U.S. patent application number 12/122657 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-11 for mat, pillow and sleeping bag connectable to the mat, and bedding including all connected to each other.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mont-Bell Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Isamu Tatsuno.
Application Number | 20080216237 12/122657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37802008 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080216237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tatsuno; Isamu |
September 11, 2008 |
MAT, PILLOW AND SLEEPING BAG CONNECTABLE TO THE MAT, AND BEDDING
INCLUDING ALL CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER
Abstract
A mat that can be connected to a pillow, a sleeping bag, or
other mats, and is comfortable to sleep on, sturdy, and convenient
to carry around; a pillow and a sleeping bag to be connected to the
mat; and bedding including the pillow, the sleeping bag, and the
mat. The mat 1 includes a primary mat body 10 and a strap 30
provided on the primary mat body 10 for attaching a pillow 100 to
the primary mat body 10. Also, the mat 1 includes a plurality of
primary mat bodies 10, wherein each primary mat body 10 has first
engaging members located near at least two corners located at the
ends of at least on a first diagonal line, and second engaging
members for engaging with the first engaging members, the second
engaging members located near at least two corners located at the
ends of a second diagonal line intersecting with the first diagonal
line, and wherein the first engaging members of the primary mat
body 10 engage with the second engaging members of another mat body
10 which is adjacent the primary mat body 10 mentioned above, and
the second engaging members of the primary mat body 10 engage with
the first engaging members of the primary mat body 10 which is
adjacent to the primary mat body 10 mentioned above, thereby
connecting the primary mat bodies 10 together. Also in the mat 1
composed of the primary mat body 10 that is made of a plurality of
laminated layers, the edges of at least an uppermost layer are
fixed to each other on the side where a user of the primary mat
body 10 lies down, or the reverse side thereof.
Inventors: |
Tatsuno; Isamu; (Osaka-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY / TECHNOLOGY LAW
PO BOX 14329
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK
NC
27709
US
|
Assignee: |
Mont-Bell Co., Ltd.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
37802008 |
Appl. No.: |
12/122657 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11501260 |
Aug 9, 2006 |
|
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12122657 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/419 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/086 20130101;
A47G 9/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/419 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06; A47G 9/10 20060101 A47G009/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 11, 2005 |
JP |
2005-233764 |
Aug 7, 2006 |
JP |
2006-214135 |
Claims
1. Bedding comprising a mat and a pillow connected to the mat,
wherein each of the mat and the pillow has a first engaging member
located near at least one corner located at either end of a first
diagonal line, and a second engaging member for engaging with the
first engaging member, the second engaging member located near at
least one corner located at either end of a second diagonal line
intersecting with the first diagonal line; and wherein the first
engaging member of the mat engage with the second engaging member
of the pillow, and the second engaging member of the mat engages
with the first engaging member of the pillow, thereby connecting
the mat and the pillow together.
2. Bedding comprising a mat and a pillow connected to the mat,
wherein the mat has first engaging members at least both ends of
one edge of the mat, the pillow has second engaging members for
engaging with the first engaging members, that are located at least
both ends of one edge of the pillow, and the first engaging members
of the mat engage with the second engaging members of the pillow,
thereby connecting the mat and the pillow together.
3. The bedding according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of
mats, wherein each of the mats has first engaging members at least
two corners, and second engaging members at least the other two
corners, not the two corners mentioned above, for engaging with the
first engaging members, and wherein the first engaging members of
the mat engage with the second engaging members of another mat
which is adjacent to the mat mentioned above, and the second
engaging members of the mat mentioned above engage with the first
engaging members of the other mat which is adjacent to the mat
mentioned above, thereby connecting these mats together.
4. The bedding according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of
mats, wherein each of the mats has first engaging members at least
two corners, and second engaging members at least the other two
corners, not the two corners mentioned above, for engaging with the
first engaging members, and wherein the first engaging members of
the mat engage with the second engaging members of another mat
which is adjacent to the mat mentioned above, and the second
engaging members of the mat mentioned above engage with the first
engaging members of the other mat which is adjacent to the mat
mentioned above, thereby connecting these mats together.
5. The bedding according to claim 1, wherein a strap capable of
binding at least the mat is provided on the mat.
6. The bedding according to claim 1, wherein the mat is made by
laminating a plurality of layers, and the edges of at least an
uppermost layer are fixed to each other on the side where a user of
the primary mat body lies down, or the reverse side thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/501,260 filed Aug. 9, 2006, which in turn claims
benefit and priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-233764
filed Aug. 11, 2005, and Japanese Patent Application No.
2006-214135 filed Aug. 7, 2006. The disclosures of all such U.S.
and Japanese patent applications are incorporated herein by
reference, in their entireties, for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to: a mat that is comfortable
to lie on, sturdy, and conveniently portable and can be connected
to a pillow, a sleeping bag, or other mat(s); a pillow and a
sleeping bag that can be connected to the above-described mat;
bedding including the above-described mat and pillow; and bedding
including the above-described sleeping bag and mat.
[0003] When a rug, a mattress, an air mattress or the like
(hereinafter simply referred to as a "mat") is used with a pillow
for outdoor leisure, mainly in camps, as bedding for sleeping
purposes, the pillow sometimes slips and moves away from a user's
head. Particularly, a stuff bag or similar used as a pillow is made
of slippery materials (fabrics) such as nylon taffeta and,
therefore, it is known that such a pillow can easily slip and move
away from its original position. This pillow slipping occurs when
the pillow is placed and used on the mat, and also when the pillow
is placed and used beside the mat. Even in the case of a mat used
with a pillow mainly in a bedroom or the like, the pillow sometimes
moves and slips away from a user's head while the user is sleeping.
As a result, such a mat disturbs the user's sleep and makes the
user uncomfortable while they are sleeping.
[0004] As an example of a conveniently portable mat, there is a
leisure mat that has a band attached to one of its side edges on
the back surface, that can be rolled into an easily portable shape
(see JP-A-7-213337).
[0005] Moreover, there is a portable mat made by placing long and
narrow rush-woven straw mat members side by side so that the joints
are aligned along the widthwise direction of the mat, connecting
the adjacent edges of the straw mat members with soft band cloth so
as to make the mat foldable, and forming a handle and a
bandage-like string at specified positions on any of the straw mat
members (see JP-A-8-215024).
[0006] Furthermore, a mat made of a plurality of laminated layers
and an air mat containing air are configured so that joint margins
(adhesion margins) are formed at the ends (along the periphery or
the edges) of the mat and are joined together (see JP-A-2005-6956
and JP-UM-A-7-12158).
[0007] There is also an air mat that realizes cushioning by having
air injected into a flat-bag-shaped body, that is configured in
such a way that a pillow part is provided as an independent air
chamber at one end of the mat, and a main body excluding the pillow
part is composed of at least two independent main air chambers,
each of which is partitioned to form an intermeshing comb teeth
shape. In this air mat, edge areas are provided along at least both
side edges of the mat, and snap fasteners capable of connecting the
mat with an adjacent mat are placed along the edge areas, and a
plurality of air mats can be connected by fastening the snaps (see
JP-A-10-201576).
[0008] However, the mats described in the aforementioned patent
documents JP-A-7-213337, JP-A-8-215024, JP-A-2005-6956, and
JP-UM-A-7-12158 are not designed to prevent a pillow from slipping
and moving away from a desired position. Some of the aforementioned
patent documents JP-A-7-213337, JP-A-8-215024, JP-A-2005-6956, and
JP-UM-A-7-12158 are designed so that they can be carried easily,
but the idea of dividing a mat into small mat pieces and connecting
the mat pieces as necessary to form and use a mat of a desired size
is not incorporated in those inventions.
[0009] Moreover, the mats described in JP-A-7-213337,
JP-A-8-215024, JP-A-2005-6956, JP-UM-A-7-12158, and JP-A-10-201576
have joint margins along their edges, and the joint margins are
joined together to form the mat. This configuration causes an
increase in the material costs and weight of the mat. Also, since
the joint parts are located along the edges, there is concern that
the joint parts may easily break away.
[0010] In the air mat described in JP-A-10-201576, the pillow
cannot be removed from the main body. This air mat is configured in
such a way that it is connected to another air mat by fastening a
plurality of snaps provided along the edges of the mat. This means
that the snaps are located where a user lies down. Therefore, the
use can feel bumps and the mat is uncomfortable to lie down on.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This invention was devised in light of the circumstances of
the related art described above. It is an object of the invention
to provide a mat that can be connected to a pillow or other mats,
that is comfortable to lie on, sturdy, and convenient to carry
around.
[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a pillow
that can be connected to the mat, that is comfortable to lie on,
sturdy, and convenient to carry around.
[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
sleeping bag that can be connected to the mat, that is comfortable
to lie on, sturdy, and convenient to carry around.
[0014] It is a still further object of the invention to provide
bedding that includes the mat and the pillow, or the mat and the
sleeping bag, that is comfortable to lie on, sturdy, and convenient
to carry around.
[0015] In order to achieve the objects described above, provided is
a mat including: a primary mat body; and a strap provided on the
primary mat body and used to attach a pillow to the primary mat
body.
[0016] In the mat configured in the manner described above, the
pillow is attached with the strap to the primary mat body. It is
possible to prevent the pillow from slipping and moving away from
the user's head while they are sleeping, whether the primary mat
body and the pillow are made of normal materials, or made of
slippery materials. Therefore, the mat and the pillow do not
disturb the user's sleep and are comfortable to lie on.
[0017] Unless specifically mentioned, the "mat" referred to in
relation to the invention includes all possible products, such as a
mattress, a sheet, a futon, and a rug, on which a user can sit or
lie.
[0018] According to an aspect of the invention, the mat may be
configured so that it further includes a connecting mat body
connected to the primary mat body; wherein each of the primary mat
body and the connecting mat body has first engaging members located
near at least two corners located at the ends of a first diagonal
line, and second engaging members for engaging with the first
engaging members, the second engaging members located near at least
two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal line
intersecting with the first diagonal line, and wherein the first
engaging members of the primary mat body engage with the second
engaging members of the connecting mat body, which is adjacent to
the primary mat body, and the second engaging members of the
primary mat body engage with the first engaging members of the
connecting mat body, which is adjacent to the primary mat body,
thereby connecting the primary mat body and the connecting mat
body.
[0019] Since the first engaging members and the second engaging
members are located near the corners of the primary mat body and
the connecting mat bodies as described above, when the primary mat
body and the adjacent connecting mat body are connected to each
other by having the first engaging members of the primary mat body
engage with the second engaging members of the adjacent connecting
mat body, and having the second engaging members of the primary mat
body engage with the first engaging members of the adjacent
connecting mat body, the first engaging members and the second
engaging members do not bother the user and nothing makes the
surface of the mat uncomfortable. Therefore, in addition to the
advantageous effects described above, the user can further be
comfortable to use the mat.
[0020] The mat can also be configured in such a way that it further
includes a connecting mat body connected to the primary mat body;
wherein each of the primary mat body and the connecting mat body
has first engaging members at least both ends of one edge, and
second engaging members for engaging with the first engaging
members, the second engaging members located at least both ends of
an edge on the other side of the primary mat body or the connecting
mat body; and wherein the first engaging members of the primary mat
body engage with the second engaging members of the connecting mat
body, which is adjacent to the primary mat body, and the second
engaging members of the primary mat body engage with the first
engaging members of the connecting mat body, which is adjacent to
the primary mat body, thereby connecting the primary mat body and
the connecting mat body.
[0021] Since the first engaging members and the second engaging
members are located at both ends of the edges of the primary mat
body and the connecting mat body as described above, when the
primary mat body and the adjacent connecting mat body are connected
to each other by having the first engaging members of the primary
mat body engage with the second engaging members of the adjacent
connecting mat body, and having the second engaging members of the
primary mat body engage with the first engaging members of the
adjacent connecting mat body, the first engaging members and the
second engaging members do not bother the user and nothing makes
the surface of the mat uncomfortable. Therefore, in addition to the
advantageous effects described above, the user can further be
comfortable to use the mat.
[0022] The primary mat body can be configured in such a way that it
is made by laminating a plurality of layers, and the edges of at
least an uppermost layer are fixed to each other on the side where
a user of the primary mat body lies down, or the reverse side
thereof. Because of this configuration, it is unnecessary to join
the plural layers along the edges of the primary mat body.
Therefore, in addition to the aforementioned advantageous effects,
the amount of materials constituting the primary mat body and the
weight of the mat can be reduced. Moreover, since it is unnecessary
to provide any joint margins for joining the side edges of the
primary mat body, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Also,
compared to the case where the edges are joined, it is possible to
decrease the possibility of the fixed parts (or joint parts)
breaking away.
[0023] The connecting mat body can be configured in such a way that
it is made by laminating a plurality of layers, and the edges of at
least an uppermost layer are fixed to each other on the side where
a user of the connecting mat body lies down, or the reverse side
thereof.
[0024] The mat according to an aspect of the invention can also
include a length adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of
the strap. Because of this configuration, in addition to the
aforementioned advantageous effects, the length of the strap can be
adjusted according to the size of the pillow, thereby enhancing the
versatility of the mat.
[0025] This strap can be configured in such a way that it can be
used to attach or detach the pillow to or from the primary mat body
and also bind the primary mat body. This configuration makes it
possible to roll up or fold the primary mat body and bind it with
the strap when not using the mat. Accordingly, the mat can be
wrapped up for compact and convenient storage and can be carried
around easily. Incidentally, this strap can be used to bind both
the primary mat body and the connecting mat bodies. The strap may
also be used to bind the pillow together with the mat.
[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, provided is a
mat including a plurality of primary mat bodies, wherein each
primary mat body has first engaging members located near at least
two corners located at the ends of a first diagonal line, and
second engaging members for engaging with the first engaging
members, the second engaging members located near at least two
corners located at the ends of a second diagonal line intersecting
with the first diagonal line; and wherein the first engaging
members of the primary mat body engage with the second engaging
members of another mat body which is adjacent to the above mat
body, and the second engaging members of the primary mat body
engage with the first engaging members of the other mat body
adjacent thereto, thereby connecting these mat bodies together.
[0027] In the mat configured in the manner described above, the
first engaging members and the second engaging members are provided
near the corners of the primary mat body. Accordingly, when the
primary mat body and the adjacent connecting mat body are connected
to each other by having the first engaging members of the primary
mat body engage with the second engaging members of the adjacent
connecting mat body, and having the second engaging members of the
primary mat body engage with the first engaging members of the
adjacent connecting mat body, the first engaging members and the
second engaging members do not bother the user. As a result,
nothing makes the surface of the mat uncomfortable and the user can
be comfortable to use the mat.
[0028] Moreover, according to a further aspect of the invention,
provided is a mat including a mat comprising a plurality of primary
mat bodies, wherein each primary mat body has first engaging
members located near at least two corners located at the ends of a
first diagonal line, and second engaging members for engaging with
the first engaging members, the second engaging members located
near at least two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal
line intersecting with the first diagonal line; and wherein the
first engaging members of the primary mat body engage with the
second engaging members of another mat body which is adjacent to
the above mat body, and the second engaging members of the primary
mat body engage with the first engaging members of the other mat
body adjacent thereto, thereby connecting these mat bodies
together.
[0029] In the mat configured in the manner described above, the
first engaging members and the second engaging members are provided
at both ends of the edges of the primary mat body. Accordingly,
when the primary mat body and the adjacent mat body are connected
to each other by having the first engaging members of the primary
mat body engage with the second engaging members of the adjacent
mat body, and having the second engaging members of the primary mat
body engage with the first engaging members of the adjacent mat
body, the first engaging members and the second engaging members do
not bother the user. As a result, nothing makes the surface of the
mat uncomfortable and the user can be comfortable to use the
mat.
[0030] Also in this case, the primary mat body may be made by
laminating a plurality of layers, and the edges of at least an
uppermost layer may be fixed to each other on the side where a user
of the primary mat body lies down, or the reverse side thereof.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first
engaging member may be a hole and the second engaging member may be
a toggle for insertion into the hole. Also, the first engaging
members and the second engaging members may be fasteners or
hook-and-loop fasteners that engage with each other, and various
configurations such as hooks, buttons and button holes, and zip
fasteners may be used.
[0032] In the mat including a plurality of primary mat bodies, at
least one of the primary mat bodies can have a different size from
the size of the other mat bodies. If this configuration is applied,
one of the primary mat bodies may be a smaller size than the other
mat bodies and this different-sized mat body may be used in place
of a pillow. In this case, for example, the height (or the entire
thickness) of the different-sized mat body may be made higher than
that of the other mat bodies in order to enhance the functionality
of that mat body as the pillow.
[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, a mat
including a primary mat body made by laminating a plurality of
layers is provided, wherein in the primary mat body, the edges of
at least an uppermost layer are fixed to each other on the side
where a user of the primary mat body lies down, or the reverse side
thereof.
[0034] With the mat configured in the manner described above, it is
unnecessary to join the plural layers along the edges of the
primary mat body. Therefore, the amount of materials constituting
the primary mat body and the weight of the mat can be reduced.
Moreover, since it is unnecessary to provide any joint margins, the
manufacturing cost can be reduced. Also, compared to the case where
the edges are joined, it is possible to decrease the possibility of
the fixed parts (or joint parts) breaking away.
[0035] The primary mat body may be configured in such a way that
there is a space inside the primary mat body and a fluid can be
kept in the space. Also, the connecting mat body may be configured
in such a way that there is a space inside the connecting mat body
and a fluid can be kept in the space.
[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
a pillow that can be connected to a mat having a first engaging
member located near at least one corner located at either end of a
first diagonal line, and a second engaging member for engaging with
the first engaging member, the second engaging member located near
at least one corner located at either end of on a second diagonal
line intersecting with the first diagonal line, wherein the pillow
has: a first engaging member that is located near at least one
corner located at either end of a first diagonal line and engages
with the second engaging member on the mat; and a second engaging
member that is located near at least one corner located at either
end of a second diagonal line intersecting with the first diagonal
line and engages with the first engaging member on the mat.
[0037] The pillow configured in the manner described above is
connected to the mat by having the first engaging member of the
pillow engage with the second engaging member of the mat, and
having the second engaging member of the pillow engage with the
first engaging member of the mat. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent the pillow from slipping or moving away from the user's
head while they are sleeping, whether the pillow and the mat are
made of normal materials, or made of slippery materials. As a
result, the pillow and the mat do not bother the user and the user
can sleep comfortably.
[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
a pillow that can be connected to a mat having first engaging
members at both ends of at least one edge thereof, wherein the
pillow has second engaging members located at both ends of at least
one edge thereof, for engaging with the first engaging members on
the mat.
[0039] The pillow configured in the manner described above is
connected to the mat by having the second engaging members of the
pillow engage with the first engaging members of the mat.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pillow from slipping or
moving away from the user's head while they are sleeping, whether
the pillow and the mat are made of normal materials, or made of
slippery materials. As a result, the pillow and the mat do not
bother the user and the user can sleep comfortably.
[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
a pillow that can be connected to a mat that includes a plurality
of primary mat bodies, wherein each primary mat body has first
engaging members near at least two corners located at the ends of a
first diagonal line, and second engaging members for engaging with
the first engaging members, the second engaging members located
near at least two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal
line intersecting with the first diagonal line; and the first
engaging members of the primary mat body engage with the second
engaging members of another mat body which is adjacent to the above
mat body, and the second engaging members of the primary mat body
engage with the first engaging members of that other adjacent mat
body, thereby connecting the mat bodies together; and wherein the
pillow has: a first engaging member that is located near at least
one corner located at either end of a first diagonal line and
engages with the second engaging member on the mat; and a second
engaging member that is located near at least one corner located at
either end of a second diagonal line intersecting with the first
diagonal line and engages with the first engaging member on the
mat.
[0041] The pillow configured in the manner described above is
connected to the mat by having the first engaging member of the
pillow engage with the second engaging member of the mat and having
the second engaging member of the pillow engage with the first
engaging member of the mat. Therefore, it is possible to prevent
the pillow from slipping or moving away from the user's head while
they are sleeping, whether the pillow and the mat are made of
normal materials, or made of slippery materials. As a result, the
pillow and the mat do not bother the user and the user can sleep
comfortably.
[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
a pillow that can be connected to a mat that includes a plurality
of primary mat bodies, wherein each primary mat body has first
engaging members at least both ends of one edge, and second
engaging members for engaging with the first engaging members, the
second engaging members located at least both ends of an edge on
the other side of the primary mat body; and wherein the first
engaging members of the primary mat body engage with the second
engaging members of another mat body which is adjacent to the above
mat body, and the second engaging members of the primary mat body
engage with the first engaging members of that other adjacent mat
body, thereby connecting these mat bodies together; and wherein the
pillow has second engaging members located at both ends of at least
one edge, for engaging with the first engaging members formed on
the mat.
[0043] The pillow configured in the manner described above is
connected to the mat by having the second engaging members of the
pillow engage with the first engaging members of the mat.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pillow from slipping or
moving away from the user's head while they are sleeping, whether
the pillow and the mat are made of normal materials, or made of
slippery materials. As a result, the pillow and the mat do not
bother the user and the user can sleep comfortably.
[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
a sleeping bag that can be connected to a mat having first engaging
members at least two of its corners, and second engaging members at
least the other two corners, not the two corners mentioned above,
for engaging with the first engaging members, and wherein the
sleeping bag can be placed on the mat; and the sleeping bag has:
first engaging members for engaging with the second engaging
members of the mat, that are located at least two positions
allowing engagement with the second engaging members of the mat;
and second engaging members for engaging with the first engaging
members of the mat, that are located at least two positions
allowing engagement with the first engaging members of the mat when
the sleeping bag is placed on the mat.
[0045] As an example of the above-described sleeping bag, the
sleeping bag may be configured in such a way that the sleeping bag
is able to be connected to a mat that has first engaging members
located near at least two corners located at the ends of a first
diagonal line, and second engaging members for engaging with the
first engaging members, the second engaging members located near at
least two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal line
intersecting with the first diagonal line; wherein the sleeping bag
can be placed on the mat; and the sleeping bag has: a second
engaging member for engaging with the first engaging member of the
mat, and a first engaging member for engaging with the second
engaging member of the mat, wherein the first and second engaging
members of the sleeping bag are located at positions spaced apart
from each other along the edge of the sleeping bag where the user's
head will be located when the user is in the sleeping bag; and the
sleeping bag also has a second engaging member for engaging with
the first engaging member of the mat, and a first engaging member
for engaging with the second engaging member of the mat, wherein
the first and second engaging members of the sleeping bag are
located at positions spaced apart from each other along the edge of
the sleeping bag where the user's feet will be located.
