U.S. patent application number 12/287273 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for air mattress with inflatable canopy.
Invention is credited to Robert Sanders.
Application Number | 20100083995 12/287273 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42074821 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100083995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sanders; Robert |
April 8, 2010 |
Air mattress with inflatable canopy
Abstract
A sleeping bag having a mattress comprising a bottom insulating
water-proof layer, which rests upon ground or camping surface. The
mattress further includes a material filled layer attached to the
top mattress surface. The sleeping bag is made with an inflatable
canopy for further protecting a user, or to permit the mattress to
be integrated within a tent. The canopy is inflated by means of
introducing air into air tubes configured and integrated into the
canopy. The inflatable canopy, optionally, has a vestibule for
storing or keeping items for the user of the sleeping bag. The
sleeping bag has a canopy, which may be drawn over the mattress to
enclose a sleeper using the sleeping bag. The canopy is attached to
the mattress by two-way zippers operable the full circumference of
the mattress. The two way zippers and mattress are configured to
attach and include the mattress within the tent. The canopy that
deploys by means of two air tubes that, when inflated, causes the
canopy to arch over a user reclining upon the mattress. The
vestibule may be made so that inflation of the canopy also causes
the vestibule, when attached, to deploy and inflate to receive
objects for storage.
Inventors: |
Sanders; Robert;
(Grangeville, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE L. WILLIAMSON
P.O. BOX 508
FAIRHOPE
AL
365330508
US
|
Family ID: |
42074821 |
Appl. No.: |
12/287273 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/96 ;
5/413AM |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 29/003 20130101;
A47G 9/086 20130101; E04H 15/324 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/96 ;
5/413.AM |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/18 20060101
E04H015/18; A47G 9/08 20060101 A47G009/08; E04H 15/20 20060101
E04H015/20 |
Claims
1. A sleeping bag comprising: an inflatable mattress, and an
inflatable canopy removably attached to the mattress, the canopy
configured with a plurality of inflatable air chambers to keep the
canopy in a shape to accommodate a user of the sleeping bag.
2. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein the mattress is configured
to receive a vestibule for storing camping or personal items, the
vestibule in communication with the plenum of the canopy.
3. The sleeping bag of claim 2, wherein the vestibule may be
attached and detached.
4. A sleeping bag comprising: an inflatable mattress, and an
inflatable canopy removably attached to the mattress, the canopy
configured with a plurality of inflatable air chambers to keep the
canopy in a shape to accommodate a user of the sleeping bag, the
inflatable canopy further having a detachable vestibule for storing
clothing and other articles.
5. The sleeping bag of claim 4, wherein the vestibule comprises air
chambers inflated by the inflation of the mattress.
6. The sleeping bag of claim 5, further including view panels,
which may be opened and closed.
7. A tent for covering a user, the tent comprising inflatable
chambers, and including a detachable bottom portion configured as a
sleeping bag.
8. The tent of claim 7, further including a detachable vestibule
for storing user items.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
Field
[0001] The present invention is related to camping and hiking
equipment; more specifically the present invention is disclosed in
a exemplary embodiment as a combination tent sleeping bag
comprising an inflatable air mattress having an inflatable canopy
and means for integrating a tent.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A sleeping bag is a protective "bag" for a person to sleep
in, essentially a blanket that can be closed with a zipper or
similar means, and functions as a bed in situations where it is
impractical to carry around a full bed. Its primary purpose is to
provide warmth and insulation. It also protects, to some extent,
against wind, precipitation, and exposure to view, but a tent
performs those functions better. The bottom surface also provides
some cushioning, but a sleeping pad is usually used for that
purpose. A bivouac sack is a waterproof cover for a sleeping bag
that may be used in place of a tent for lightweight travelers or as
a backup if inclement weather occurs.
[0003] Many different insulating materials are available for
sleeping bags. Outdoor professionals usually prefer either
synthetic fill, such as PrimaLoft, or down, and have debated the
merits of these materials for years. Synthetic fill does not
readily absorb water, dries easily, and provides some warmth even
when thoroughly soaked. These properties may save the owner's life
if, for example, the sleeping bag is accidentally dropped into
water on a cold day. Synthetic material is also firm and resilient,
so it insulates well even underneath a person's weight. Synthetics
also have the ability to loft faster than down, allowing the
sleeping bag to provide the insulation faster than a down bag. On
the flipside, synthetic fill cannot be compressed as much as down,
causing such bags to take up more space when not in use. Down fill
weighs less than synthetic and retains heat better, but usually
costs more. Down must be kept dry; a soaked down sleeping bag may
provide even less insulation than no sleeping bag at all, leading
to hypothermia. Newer, more technically advanced sleeping bags
often have water-resistant shells and can be used in damper
conditions. It is also recommended to keep a sleeping bag in a
larger sack (storage sack) as opposed to the small traveling sack
(compression bag) during long periods of storage. However, many
regular backpackers and hikers agree that hanging a sleeping bag,
taking care to move the position of the bag on the hanger at
intervals so as to not create a "dead spot" (a spot where the fill
has been crushed so that it is no longer useful), is the best
method of storing a bag for long durations.
[0004] Other materials, notably cotton and wool, have also been
used for sleeping bags. Wool repels water nicely and also resists
compression, but it weighs much more than any alternative. Cotton
suffers from high water retention and significant weight, but its
low cost makes it an attractive option for uses like stationary
camping where these drawbacks are of little consequence.
[0005] In summary, campers and users of sleeping bag are looking
for a spacious, comfortable and quick-to-set up sleepers that fold
to a compact form.
OBJECTS
[0006] According to the needs of campers for better sleeping bags,
herein is disclosed a novel sleeping bag having numerous features
that benefit the user.
[0007] A first object of the present invention is a sleeping bag
that may be deployed quickly.
[0008] A second object is a sleeping bag that comprises an
inflatable canopy for covering the sleeper.
[0009] A third object is a vestibule that attaches to and,
optionally, may be deployed by the inflating canopy.
[0010] Other benefits and advantages of the invention will appear
from the disclosure to follow. In the disclosure reference is made
to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which
is shown by way of illustrating a specific embodiment in which the
invention may be practiced. This embodiment will be described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural changes may be made in details
of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the
invention.
SUMMARY
[0011] According to the objects and advantages of the present
invention, herein is disclosed, in a exemplary embodiment,
comprising a sleeping bag having a mattress with a bottom
insulating water-proof layer, which rests upon ground or camping
surface. The mattress further includes a material filled layer
attached to the top mattress surface. A user of the exemplary
embodiment sits or reclines upon the material-filled layer, which
is made to provide comfort to the user.
[0012] The exemplary embodiment is made with an inflatable canopy
for further protecting a user, or to permit the mattress to be
integrated within a tent. The inflatable canopy, optionally, has a
vestibule for storing or keeping items for the user of the sleeping
bag.
[0013] The canopy is attached to the mattress by a two-way zippers
operable the full circumference of the mattress. The two way
zippers and mattress are configured to attach and include the
mattress within the tent.
[0014] The canopy that deploys by means of two air tubes that, when
inflated, causes the canopy to arch over a user reclining upon the
mattress. The vestibule may be made so that inflation of the canopy
also causes the vestibule, when attached, to deploy and inflate to
receive objects for storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A shows the general form and arrangement of the
invention, when configured as a sleeping bag without tent
canopy.
[0016] FIG. 1B shows the general configuration and arrangement of
the exemplary embodiment of the mattress when with tent canopy
deployed and ready for use.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows the canopy with inflatable air tubes, the
canopy displayed inflated form. An optional vestibule is shown.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows another view of the sleeping bag with canopy
attached.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the sleeping bag with canopy.
[0020] FIG. 5A shows the sleeping bag with canopy as viewed from
the foot-end of the sleeping bag.
[0021] FIG. 5B shows the sleeping bag with canopy as viewed from
the head-end of the sleeping bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Exemplary Embodiment
[0022] An exemplary embodiment is shown and described with
reference to the included drawings. The exemplary embodiment is
exemplary and described to teach the principles of the invention.
The exemplary embodiment is not intended to restrict the inventive
concept, which is most adequately defined by the claims that
follow.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates the sleeping bag having a mattress 1100,
which is made of multiple layers 1110, constructed to be soft and
comfortable when used on rough or uneven surfaces. At least one
layer is comprised of an inflatable plenum that may be inflated by
an external air supply, which accompanies the sleeping bag.
[0024] In FIG. 1A, the sleeping bag 1130 is opened and closed by
means of a zipper 1232. Zipper 1234 attaches the sleeping bag 1130
to the mattress. The mattress 1100 also is configured with a zipper
1230, by which a canopy or tent is attached to the mattress 1100.
The canopy is shown attached to the mattress in FIG. 1B
[0025] In FIG. 1B, the mattress 1100 is shown with the canopy 1200,
under which a user may lay. The canopy 1200 is attached to the
mattress 1100 by the zipper 1230, and by which the canopy 1200 may
be removed for cleaning. FIG. 1B shows the zipper line 1232 along
which the canopy 1200 is zipped to attach or detach the canopy 1200
from the mattress 1100.
[0026] In FIG. 1B, the canopy 1200 is made of pliant materials,
which are amendable to folding or rolling and may be stored in a
compact form after the canopy 1200 is removed or detached by means
of the zipper 1230.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1B, the canopy 1200 has inflatable
air chambers 1220, which are configured to receive air from an air
supply or pump, and are made to be held as shown in the canopy
1200. When inflated, the air chambers 1220 suspend or hold the
canopy 1200 over a person lying on the mattress 1100, and therefore
provide a comfortable chamber within which the person resides.
[0028] The air chambers 1220 have sealed ends 1222 that are made so
that when the canopy 1200 is closed, the ends 1222 rest upon
locations 1102 on the top of the mattress 1100. The canopy 1200,
when closed, is held in place by the zipper 1230, and when closed
provides shelter to the person using the apparatus.
[0029] Again with respect to FIG. 1B, the canopy 1200 is made with
an opening 1240, in the form of a flap, for access to the mattress
or for fresh air. The flap 1240 may be opened for access by means
of a zipper 1234 as shown.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 2, the exemplary embodiment is shown having
the canopy 2200 with capped air tubes, when inflated, rest upon the
mattress (see description above and FIG. 1A.) In FIG. 2,
transparent viewing panels 2250 are shown placed at the head and
foot of the exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 2, the canopy 2200 is
made with flaps 2230 are shown, wherein the flaps 2230 are shown
opened. Flaps 2230 are sewn at the top and are held in place by
Velcro or a zipper along the side and bottom of the flap 2230, as
required. The center 2234 of each flap may be held open by a cord
or elastic band (not shown), which is attached to the canopy
2200.
[0031] In FIG. 2, each end of the canopy 2200 is made with a
opening 2250, through which a person inside may look out. The
openings 2250 may be furnished with a transparent viewing panel.
The opening 2250 is closed by a flap (not shown), which is zipped
and unzipped from inside the canopy 2200 by a zipper indicated by
notation 2255.
[0032] Further in FIG. 2, a vestibule 2300 is shown, which
optionally may be made part of the exemplary embodiment. The
vestibule 2300 is structured to store shoes, clothes or other items
needed by the user of the inflatable mattress apparatus. The
vestibule 2300 may be provided as an optional attachment and fixed
or attached to the canopy 2200 by a zipper 2320.
[0033] In FIG. 2, anchoring means 2210 for the mattress and
anchoring means 2310 for the vestibule 2300 are shown. The
anchoring means 2210 and 2310 comprise tabs or flaps or the like
through which a stake may be driven to anchor the mattress and the
vestibule to the surface upon which the inflatable mattress
apparatus rests.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment,
showing the vestibule 3300, flap 3230 and viewing panels 3250.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the exemplary embodiment, showing
the vestibule 4300, flaps 4230 and the viewing panels 4250.
[0036] FIG. 5A shows the exemplary embodiment viewed from the foot
end. FIG. 5B shows the exemplary embodiment from the head end.
DISCLOSURE SUMMARY
[0037] In the foregoing description, an exemplary embodiment of the
invention is taught. In the following claims, the scope and breadth
of the exemplary embodiment plus other possible embodiments are
defined.
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