U.S. patent application number 14/051701 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for sleeping pad system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert K. Murphy. Invention is credited to Robert K. Murphy.
Application Number | 20140101848 14/051701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50474031 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140101848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murphy; Robert K. |
April 17, 2014 |
SLEEPING PAD SYSTEM
Abstract
Sleeping pad systems are disclosed that include a foldable pad
having a length and a width when in an extended position, with the
foldable pad having a plurality of spaced apart panels covered and
connected by a liner, and with the systems including a blanket
having a width that is greater than the width of the foldable pad
and a first end that is configured to be removably connected to a
first end of the foldable pad. The systems may be compressed to a
fraction of their folded size. The systems also may include a bag
configured to receive the blanket and foldable pad, such as for use
in stowing, carrying and/or transporting the foldable pad and
blanket alone or in combination with other items.
Inventors: |
Murphy; Robert K.;
(Lafayette, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Murphy; Robert K. |
Lafayette |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50474031 |
Appl. No.: |
14/051701 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61713710 |
Oct 15, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 4/06 20130101; A47G
9/08 20130101; A47G 9/062 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/420 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06 |
Claims
1. A sleeping pad system comprising: a foldable pad having a length
and a width when in an extended position; the foldable pad having a
plurality of spaced apart panels covered and connected by a liner;
and a blanket having a width that is greater than the width of the
foldable pad and a first end that is configured to be removably
connected to a first end of the foldable pad.
2. The sleeping pad system of claim 1 wherein at a second end of
the foldable pad the liner is configured to receive a pillow.
3. The sleeping pad system of claim 2 wherein the foldable pad has
a top surface and a bottom surface and wherein at the second end of
the foldable pad the liner includes an additional layer that is
connected along a portion of at least two sides and forms a pocket
to receive a pillow.
4. The sleeping pad system of claim 1 wherein the liner includes
webbing between the respective spaced apart panels.
5. The sleeping pad system of claim 1 further comprising pad
extensions connected to opposed lateral sides of the foldable
pad.
6. The sleeping pad system of claim 5 wherein the pad extensions
are foldable.
7. The sleeping pad system of claim 5 wherein the pad extensions
are removable.
8. The sleeping pad system of claim 1 wherein the blanket has a top
surface and a bottom surface and the first end of the blanket that
is configured to be removably connected to a first end of the
foldable pad includes a pocket formed to receive the first end of
the foldable pad below the bottom surface of the blanket.
9. The sleeping pad system of claim 8 wherein the pocket at the
first end of the blanket includes two additional layers that are
connected to each other and to the first end of the blanket.
10. The sleeping pad system of claim 8 wherein the blanket further
comprises stretchable corner panels adjacent the pocket.
11. The sleeping pad system of claim 1 further comprising at least
one securing element connected to the blanket and being configured
to hold the blanket and foldable pad in a folded position.
12. The sleeping pad system of claim 11 wherein the at least one
securing element further comprises a cord.
13. The sleeping pad system of claim 12 wherein the cord is
constructed of a resilient material.
14. The sleeping pad system of claim 1 wherein when in a folded
position the panels of the foldable pad are parallel to each other
and in a stacked configuration.
15. The sleeping pad system of claim 14 wherein the blanket is
foldable around the foldable pad when the foldable pad is in the
folded position.
16. The sleeping pad system of claim 1 further comprising a bag
configured to receive the blanket and foldable pad.
17. The sleeping pad system of claim 16 wherein the bag further
comprises at least one handle.
18. The sleeping pad system of claim 16 wherein the bag further
comprises at least two compartments with one of the at least two
compartments being configured to receive the blanket and foldable
pad when in a folded position.
19. The sleeping pad system of claim 16 wherein the bag further
comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, a pair of side portions
and a pair of end portions.
