U.S. patent application number 11/959432 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for mult-part combinable sleeping bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLOBAL OPTIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to John Martin.
Application Number | 20090151071 11/959432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40751293 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090151071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; John |
June 18, 2009 |
Mult-Part Combinable Sleeping Bag
Abstract
A multi-part sleeping bag for use in camping, backpacking,
mountain climbing, and the like is disclosed. The sleeping bag
comprises an elongated body having a bottom panel and a top panel,
each panel having an outer surface and an inner surface and a
peripheral edge connecting the surfaces. The sleeping bag includes
at least one closure means extending along at least a closable
portion of the peripheral edge of each panel, adapted to
selectively fix the closable portion to each other, or to
selectively enable separation of each panel from the other making
the bag convenient for household washing machines. The panels are
rectangular in shape in plan view or taper in reducing width from a
head end to a foot end. Further, a second closure means on each
panel mutually joins another sleeping bag forming a two person
sleeping bag.
Inventors: |
Martin; John; (Anchorage,
AK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUICKPATENTS, INC.
32861 CALLE PERFECTO, SUITE A
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
CA
92675
US
|
Assignee: |
GLOBAL OPTIONS, INC.
Anchorage
AK
|
Family ID: |
40751293 |
Appl. No.: |
11/959432 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/413R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/413.R |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/08 20060101
A47G009/08 |
Claims
1. A sleeping bag comprising: an elongated body having a bottom
panel and a top panel, each panel having an outer surface, an inner
surface, and a peripheral edge connecting the outer and inner
surfaces; at least one closure means extending along at least a
closable portion of the peripheral edge of each panel, the closure
means adapted to selectively fix the closable portion of the
peripheral edges of each panel to each other, or to selectively
enable separation of each panel from the other panel; whereby each
panel may be separated from the other for separate washing thereof,
and each panel may be fixed to the other to form the sleeping
bag.
2. The sleeping bag of claim 1 wherein each panel tapers in
reducing width from a head end to foot end.
3. The sleeping bag of claim 1 wherein each panel is substantially
rectangular in shape in plan view.
4. The sleeping bag of claim 1 wherein the closure means may be
fixed along exactly one side of each panel, whereby the sleeping
bag may be placed in an open and flat configuration.
5. The sleeping bag of claim 1 wherein at least one panel further
includes a second closure means, whereby a second sleeping bag may
be mutually joined thereto.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to sleeping bags, and more
particularly to a multi-part, separable sleeping bag to fit into
household washing machines.
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0004] Typically, sleeping bags are used in a wide variety of
applications, including rock and ice climbing, camping,
backpacking, mountain climbing, etc. These activities are carried
on throughout the year in a range of climatic regions and weather
conditions. Also, sleeping bags have become increasingly popular
with children for overnight visits with family and friends, travel,
camping, and even home use. Sleeping bags are generally designed
with a weight adapted for a particular season, such as summer
weight, fall weight, winter weight, or for a particular temperature
range, such as 5-15 degrees Fahrenheit, 15-30 degrees Fahrenheit,
etc.
[0005] Traditionally, sleeping bags were made double walled and
filled with various types of insulating material. The sleeping bag
has been generally of a rectangular or semi-rectangular
configuration, or so-called "mummy bag" type design. There is a
definite correlation between the insulating value of a sleeping bag
and its shape. In general, the more tapered the shape of the
sleeping bag, the quicker the air inside the bag will warm up.
These types of sleeping bags may have various extra features, such
as a zipper guard, draft tube, utility pocket, internal pocket and
others. It is now generally conceded that an efficiently made
sleeping bag provides a layer of dead air, i.e. insulation around
one's body. However, the layer of insulation does not produce
warmth, it simply traps body heat. The traditional bag design often
allowed two of these bags to be unzipped, unfolded, stacked and
then re-zipped together, forming a two person sleeping bag with a
single expanded sleeping compartment of uniform width and length.
This dual sleeping bag arrangement was often found to be
advantageous for sharing body heat between the two individuals but
does not result in any weight or pack volume reductions for two
hikers.
[0006] Similarly, sleeping bags exemplified by the prior arts are
primarily constructed for out-of-doors camping. Accordingly, such
sleeping bags are constructed with special bulky materials to
retain body warmth and of relatively rough-to-the-touch fabrics to
withstand heavy abuse and are expensive. Because of this expensive
form of construction and the unitary size thereof, when cleaning is
required, the sleeping bag must be dry cleaned or washed in a
commercial or oversized washer and dryer. Further, dry-cleaning and
laundry service (including laundry mats) are expensive and
time-consuming and are inconvenient for the user. When not in use,
sleeping bags should either be hung or loosely folded or laid flat,
which in turn acquires more space. If they are stored rolled-up or
compressed in a sack, the insulating fibers can lose some of their
lofting ability. This results in a decrease in the effectiveness of
the insulation.