[0046] As another example of the above-described sleeping bag, it
may be configured so that the sleeping bag is able to be connected
to a mat that has first engaging members at least both ends of one
edge, and second engaging members for engaging with the first
engaging members, the second engaging members located at least both
ends of an edge on the other side of the mat; wherein the sleeping
bag can be placed on the mat; and the sleeping bag has: second
engaging members for engaging with the first engaging members of
the mat, that are located at positions spaced apart from each other
for allowing engagement with the first engaging members of the mat
and along the edge of the sleeping bag where the user's head will
be located when the user is in the sleeping bag; and first engaging
members for engaging with the second engaging members of the mat,
that are located at positions spaced apart from each other for
allowing engagement with the second engaging members of the mat and
along the edge of the sleeping bag where the user's feet will be
located.
[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
a sleeping bag that can be connected to a mat that has first
engaging members near at least its four corners, wherein the
sleeping bag can be placed on the mat and has second engaging
members that engage with the first engaging members of the mat and
are located at positions spaced apart from each other for allowing
engagement with the first engaging members of the mat and along the
edges where the user's head and feet will be located when the user
is in the sleeping bag.
[0048] Any sleeping bag configured in the manner described above is
connected to the mat by having the first engaging members engage
with the second engaging members. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent the sleeping bag from slipping or moving away from the mat
while they are sleeping, whether the sleeping bag and the mat are
made of normal materials, or made of slippery materials. As a
result, the sleeping bag does not bother the user and the user can
sleep comfortably. Also, since the sleeping bag is connected to the
mat by means of engagement between the first engaging members and
the second engaging members, the configuration employed is simple,
and it is unnecessary to use a conventional type slip stopper that
covers the entire mat.
[0049] The above-described sleeping bag can be placed on the
aforementioned mat made by connecting a plurality of primary mat
bodies together. Specifically speaking, as an example of this
sleeping bag, it may be configured in such a way that a sleeping
bag can be connected to a mat; and the mat includes a plurality of
primary mat bodies, wherein each primary mat body has first
engaging members near at least two corners located at the ends of a
first diagonal line, and second engaging members for engaging with
the first engaging members, the second engaging members located
near at least two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal
line intersecting with the first diagonal line; and wherein the
first engaging members of the primary mat body engage with the
second engaging members of another mat body which is adjacent to
the above mat body, and the second engaging members of the primary
mat body engage with the first engaging members of that other
adjacent mat body, thereby connecting these mat bodies together;
and the sleeping bag can be placed on the mat; and the sleeping bag
has: a second engaging member for engaging with the first engaging
member of the mat, and a first engaging member for engaging with
the second engaging member of the mat, wherein the first and second
engaging members of the sleeping bag are located at positions
spaced apart from each other along the edge of the sleeping bag
where the user's head will be located when the user is in the
sleeping bag; and the sleeping bag also has a second engaging
member for engaging with the first engaging member of the mat, and
a first engaging member for engaging with the second engaging
member of the mat, wherein the first and second engaging members of
the sleeping bag are located at positions spaced apart from each
other along the edge of the sleeping bag where the user's feet will
be located.
[0050] In another example of the above-described sleeping bag, it
may be configured in such a way that a sleeping bag can be
connected to a mat; and the mat includes a plurality of primary mat
bodies, wherein each primary mat body has first engaging members at
both ends of one edge, and second engaging members for engaging
with the first engaging members, the second engaging members
located at least both ends of an edge on the other side of the
primary mat body; and wherein the first engaging members of the
primary mat body engage with the second engaging members of another
mat body which is adjacent to the above mat body, and the second
engaging members of the primary mat body engage with the first
engaging members of that other adjacent mat body, thereby
connecting these mat bodies together; and the sleeping bag can be
placed on the mat; and the sleeping bag has: second engaging
members for engaging with the first engaging members of the mat,
that are located at least two positions spaced apart from each
other for allowing engagement with the first engaging members of
the mat and along the edge of the sleeping bag where the user's
head will be located when the user is in the sleeping bag; and
first engaging members for engaging with the second engaging
members of the mat, that are located at least two positions spaced
apart from each other for allowing engagement with the second
engaging members of the mat and along the edge of the sleeping bag
where the user's feet will be located.
[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
bedding including a mat and a pillow connected to the mat, wherein
each of the mat and the pillow has a first engaging member located
near at least one corner located at either end of a first diagonal
line, and a second engaging member for engaging with the first
engaging member, the second engaging member located near at least
one corner located at either end of a second diagonal line
intersecting with the first diagonal line; and wherein the first
engaging member of the mat engage with the second engaging member
of the pillow, and the second engaging member of the mat engages
with the first engaging member of the pillow, thereby connecting
the mat and the pillow together.
[0052] In this case, the mat can be configured so that it has first
engaging members located near at least two corners located at the
ends of a first diagonal line, and second engaging members that
engage with the first engaging members and are located near at
least two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal line
intersecting with the first diagonal line.
[0053] According to a still further aspect of the invention,
bedding including a mat and a pillow connected to the mat is
provided, wherein the mat has first engaging members at least both
ends of one edge of the mat, the pillow has second engaging members
for engaging with the first engaging members, that are located at
least both ends of one edge of the pillow, and the first engaging
members of the mat engage with the second engaging members of the
pillow, thereby connecting the mat and the pillow together.
[0054] In this case, the mat can be configured so that it has
second engaging members that engage with the first engaging
members, that are located at least both ends of an edge on the
other side of the mat.
[0055] Moreover, the bedding described above can include a
plurality of mats described above, and the mats can be connected to
each other by having the first engaging members of the mat engage
with the second engaging members of the adjacent mat, and having
the second engaging members of the mat engage with the first
engaging members of the adjacent mat.
[0056] In the bedding configured as described above, the pillow is
connected to the mat by having the first engaging member of the
pillow engage with the second engaging member of the mat and having
the second engaging member of the pillow engage with the first
engaging member of the mat. Therefore, it is possible to prevent
the pillow from slipping or moving away from the user's head while
they are sleeping, whether the pillow and the mat are made of
normal materials, or made of slippery materials. As a result, the
pillow and the mat do not bother the user and the user can sleep
comfortably.
[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, bedding
including a mat and a sleeping bag attached to the mat is provided,
wherein the mat has first engaging members at least two corners,
and second engaging members at least the other two corners, not the
two corners mentioned above, for engaging with the first engaging
members, wherein the sleeping bag can be placed on the mat and has:
first engaging members for engaging with the second engaging
members of the mat, that are located at least two positions
allowing engagement with the second engaging members of the mat;
and second engaging member for engaging with the first engaging
members of the mat, that are located at least two positions
allowing engagement with the first engaging member of the mat when
the sleeping bag is placed on the mat, and wherein the first
engaging members of the mat engage with the second engaging members
of the sleeping bag, and the second engaging members of the mat
engage with the first engaging members of the pillow, thereby
connecting the mat and the pillow together.
[0058] In an example of the above-described bedding, it may be
configured in such a way that the bedding includes a mat and a
sleeping bag attached to the mat, wherein the mat has first
engaging members located near at least two corners located at the
ends of a first diagonal line, and second engaging members that
engage with the first engaging members and are located near at
least two corners located at the ends of a second diagonal line
intersecting with the first diagonal line; the sleeping bag can be
placed on the mat; and the sleeping bag has: a second engaging
member for engaging with the first engaging member of the mat, and
a first engaging member for engaging with the second engaging
member of the mat, wherein the first and second engaging members of
the sleeping bag are located at positions spaced apart from each
other along the edge of the sleeping bag where the user's head will
be located when the user is in the sleeping bag; and the sleeping
bag also has a second engaging member for engaging with the first
engaging member of the mat, and a first engaging member for
engaging with the second engaging member of the mat, and wherein
the first and second engaging members of the sleeping bag are
located at positions spaced apart from each other along the edge of
the sleeping bag where the user's feet will be located; wherein the
sleeping bag and the mat can be connected to each other by having
the first engaging members of the mat engage with the second
engaging members of the sleeping bag, and having the second
engaging members of the mat engage with the first engaging members
of the sleeping bag.
[0059] In another example of the above-described sleeping bag, it
may be configured in such a way that the bedding includes a mat and
a sleeping bag attached to the mat, wherein the mat has first
engaging members at least both ends of one edge, and second
engaging members that engage with the first engaging members and
are located at least both ends of an edge on the other side of the
mat; wherein the sleeping bag can be placed on the mat; and the
sleeping bag has: second engaging members for engaging with the
first engaging members of the mat, that are located at positions
spaced apart from each other for allowing engagement with the first
engaging members of the mat and along the edge of the sleeping bag
where the user's head will be located when the user is in the
sleeping bag; and first engaging members for engaging with the
second engaging members of the mat, that are located at positions
spaced apart from each other for allowing engagement with the
second engaging members of the mat and along the edge of the
sleeping bag where the user's feet will be located; wherein the
sleeping bag and the mat can be connected to each other by having
the first engaging members of the mat engage with the second
engaging members of the sleeping bag, and having the second
engaging members of the mat engage with the first engaging members
of the sleeping bag.
[0060] In the bedding including the mat and the sleeping bag as
described above, the sleeping bag is connected to the mat by having
the first engaging members engage with the second engaging members.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sleeping bag from slipping
or moving away from the mat while they are sleeping, whether the
sleeping bag and the mat are made of normal materials, or made of
slippery materials. As a result, the sleeping bag does not bother
the user and the user can sleep comfortably. Also, since the
sleeping bag is connected to the mat by means of engagement between
the first engaging members and the second engaging members, the
configuration employed is simple, and it is unnecessary to use a
conventional type slip stopper that covers the entire mat.
[0061] Furthermore, the bedding including the mat and the sleeping
bag as described above can be configured in such a way that the
bedding includes a plurality of mats, wherein the first engaging
members of the mat engage with the second engaging members of
another mat which is adjacent to the mat mentioned above, and the
second engaging members of the mat mentioned above engage with the
other mat which is adjacent to the mat mentioned above, thereby
connecting these mats together.
[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, provided is
bedding including a mat and a sleeping bag attached to the mat,
wherein the mat has first engaging members near at least its four
corners; the sleeping bag can be placed on the mat; and the
sleeping bag has second engaging members that engage with the first
engaging members of the mat and are located at positions spaced
apart from each other for allowing engagement with the first
engaging members of the mat, and along the edges where the user's
head and feet will be located respectively when the user is in the
sleeping bag; and the sleeping bag is connected to the mat by
having the first engaging members of the mat engage with the second
engaging members of the sleeping bag.
[0063] Concerning the bedding including the mat and the sleeping
bag as described above, the sleeping bag is connected to the mat by
having the second engaging members of the sleeping bag engage with
the first engaging members of the mat. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent the sleeping bag from slipping or moving away from the mat
while they are sleeping, whether the sleeping bag and the mat are
made of normal materials, or made of slippery materials. As a
result, the sleeping bag does not bother the user and the user can
sleep comfortably. Also, since the sleeping bag is connected to the
mat by means of engagement between the first engaging members and
the second engaging members, the configuration employed is simple,
and it is unnecessary to use a conventional type slip stopper that
covers the entire mat.
[0064] In the bedding according to the aforementioned embodiment of
the invention, a strap capable of binding at least the mat can be
provided on the mat. By providing the strap on the mat, it is
possible to roll up or fold the mat and bind it with the strap when
the mat is not in use. Accordingly, the mat can be wrapped up for
compact and convenient storage and be easily carried around.
Incidentally, this strap can be used to bind not only the mat, but
also the pillow or the sleeping bag together.
[0065] Moreover, the mat of the bedding described above may be
configured in such a way that it is made by laminating a plurality
of layers, and the edges of at least an uppermost layer are fixed
to each other on the side where a user of the primary mat body lies
down, or the reverse side thereof.
[0066] Furthermore, the aforementioned bedding may be configured in
such a way that the first engaging member is a hole and the second
engaging member is a toggle to be inserted into the hole. The first
engaging members and the second engaging members may be fasteners
or hook-and-loop fasteners that engage with each other, and various
configurations such as hooks, buttons and button holes, and zip
fasteners may be used.
[0067] In the mat according to an aspect of the invention, the
pillow is attached with the strap to the primary mat body.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the pillow from slipping and
moving away from the user's head while they are sleeping, whether
the primary mat body and the pillow are made of normal materials,
or made of slippery materials. Therefore, the mat and the pillow do
not disturb the user's sleep and have the advantageous effect of
making a comfortable sleep possible.
[0068] In the mat according to another aspect of the invention, the
first engaging members and the second engaging members are located
near the corners of the primary mat body. Consequently, when the
primary mat bodies are connected to each other by having the first
engaging members engage with the second engaging members, the first
engaging members and the second engaging members do not bother the
user and nothing makes the surface of the mat uncomfortable.
Therefore, the mat has the advantageous effect of making the user
be comfortable to use the mat.
[0069] Furthermore, in the mat according to a further aspect of the
invention, the first engaging members and the second engaging
members are located at both ends of the edges of the primary mat
body. Accordingly, when the primary mat bodies are connected to
each other by having the first engaging members engage with the
second engaging members, the first engaging members and the second
engaging members do not bother the user and nothing makes the
surface of the mat uncomfortable. Therefore, the mat has the
advantageous effect of making the user be comfortable to use the
mat.
[0070] In the mat according to a further aspect of the invention,
the edges of at least an uppermost layer of the primary mat body,
which is made by a plurality of laminated layers, are fixed to each
other on the side of the primary mat body where a user lies down,
or the reverse side thereof. Because of this configuration, it is
unnecessary to join the plural layers along the edges of the
primary mat body. Therefore, in addition to the aforementioned
advantageous effects, the amount of materials constituting the
primary mat body and the weight of the mat can be reduced.
Moreover, since it is unnecessary to provide any joint margins, the
manufacturing cost can be reduced. Also, compared to the case where
the edges are joined, it is possible to decrease the possibility of
the fixed parts (or joint parts) breaking away.
[0071] Concerning the pillow according to an aspect of the
invention, the first engaging member and the second engaging member
are provided near the corners of the pillow. Accordingly, the
pillow can be connected to the mat by having the first and second
engaging members of the pillow engage with the second and first
engaging members of the mat respectively. Therefore, it is possible
to prevent the pillow from slipping or moving away from the user's
head while the user is sleeping. As a result, the pillow does not
bother the user and has the advantageous effect of making the user
be comfortable to use it.
[0072] With the pillow according to another aspect of the
invention, the second engaging members are provided at both ends of
at least one edge of the pillow. Accordingly, the pillow can be
connected to the mat by having the second engaging members of the
pillow engage with the first engaging members of the mat
respectively. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pillow from
slipping or moving away from the user's head while the user is
sleeping. As a result, the pillow does not bother the user and has
the advantageous effect of making the user be comfortable to use
it.
[0073] The sleeping bag according to an aspect of the invention
has: second engaging members that engage with the first engaging
members of the mat and are located at least two positions allowing
engagement with the first engaging members of the mat; and first
engaging members that engage with the second engaging members of
the mat and are located at least two positions allowing engagement
with the second engaging members of the mat. Accordingly, the
sleeping bag can be connected to the mat by having the first and
second engaging members of the sleeping bag engage with the second
and first engaging members of the mat respectively. Therefore, it
is possible to prevent the sleeping bag from slipping or moving
away from the mat while the user is sleeping. As a result, the
sleeping bag does not bother the user and has the advantageous
effect of making the user be comfortable to use it.