20. The sleeping pad system of claim 19 further comprising an outer
panel that forms a sleeve along at least one of the side portions
of the bag.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/713,710, filed Oct. 15, 2012, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to portable equipment and
accessories relating to temporary bedding, and more particularly to
a sleeping pad system for use when in need of a temporary sleeping
or resting apparatus. The sleeping pad system of the present
disclosure includes a foldable pad and blanket, and may include a
bag for conveniently stowing and carrying the foldable pad and
blanket, or other articles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Individuals may encounter situations where they will not
have a bed or other common bedding apparatus available for lounging
or sleeping for a period of time. For instance, many travelers
become stranded in airports each year due to flight cancelations
and/or delays. Also, various emergencies, including fires or
natural disasters can cause individuals to be displaced from their
residences, and they may have to seek emergency temporary housing,
such as may be provided in local schools or other facilities. These
types of situations often leave the individuals without options for
comfortably resting or sleeping. There remains a need for a
convenient, easily stowed, carried and deployed apparatus for
enhancing the comfort of persons having to rest or sleep on
surfaces that are hard or not padded, such as on a floor, a chair
or cot.
SUMMARY
[0004] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
sleeping pad system that includes a foldable pad having a length
and a width when in an extended position, with the foldable pad
having a plurality of spaced apart panels covered and connected by
a liner, and including a blanket having a width that is greater
than the width of the foldable pad and a first end that is
configured to be removably connected to a first end of the foldable
pad.
[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a bag
that is configured to hold the blanket and foldable pad.
[0006] Sleeping pad systems consistent with the present disclosure
provide convenient, compact, easy to use products that can be
deployed or consolidated very quickly, without need for special
knowledge or any tools. The sleeping pad systems may be owned by
persons, so as to be able to provide an immediate solution when
faced with a need to accommodate a temporary overnight guest, or to
carry as a precaution when traveling. The foldable pad and blanket
of the systems may be placed in a folded position, compressed to a
fraction of the folded size and secured, so as to require only a
small portion of the acceptable volume of a carry-on bag.
[0007] The systems also may be sold in airports or otherwise
provided in unpredictable situations, such as by airlines in the
event of flight cancelations or extended delays. Alternatively,
they may be stocked and provided by emergency organizations for use
in situations when fires, natural disasters or other events cause
people to be displaced from their normal residences. Whether
provided by an airline, disaster relief organization or other
entity, the ability to compress the sleeping pad systems to a small
fraction of their folded size permits such entities to customize
how the systems will be provided. For instance, the sleeping pad
systems may be compressed and shrink-wrapped to efficiently stock
large quantities alone, or in combination with advantageous
additional items, such as hygiene and/or nutrition products that
would be helpful to ensure that affected individuals have at least
a certain minimum level of comfort.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The above-mentioned and other features of the present
disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and will be better understood by reference to the
following description of exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blanket of an example
sleeping pad system in an extended position and having securing
elements connected to and extending from a first end;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blanket of FIG. 1 with
sides folded under;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blanket of FIG. 1 being
folded around a foldable pad that is in a folded position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the blanket and foldable pad
of FIG. 3 folded around the foldable pad and with securing elements
securing the folded sleeping pad system in a folded position;
[0013] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a foldable pad in an
extended position, including a pillow located within a pocket and
pad extensions connected to opposite lateral sides of the foldable
pad;
[0014] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the foldable pad of FIG. 5A
with the pad extensions folded over a top surface of the foldable
pad;
[0015] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the foldable pad of FIG. 5A
in a folded position and prior to having the blanket folded around
it as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;
[0016] FIG. 6A is a top view of the foldable pad of FIG. 5A in an
extended position;
[0017] FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the foldable pad of FIG. 5A in
an extended position and without pad extensions connected to the
opposite lateral sides;
[0018] FIG. 6C is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion
of the foldable pad showing a liner that covers and connects spaced
apart mats;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the blanket of FIG. 1 without the
securing elements;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the blanket of FIG. 7, showing a
pocket at the first end and without the securing elements;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the blanket of FIG. 7,
showing the pocket at the first end that receives a first end of
the foldable pad;
[0022] FIG. 10 is lower perspective cross-sectional view of the
blanket of FIG. 7, showing the pocket at the first end that
receives the first end of the foldable pad;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first end of the
foldable pad of FIG. 5A removed from the pocket at the first end of
the blanket of FIGS. 7-10;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of a first side of a
bag that is configured to receive the foldable pad and blanket of
FIG. 4, with the bag in a closed position;
[0025] FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the first side of
the bag shown in FIG. 12, with the bag in an open position;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a side view of the first side of the bag shown in
FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 15 is an end view of the bag shown in FIG. 12; and
[0028] FIG. 16 is a side view of the second side of the bag shown
in FIG. 12.