[0007] Therefore there is a need for a sleeping bag that permits
the separation of the sleeping bag into two or more sections to fit
into household washing machines. Such a multi-part sleeping bag
would eliminate the washing problems associated with present
sleeping bags. Further, such a multi-part sleeping bag would be
capable of providing additional closure means for attaching another
sleeping bag, if desired. The present invention accomplishes these
objectives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a multi-part sleeping bag for use
in camping, backpacking, mountain climbing, over-night visits,
sleepovers, and the like. The sleeping bag comprises an elongated
body having a bottom panel and a top panel, assembled by means of
at least one closure means extending along at least a closable
portion of the peripheral edge of each panel. Each panel of the
sleeping bag includes an outer surface, an inner surface and a
peripheral edge connecting the outer and inner surfaces. The
closure means is adapted to selectively fix the closable portion of
each panel mutually thereto, or to selectively enable separation of
each panel from the other panel. The panels of the sleeping bag may
be rectangular in shape in plan view, or tapered in reducing width
from a head end to a foot end. Each of the panels can be removably
attached to another panel to form the sleeping bag. As such, each
panel may be washed separately in a household washing machine, for
example.
[0009] The present invention may further include a second closure
means that facilitates a second bag being mutually joined thereto
for attaching two such sleeping bags together.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a sleeping bag, illustrating a
portion of a top panel partially folded over to show a bottom
panel;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the invention, illustrating an
inner surface of the sleeping bag of FIG. 1 placed in an open and
flat configuration;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the invention, illustrating the
panels of the sleeping bag as separated from each other;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a rectangular shaped sleeping
bag, illustrating the top panel partially folded over to show a
bottom panel;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the invention, illustrating the
inner surfaces of the sleeping bag of FIG. 4 placed in an open and
flat configuration; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the invention, illustrating two
sleeping bags fixed together with a second closure means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a top-plan view of a multi-part sleeping bag 10
comprising an elongated body 20 having a bottom panel 40 and a top
panel 30. Each panel 30,40 is made of an insulating material having
an outer surface 80, an inner surface 70, and a peripheral edge 50
connecting the outer surface 80 and inner surface 70. The panels
30,40 may each be made from ripstop nylon, micro fiber, rubber or
other suitable materials. The sleeping bag 10 also includes at
least one closure means 60a, such as a zipper, hook-and-loop type
fastening material, mechanical snaps, or the like, extending along
at least a closable portion of the peripheral edge 50 of each
panel. The closure means 60a is adapted to selectively fix the
closable portion of the peripheral edges 50 of each panel to each
other, or to selectively enable separation of each panel 30 from
the other panel 40.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a top-plan view of the inner surface 70 of the
multi-part sleeping bag 10 with the closure means 60a fixed along
exactly one side 110 of each panel, such that the sleeping bag 10
may be placed in an open and flat configuration. The closure means
60a extends along at least the closable portion of the peripheral
edge 50 of each panel 30,40, facilitating the separation of each
panel 30 from the other panel 40. Each panel 30,40 may taper in
reducing width W.sub.h from a head end 90 to a width W.sub.f at a
foot end 100 of the sleeping bag 10.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a top-plan view of the inner surface 70 of the
sleeping bag 10, and further illustrates the panels 30,40 of the
bag 10 selectively separated from each other. As such, each panel
may be sized to fit into a conventional household washing machine,
for example. The closure means 60a also allows the sleeping bag 10
to be rolled up in separate sections in a rolled configuration (not
shown), facilitating convenient carrying thereof. Further,
additional closure means may be included (not shown), separating
each panel 30,40 into sub-panels, if desired.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a top-plan view of the sleeping bag 10,
illustrating the bottom panel 40 and the top panel 30 each formed
into a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. One side 110
of each panel 30,40 of the bag 10 may further include at least one
second closure means 60b, such as a zipper, for example, for
mutually joining a second sleeping bag 10 thereto (FIGS. 5 and
6).
[0021] While a particular form of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, materials, structure, methods
and the like that will fall within the scope of the invention. It
should be clearly understood that other sleeping bag designs are
also possible. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention
be limited, except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *