Method and apparatus for delivering fluid to an individual

Abstract

Herein is disclosed an apparatus and method for delivering a fluid to an individual in such a manner that sloshing of the fluid is substantially suppressed, even when the fluid has been only partially consumed. The apparatus includes a reservoir for containing the fluid and a valve in fluid communication with the reservoir. A biasing mechanism exerts a force upon the reservoir, causing it to contract and force fluid through the valve, when the valve is opened. The biasing mechanism and reservoir are housed within a body, according to some embodiments.

1 . An apparatus for containing and releasing a fluid, the apparatus comprising:
 a reservoir for containing the fluid, the reservoir including a bladder, wherein the reservoir has an orifice, and wherein the reservoir has a volume;   a valve in fluid communication with the orifice, so that the fluid must flow through the valve to exit the reservoir, wherein the valve has an open state and a closed state;   a movable wall configured to exert a force upon at least a portion of the reservoir, wherein the exertion of the force upon the reservoir causes the fluid to exit the reservoir through the valve when the valve is in the open state, and wherein the exertion of the force upon the reservoir causes the bladder to contract as the fluid exits the reservoir; and   wherein the reservoir is within an interior surface of a rigid body that is sized to be hand-held.   
     
     
         2 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is biased to the closed state. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the valve transitions to the open state from the closed state upon experiencing a pressure differential across the valve. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the valve comprises a diaphragm and a seat, and wherein the diaphragm is biased toward the seat and seals the valve when in the closed state. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the diaphragm is secured so that a pressure differential across the diaphragm causes the diaphragm to withdraw from the seat, thereby transitioning the valve from the closed state to the open state. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is a check valve. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a threaded top assembly:   wherein the rigid body includes a threaded neck that mates with the threaded top assembly.   
     
     
         13 - 20 . (canceled)