[0074] The sleeping bag according to another aspect of the
invention has second engaging members that engage with the first
engaging members of the mat and are located at positions allowing
engagement with the first engaging members of the mat. Accordingly,
the sleeping bag can be connected to the mat by having the second
engaging members of the sleeping bag engage with the first engaging
members of the mat respectively. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent the sleeping bag from slipping or moving away from the mat
while the user is sleeping. As a result, the sleeping bag does not
bother the user and has the advantageous effect of making the user
be comfortable to use it.
[0075] The bedding according to an aspect of the invention includes
a mat and a pillow, and the pillow can be connected to the mat.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pillow from slipping or
moving away from the user's head while the user is sleeping. As a
result, the bedding does not bother the user and has the
advantageous effect of making the user be comfortable to use
it.
[0076] The bedding according to another aspect of the invention
includes a mat and a sleeping bag, and the sleeping bag can be
connected to the mat. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the
sleeping bag from slipping or moving away from the mat while the
user is sleeping. As a result, the bedding does not bother the user
and has the advantageous effect of making the user be comfortable
to use it.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0077] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mat according to a first
embodiment of this invention.
[0078] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a primary mat body, a component
of the mat shown in FIG. 1.
[0079] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a sectioned part
of the mat shown in FIG. 2 as taken along line III-III.
[0080] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of an area where the strap
is attached to the mat shown in FIG. 1.
[0081] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the state where the strap
on the mat shown in FIG. 1 is used to attach a pillow to the
mat.
[0082] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the
state where the strap on the mat shown in FIG. 1 is used to attach
a pillow to the mat.
[0083] FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the area around a first
engaging member of the primary mat body shown in FIG. 1.
[0084] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the area around a
second engaging member of the primary mat body shown in FIG. 1.
[0085] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the
state where a first engaging member of the primary mat body in FIG.
1 engages with a second engaging member of a connecting mat
body.
[0086] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the state where
the primary mat body, a component of the mat shown in FIG. 1, is
bound with the strap.
[0087] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mat according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0088] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the state where a strap on
the mat according to a further embodiment of the invention is used
to attach a pillow to the mat.
[0089] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the state where the pillow is
attached to the mat according to a further embodiment of the
invention.
[0090] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a pillow, a mat, and bedding
according to the second embodiment of the invention.
[0091] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a pillow, a mat, and bedding
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0092] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a pillow, a mat, and bedding
according to a further embodiment of the invention.
[0093] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a sleeping bag, a mat, and bedding
according to the third embodiment of the invention.
[0094] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the area near the head region
of the sleeping bag shown in FIG. 17.
[0095] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the area near the foot region
of the sleeping bag shown in FIG. 17.
[0096] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the area near the head region
of a sleeping bag according to a further embodiment of the
invention.
[0097] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the area near the foot region
of a sleeping bag according to a further embodiment of the
invention.
[0098] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a sleeping bag, a mat, and bedding
according to a further embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0099] A mat according to preferred embodiments of this invention
will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
The embodiments described below are for the purpose of describing
this invention, but the invention is not limited only to these
embodiments. Accordingly, this invention can be utilized in various
ways unless the utilizations depart from the gist of the
invention.
First Embodiment
[0100] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mat according to the first
embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a primary
mat body, a component of the mat shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an
enlarged perspective view of a sectioned part of the mat shown in
FIG. 2 as taken along line III-III. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view
of an area where the strap is attached to the mat shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the state where the strap on the
mat shown in FIG. 1 is used to attach a pillow to the mat. FIG. 6
is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the state where the
strap on the mat shown in FIG. 1 is used to attach a pillow to the
mat. FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the area around a first
engaging member of the primary mat body shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is
an enlarged perspective view of the area around a second engaging
member of the primary mat body shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an
enlarged perspective view illustrating the state where a first
engaging member of the primary mat body in FIG. 1 engages with a
second engaging member of the connecting mat body.
[0101] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the state where
the primary mat body, a component of the mat shown in FIG. 1, is
bound with the strap.
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, a mat 1 according to the first
embodiment includes a primary mat body 10 and five connecting mat
bodies 11A to 11E connected to the primary mat body 10.
[0103] The primary mat body 10 is of approximately rectangular
shape with rounded corners, as seen from above, and holes 12, 13,
14, and 15 are made through the primary mat body 10 near its
corners. As second engaging members, toggles 20 are tied and
fastened with string 21 to the holes 12 and 14 formed at two of its
four corners located at the ends of one diagonal line. A toggle 20
is inserted into any of holes 12 to 15 in the connecting mat bodies
11A to 11E, which are described later in detail, and serves to
connect the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E and the primary mat
body 10 together.
[0104] A strap 30 that is used to attach a pillow 100 (see FIGS. 5
and 6), or the primary mat body 10 itself, or the connecting mat
bodies 11A to 11E or the like, is attached to the approximately
central part of one short side of the primary mat body 10. As a
length adjustment mechanism, a buckle 40 adjusts the length of the
strap 30 is attached to the strap 30.
[0105] A female portion 31 of the buckle 40 is attached to the base
end of the strap 30 (the position where the strap 30 is attached to
the primary mat body 10). Meanwhile, a male portion 32 of the
buckle 40 is attached to a position somewhere along the strap 30
and can move along the strap 30. The male portion 32 of the buckle
40 engages with the female portion 31, forming a ring. The buckle
40 is designed so that the diameter (or size) of the strap 30 ring
can be changed. Accordingly, when the pillow 100, the primary mat
body 10, or the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E are attached to
the mat with the strap 30, the strap 30 can be adjusted to their
respective sizes.
[0106] Moreover, the primary mat body 10 is an air mat into which
air is inserted and stored. An air inlet for introducing air into
the primary mat body 10 is formed at one short side of the primary
mat body 10 (the edge where the strap 30 is attached in to the
first embodiment).
[0107] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary mat body 10
includes an air mat 16 into which air is introduced, and a cover 17
placed on the surface of the air mat 16 for covering the surface of
the air mat 16. One end 17A of the cover 17 and the end 17B of the
cover 17 opposite that end 17A are fixed to each other at the
approximately central part of the reverse side of the primary mat
body 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0108] Since one end 17A and the other end 17B of the cover 17 are
fixed to each other at the approximately central part of the
reverse side of the primary mat body 10, it is unnecessary to join
the ends 17A and 17B of the cover 17 together along the edges of
the primary mat body 10. Therefore, the amount of materials used
for the primary mat body 10 and the weight of the primary mat body
10 can be reduced. Also, since mold margins for joining the edges
are not required, manufacturing costs can also be reduced. Compared
to the case where the edges are joined together, the possibility of
fixed parts (or joined parts) coming off can be reduced.
Incidentally, the primary mat body 10 can be used by having the
surface where the ends 17A and 17B of the cover 17 are joined
together, as the upper side of the mat.
[0109] The connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E are configured in the
same manner as the primary mat body 10, except that they do not
have the strap 30 or the buckle 40.
[0110] The mat 1 according to the first embodiment is assembled by
first placing a connecting mat body 11B adjacent to the primary mat
body 10, inserting a toggle 20 fastened with string 21 into the
hole 12 in the connecting mat body 11B, into the hole 13 in the
primary mat body 10 as shown in FIG. 9, and thereby connecting the
connecting mat body 11B to the primary mat body 10 by means of the
toggle 20.
[0111] In the same manner, a connecting mat body 11A is connected
to the primary mat body 10 by means of the toggle 20 by placing the
connecting mat body 11A adjacent to the primary mat body 10 on the
side opposite the side connected to the connecting mat body 11B,
and inserting the toggle 20 fastened with the string 21 into the
hole 12 in the connecting mat body 11A, into the hole 13 in the
primary mat body 10. The connecting mat bodies 11C to 11E are
connected to the primary mat body 10 in the same manner, resulting
in the mat 1 configured as shown in FIG. 1. When the mat 1 is
prepared in this manner, a desired amount of air may be introduced
via air inlets 45 into the primary mat body 10 and the connecting
mat bodies 11A to 11E before or after they are connected.
