107 may be regarded as a seal member. Cap 107 carries a flange element 109 protruding proximally to form a second conduit. An inside perimeter surface of element 109 may function as a seal surface against which an exterior surface at end 105 of body 103 may be registered in self- biased, sealing engagement. A cap 107 may be held in a functional position relative to body 103 by a support member, such as post 182. As illustrated in Figure 4c, post 182 maybe affixed to a fluid supply conduit by anchor structure 115. Anchor structure 115 may include barb elements 116 to promote an interference fit with a surface, such as an interior surface of conduit 181.

Although illustrated in Figure 4c as a contiguous and unitary component, seal member 107 may be a separate element from a post 182. Similarly, an anchor 115 may be a separate element from a post element 182. Such separate elements may be bonded, or somehow attached, together to form a supported seal member assembly.

The principals of operation of the in-line valve are illustrated in Figures 4d-e, where Figure 4d illustrates a valve seal area of a valve in a closed configuration, and Figure 4e illustrates the valve seal area of a valve in an open, or liquid flow, configuration. In Figure 4d exterior surface 117 of body 103 is in a self-biased engagement with an interior perimeter surface 119 of cap 107. It is within contemplation for inside perimeter surface 119 alternatively to carry an inward protruding structure with which cooperatively to form a seal with surface 117. In Figure 4e, the valve body 103 is illustrated as being transversely deformed by a user's teeth, generally indicated at arrow T. Therefore, a localized portion of conduit end 105 separates from contact with a corresponding engaged portion of cap 107, forming an opening 123, through which liquid may flow. Such liquid flow is represented by arrow F. From an understanding of Figure 4e, it can be visualized that in a symmetrically displaced valve body 103, such as typically occurs by biting body 103 between a user's top and bottom teeth, an opening 123 is formed on each of opposite sides of valve body 103. Yet, a liquid flow path is present even if the body 103 is pressed into engagement with a top and bottom of post 111, as illustrated in Figure 4e, because an open channel still exists above and below the plane of the paper, on both sides of the post 111. In fact, a post 111 can be structured to serve as a bite stop structure to balance a liquid flow cross-section area at the bite location with openings 123 at the valve exit.

Body 103 is preferably made from a material having more flexibility, or being "softer" and more deformable, or extensible, than a seal member 107. Such an arrangement dictates that any liquid pressure in valve chamber 120 augments the contact pressure between surfaces 117 and 119 in Figure 4d, thereby increasing the liquid retaining ability of the valve.

Body 103 and cap 107 can be substantially circular in cross-section, although this need not necessarily be the case. A circular valve body cross-section provides the advantage of a valve having the same mouth feel, and which can be actuated regardless of valve body rotation about a liquid delivery axis. The valve may be circular in cross- section, ovalized or have a shape otherwise adapted to fit comfortably into a mouth.

In various exemplary embodiments of the invention apparatus 10 further comprises a suspension system 90 for supporting the liquid reservoir and the liquid on a body of user 78. This embodiment is schematically illustrated in Figure 5. System 90 can comprise several straps, e.g., to allow the user to wear apparatus 10 as a backpack. Suspension system 90 can support the entire weight of the liquid reservoir and its contents, for example, on a centered position at the back of user 78. The straps of suspension system 90 are preferably selected so as to diminish or reduce any restrictive feeling, sensation of weight or irritation of the suspension system about the shoulders of the user, thereby adding to his or her comfort.

The present embodiments also provide a method of oral delivery of a liquid. The method comprises providing a liquid reservoir having an output port and adapted for being carried by or mounted on a user. The method further comprises using a mouthpiece for suctioning the liquid from the output port via at least one tube connecting the output port and the mouthpiece, as further detailed hereinabove. The method further comprises measuring an amount of liquid passing through the tube or a flow rate of the liquid using a liquid meter assembly, as further detailed hereinabove. The measurement can be used for monitoring liquid consumption of the user and/or remaining volume of liquid in the liquid reservoir.

As used herein the term "about" refers to ± 10 %.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of means "including and limited to".

The term "consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. Apparatus for dispensing a liquid for oral delivery, comprising: a liquid reservoir having an output port and adapted for being carried by or mounted on a user; a mouthpiece member adapted to be placed in the mouth of said user; and a liquid meter assembly having therein a toroidal turbine and being in fluid communication with said output port and said mouthpiece member via at least one tube, for measuring an amount of liquid passing through said liquid meter assembly.

2. A method of oral delivery of a liquid, comprising: providing a liquid reservoir having an output port and adapted for being carried by or mounted on a user; using a mouthpiece for suctioning the liquid from said output port via at least one tube connecting said output port and said mouthpiece; and measuring an amount of liquid passing through said tube using a liquid meter assembly mounted on said tube and having therein a toroidal turbine, so as to monitor liquid consumption of the user and/or remaining volume of liquid in said liquid reservoir.

3. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said liquid meter assembly measures said amount at accuracy of at least 97% for a liquid flow rate of which is less than 3000 cubic centimeters per minute.

4. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said liquid meter assembly measures said amount at a resolution of 0.1 cubic centimeters or less.

5. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said liquid meter assembly is a flow meter assembly configured to provide both said amount and a flow rate of the liquid.

6. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said liquid reservoir comprises a sealable inlet port.

7. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said liquid meter assembly is detachable from said tube.

8. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said tube is detachable from said liquid reservoir.

9. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said mouthpiece is detachable from said tube.

10. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said mouthpiece is detachable from said tube to form an opening through which liquid is introduced to said liquid reservoir, and wherein said liquid meter assembly measures an amount of liquid entering said liquid reservoir.

11. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a suspension system for supporting said liquid reservoir and the liquid on a body of the user.

12. The apparatus or method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said mouthpiece is deformable from a closed position to a dispensing position in response to user-applied compressive forces to said mouthpiece.