TURN WATER STOPS INTO MOVING HYDRATION STATIONS

Summary of the Fly™ Racer Replenishable Drinking Vessel

Smooth and effective drinking eludes most runners, particularly during road races.  As any racer will be more than well aware, most runners spend more time choking and dropping cups than they do getting the fluid replacement that is so vital to optimal running performance.  All too many runners come away from water stations uncontrollably choking instead of smoothly continuing on in the race.  Others seek to avoid choking by taking tiny sips, possibly while partially crushing or otherwise manipulating the cup in an attempt to prevent splashing, choking, and the like.  Still other runners attempt to provide for their hydration by carrying water bottles along with them, but they are burdened with the weight and awkwardness of the bottles, which often carry too little liquid for long distance racing.  Some runners simply resign themselves to walking through water stations to gain effective hydration.  In any case, runners gaining their fluid from water stations must drink it all over the course of just a few yards and then do without fluid until the next water station, which might be two or more miles away.           

As a result, while distance runners are fully aware that proper hydration is integral to optimal and safe running performance, they are typically left with a choice between running unimpeded or obtaining the required hydration.  The runner opting for running unimpeded past water stations will eventually pay as his or her system breaks down for lack of hydration.  The runner opting for full hydration will commonly lose time as he or she is slowed by choking, walking, spilling, and still further difficulties.The Fly™ replenishable drinking vessel overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing easily consumed, readily replenished, and conveniently accessible liquid refreshment to endurance athletes under widely varied conditions.  An athlete can draw liquid from a cup simply by opening his or her hand while in full running stride so the athlete can continue through water stops essentially unimpeded while still obtaining full and proper hydration.  Because athletes can drink liquid from a straw-like output member, the drinking vessel allows athletes to drink comfortably without choking.  Since the drinking vessel can be rendered extremely lightweight, particularly when empty, it can be carried conveniently and comfortably.  Because the drinking vessel can be carried without spilling or other disadvantages, athletes need not gulp down liquid immediately and instead have liquid available over extended distances.  Athletes using the Fly™ can run faster and more comfortably. 

Embodiments are contemplated that could be formed from thin film material or the like to be entirely disposable.  With that, a race sponsor, such as a sports beverage company, could provide drinking vessels to the competitors already filled with the beverage company's product for use during the race. Other drinking vessels are contemplated that are made for repeated usage so an athlete can use the device in multiple races.

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