[0112] As described above, the primary mat body 10 and the
connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E are connected by engaging the
toggles 20 with the holes 12 to 15 at the corners of the primary
mat body 10 and the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E. Therefore,
the holes 12 to 15 and the toggles 20 neither bother the user nor
make the surface of the mat uncomfortable. Accordingly, the user
can be comfortable when using the mat 1.
[0113] Next, in order to attach a pillow 100 to this mat, a strap
30 is wound around the approximate central part of the pillow 100,
the position of the male portion 32 of the buckle 40 is moved to
adjust the winding length of the strap 30 for the pillow 100, and
then the male portion 32 of the buckle 40 is made to engage with
the female portion 31. As a result, the pillow 100 is attached to
the mat 1 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0114] Since the pillow 100 is attached to the mat 1 as described
above, it is possible to prevent the pillow 100 from slipping and
moving away from the user's head while they are sleeping, whether
the mat 1 and the pillow 100 are made of normal materials, or made
of slippery materials. Therefore, the mat 1 and the pillow 100 do
not disturb the user's sleep and are comfortable to lie on. Also,
since the pillow 100 is not used on top of the mat 1, the mat 1
needs to be as long as the length of the user's feet to the user's
shoulders. Consequently, the size and weight of the mat 1 can be
further reduced.
[0115] The pillow 100 can be easily detached from the mat 1 by
releasing the engagement between the male portion 32 and the female
portion 31 of the buckle 40. Also, when the user wants to carry the
mat 1 around or put it away, he/she should let the air out of the
primary mat body 10 and the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E, and
then roll up the primary mat body 10 and the connecting mat bodies
11A to 11E together, and can also bind (or tie up) them together
with the strap 30 as shown in FIG. 10. Moreover, the user may use
the strap 30 to bind only the primary mat body 10, or both the
primary mat body 10 and the pillow 100 together.
[0116] The first embodiment described the case where five
connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E are connected to one mat body 10.
However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and
any number of mat bodies 10 and connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E
may be connected depending on their respective sizes and the size
of the finished mat.
[0117] The connecting mat bodies can be connected and used without
using the primary mat body 10. Moreover, a plurality of primary mat
bodies 10 may be connected as shown in FIG. 11 in the same manner
as described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, only one mat
body 10 may be used as shown in FIG. 12, without connecting a
plurality of primary mat bodies 10. In this case, it is unnecessary
to provide the first engaging members (such as the holes 12 to 15)
or the second engaging members (such as the toggles 20).
[0118] Moreover, the first embodiment described the case where air
mats into which air can be introduced are used as the primary mat
body 10 and the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E. However, the type
of mat employed in this invention is not particularly limited to
air mats, and the primary mat body 10 and the connecting mat bodies
11A to 11E may be mat bodies, each composed of either a plurality
of laminated layers or a single layer.
[0119] Furthermore, the first embodiment described the case where
the holes 12 to 15 (the first engaging members) are made at the
four corners of each of the primary mat body 10 and the connecting
mat bodies 11A to 11E, and the toggles 20 (the second engaging
members) are provided along one diagonal line in each of the
primary mat body 10 and the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E.
However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and
the first engaging members may be formed at least both ends of one
edge (or side) of each of the primary mat body 10 and the
connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E, and the second engaging members
may be formed at both ends of the edge (or side) opposite the
above-mentioned edge (or side).
[0120] If the toggles 20 (the second engaging members) are formed
near two corners located at the ends of one diagonal line of each
of the primary mat body 10 and the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E
as in the first embodiment, the holes 12 to 15 (the first engaging
members) may be made only near two corners located at the ends of
another diagonal line intersecting with the above-mentioned
diagonal line. Also, the toggles 20 (the second engaging members)
may be provided near the four corners of each of the primary mat
body 10 and the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E.
[0121] Furthermore, the first embodiment described the case where
the holes 12 to 15 are formed as the first engaging members, and
the toggles 20 are provided as the second engaging members.
However, the invention is not limited to this example, and there is
no particular limitation on the types of the first engaging members
and the second engaging members as long as they can engage with
each other. Therefore, it is possible to use various types of
engaging members such as Hook-and-loop fasteners, hooks, buttons
and button holes, zip fasteners, and strings.
[0122] The first embodiment also described the case where a primary
mat body of approximately quadrangular shape, as seen from above,
is used as the primary mat body 10 and the connecting mat bodies
11A to 11E. However, the invention is not limited to this example,
and the shape of the primary mat body 10 and the connecting mat
bodies 11A to 11E is not particularly limited and may also be other
polygons.
[0123] Furthermore, the first embodiment described the case where
the primary mat body 10 is connected to a plurality of connecting
mat bodies 11A to 11E, each of which is of the same size as that of
the primary mat body 10. However, the invention is not limited to
this example, and the primary mat body 10 and connecting mat bodies
11A to 11E of different sizes may be used. For example, as shown in
FIG. 13, the primary mat body 10 may be a different size from that
of the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E, and this different-sized
mat body 10 may be used in place of a pillow by placing the primary
mat body 10 at the position where the pillow 100 should be located,
and connecting it to the connecting mat bodies. Alternatively, at
least one of the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E may be a
different size from that of the remaining connecting mat bodies 11A
to 11E and be used in place of a pillow in the same manner as in
the above-described example. The same applies to a mat formed by
connecting a plurality of primary mat bodies 10.
Second Embodiment
[0124] A pillow, a mat, and bedding including the pillow and the
mat according to the second embodiment of the invention will be
described below with reference to the relevant drawings.
[0125] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a pillow, a mat, and bedding
according to the second embodiment. The elements used in the second
embodiment the same as those explained in the first embodiment are
given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and
any detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 14, a pillow 110 according to the second
embodiment is a flat plane approximately quadrangular in shape. As
seen from above, the pillow 110 is approximately rectangular in
shape with curved corners. Holes 12, 13, 14, and 15 are made
through the pillow 110 at positions near the curved corners in the
same manner as in the first embodiment. Just like the first
embodiment, the toggle 20 is tied and fastened with the string 21
to each of the holes 12 and 14 formed at two of its four corners
located at the ends of one diagonal line. This pillow 110 is an air
pillow which can be filled with air. An air inlet 45 for
introducing air into the pillow 110 is formed at one edge of the
pillow 110.
[0127] The pillow 110, just like the primary mat body 10 and the
connecting mat bodies 11A to 11E described above, includes an air
mat part into which air is introduced, and a cover placed over the
surface of the air mat part in order to cover the surface of the
air mat part. One end of this cover and the other end (opposite the
aforementioned end) of the cover are fixed to each other at the
approximately central region of the reverse side of the pillow
110.
[0128] A mat 150 connected to this pillow 110 has a similar
configuration as that of the primary mat body 10 described in the
first embodiment, and the size of one mat 150 is large enough for
an adult person to lie down on. Specifically speaking, the holes 12
to 15 are made near the four corners of the mat 150 and the toggle
20 is tied and fastened with the string 21 to each of the holes 12
and 14 made along a first diagonal line. The strap 30 with the
buckle 40 described in the first embodiment is attached to the mat
150. This strap 30 is used in the second embodiment not to attach a
pillow to the mat 150, but to roll up and bind (or tie up) the mat
150 as shown in FIG. 10, when carrying around or putting away the
mat 150. Just the mat 150 may be bound with the strap 30, or both
the mat 150 and the pillow 110 may be bound together with the strap
30, as desired.
[0129] The pillow 110 and the mat 150 constitute bedding 200. The
bedding 200 is assembled by placing the pillow 110 adjacent to a
shorter side of the mat 150 as shown in FIG. 14, inserting the
toggle 20 fastened with the string 21 into the hole 12 in the mat
150, into the hole 13 in the pillow 110, and inserting the toggle
20 fastened the with string 21 to the hole 14 in the pillow 110,
into the hole 15 in the mat 150. A desired amount of air may be
introduced via the air inlets 45 to the mat 150 and pillow 110
before or after connecting (or assembling) them.
[0130] As described above, the mat 150 and the pillow 110 are
connected by engaging the toggles 20 with the holes 12 and 14
formed at the corners of the mat 150 and the pillow 110
respectively. Therefore, the holes 12 and 14 and the toggles 20
neither bother the user nor make the surface of the mat 150
uncomfortable. Accordingly, the user can be comfortable when using
the mat 150.
[0131] Since the pillow 110 is connected (or attached) to the mat
150 as described above, it is possible to prevent the pillow 110
from slipping and moving away from the user's head while they are
sleeping, whether the mat 150 and the pillow 110 are made of normal
materials, or made of slippery materials. Therefore, the mat 150
and the pillow 110 do not disturb the user's sleep and are
comfortable to lie on. Also, since the pillow 110 is not used on
top of the mat 150, the mat 150 needs to be as long as the length
of the user's feet to the user's shoulders. Consequently, the size
and weight of the mat 150 can be further reduced.
[0132] The pillow 110 can be easily detached from the mat 150 by
releasing the engagement between the holes 12 and 14 and the
toggles 20. Also, when the user wants to carry around or put away
the mat 150, he/she can let the air out of the mat 150 and the
pillow 110, and then roll up only the mat 150 or both the mat 150
and the pillow 110 together, and can also bind (or tie up) them
together with the strap 30 as shown in FIG. 10.
[0133] The second embodiment described the case where the holes 12
to 15 are made at the four corners of each of the pillow 110 and
the mat 150, and the toggles 20 are attached with the strings 21 to
the holes 12 and 14 formed near two corners located at the ends of
the first diagonal line. However, the invention is not limited to
this configuration, and the toggle 20 may be attached with the
string 21 to each of the holes 12 and 15 at both ends of one edge
of each of the mat 150 and the pillow 110.
[0134] It is only necessary to provide the holes 13 and 14 on the
side of the pillow 110 to be connected to the mat 150. The toggle
20 may be attached with the string 21 to at least one of the holes
13 and 14. Regarding the mat 150 as well, it is only necessary to
provide the holes 12 and 15 on the side of the mat 150 to be
connected to pillow 110. The toggle 20 may be attached with the
string 21 to at least one of the holes 12 and 15.
[0135] Furthermore, the second embodiment described the case where
one mat 150 of the size allowing an adult person to lie down on is
used. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and a
plurality of connecting mat bodies 11A to 11C and so on may be
connected to constitute the mat 150, to which the pillow 110 may be
connected. In this case, the strap 30 with the buckle 40 may be
attached to the pillow 110 as shown in FIG. 16. Also, in the same
manner as described above, a plurality of primary mat bodies 10 may
be connected together to constitute the mat 150, and the pillow 110
may be then connected to this mat 150.
Third Embodiment
[0136] Next, a sleeping bag, a mat, and bedding including the
sleeping bag and the mat according to the third embodiment of the
invention will be described below with reference to the relevant
drawings.
[0137] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a pillow, a mat, and bedding
according to the third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 18 is an
enlarged view of an area near the head region of the sleeping bag
shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of an area near the
foot region of the sleeping bag shown in FIG. 17. The elements used
in the third embodiment the same as those explained in the first
embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the first
embodiment, and any detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0138] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, a sleeping bag 120 according to
the third embodiment has an opening 121 so that the user's face can
be exposed when the user is in the sleeping bag 120. As shown in
FIG. 18, the toggles 20 are fastened with the strings 21 to the
sleeping bag 120 at two positions spaced apart from each other on
the side of the sleeping bag 120 where the user's head will be
located when the user is in the sleeping bag 120. Also, as shown in
FIG. 19, the toggles 20 are fastened with the strings 21 to the
sleeping bag 120 at two positions spaced apart from each other on
the side of the sleeping bag 120 where the user's feet will be
located. These toggles 20 are attached at positions allowing them
to engage with the holes 12 to 15 respectively formed at the four
corners of a mat 160 described below in detail.
[0139] The mat 160 on which the sleep bag 120 is mounted is of an
approximately rectangular shape as seen from above, and is of a
size allowing the user in the sleeping bag 120 to lie down on. The
holes 12, 13, 14, and 15, with which the toggles 20 attached to the
sleeping bag 120 engage, are made at the four corners of the mat
160. Also, the strap 30 with the buckle 40 as described in the
first embodiment is attached to the mat 160. In the third
embodiment, this strap 30 is used to roll up the mat 160 and bind
(or tie up) the mat 160 as shown in FIG. 10 when the user carries
around or puts away the mat 160. The strap 30 may be used to bind
only the mat 160 or both the mat 160 and the sleeping bag 120, as
desired. This mat 160 is configured in the same manner as the
primary mat body 10 described in the first embodiment, except that
no toggle 20 is attached with the string 21 to the hole 12 or
14.
[0140] The sleeping bag 120 and the mat 160 constitute bedding 210.
The bedding 210 is assembled by placing the sleeping bag 120 on the
mat 160 as shown in FIG. 17, and inserting a toggle 20 fastened
with the string 21, into each hole 12 to 15 in the mat 160. A
desired amount of air may be introduced via the air inlet 45 to the
mat 160 before or after connecting (or assembling) them.
[0141] The sleeping bag 120 is connected (or attached) to the mat
160 as described above. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the
sleeping bag 120 from slipping and moving away from the mat while
they are sleeping even if the user tosses around in the sleeping
bag 120, whether the mat 160 and the sleeping bag 120 are made of
normal materials, or made of slippery materials. Therefore, the mat
160 and the sleeping bag 120 do not disturb the user's sleep and
are comfortable to lie on and sleep in.
[0142] The third embodiment described the case where the holes 12
to 15 are made at the four corners of the mat 160, and the toggles
20 are attached with the strings 21 to the sleeping bag 120 at the
positions allowing the toggles 20 to engage with the holes 12 to 15
in the mat 160. However, the invention is not limited to this
configuration. As shown in FIG. 20, the hole 13 may be made at one
of two positions spaced apart from each other along the edge of the
sleeping bag 120 on the side where the user's head will be located
when the user is in the sleeping bag 120, and the toggle 20 may be
fastened with the string 21 to the other position; and as shown in
FIG. 21, the toggle 20 may be fastened with the string 21 to one of
two positions spaced apart from each other along the edge of the
sleeping bag 120 on the side where the user's feet will be located,
and the hole 15 may be made at the other position. In this case,
the holes 12 and 14 may be made at two of the four corners of the
mat 160, located at the positions allowing engagement with the
toggles 20 attached to the sleeping bag 120, and the toggles 20 may
be provided at the positions on the mat 160 allowing engagement
with the holes 13 and 15 in the sleeping bag 120. Also, the holes
12 and 14 may be made in the sleeping bag 120 as in the first and
second embodiments, and the toggles 20 may be fastened with the
strings to the holes 12 and 14. The same applies to the mat
160.
[0143] Furthermore, the third embodiment described the case where
one mat 160 of a size allowing an adult person to lie down on is
used. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and a
plurality of connecting mat bodies 11A to 11D and so on may be
connected to constitute the mat 160, to which the pillow 120 may be
connected as shown in FIG. 22. In this case, the positions of the
holes 12 to 15 and the toggles 20 in the mat 160 should be decided
according to the positions of the toggles 20 attached to the
sleeping bag 120 and the holes in the sleeping bag 120. Also, in
this case, the strap 30 with the buckle 40 can also be attached or
not be attached to any of the connecting mat bodies 11A to 11D and
so on, although it is not particularly shown in FIG. 22.
* * * * *