[0029] Corresponding or related reference numerals indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the
drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may
be exaggerated or removed to better illustrate and explain the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Examples of the present subject matter are disclosed herein.
However, it will be understood that the disclosed examples merely
are exemplary, and may be embodied and constructed in various
forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but as illustrative of various aspects of
the present subject matter.
[0031] As described in more detail herein, the present disclosure
is directed to sleeping pad systems, such as may be utilized in
instances that present a need for a temporary and/or emergency
resting or sleeping apparatus. In general, sleeping pad systems of
the present disclosure include a foldable pad having a length and a
width in an extended position, with the foldable pad having a
plurality of spaced apart panels covered and connected by a liner.
The systems further include a blanket having a width that is
greater than the width of the foldable pad and a first end that is
configured to be removably connected to a first end of the foldable
pad. The systems also may include a bag that is configured to
receive the blanket and foldable pad, such as for use in stowing,
carrying and/or transporting the foldable pad and blanket, or other
articles.
[0032] For instance, an example sleeping pad system 10 is shown
FIGS. 1-11, in the form of a foldable pad 12 and a blanket 14. The
sleeping pad system 10 optionally may include a bag 16, shown in
FIGS. 12-16, for receiving the foldable pad 12 and blanket 14. The
foldable pad 12 preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart
panels 20, which are covered and connected by a liner 22. When the
foldable pad 12 is extended for use, such as in FIG. 5A or 6A, the
foldable pad 12 has a top surface 24, a bottom surface 26, and
opposed lateral sides 28, 30. The foldable pad 12 generally has a
width W1 between the opposed lateral sides 28, 30. In the extended
position for use, the panels 20 extend from a first (or foot) end
32 to a second (or head) end 34. The foldable pad 12 also may
include pad extensions to provide more width where desirable. For
instance, pad extensions 36, 38 are shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A and
are generally located in a region that would be associated with a
user's shoulders. The pad extensions 36, 38 preferably are
removable and/or adjustable, so as to be connected to the lateral
sides 28, 30 and movable to any desired position. If desired,
additional pad extensions could be provided, and the pad extensions
may be folded to lie between the panels 20 when the foldable pad 12
is in a folded position, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.
[0033] The panels 20 may be constructed of various materials that
provide cushioning, such as open cell or closed cell foam, cloth,
rubber, air filled chambers or other suitable constructions, with
the preferred material being in 1/2'' inch thick memory foam. It
will be appreciated that the material for the panels 20 also could
be of a single composition, or may include a combination of
materials, and the various panels 20 along the length of the
foldable pad 12 may be of different composition, depending on the
expected load to which they will be subjected.
[0034] As may be seen in FIG. 6C, the liner 22 may include a
continuous upper and/or lower sheet of material to form an integral
webbing 37 between the spaced apart panels 20, or the construction
may include individual liner coverings for each panel 20, with the
separate panels then being connected together by a webbing material
to form the webbing 37 between the panels 20. As may be seen in
FIG. 6A, at the second end 34 of the foldable pad 12, the liner 22
may include an extra layer 40 to form a pocket 42 to receive a
pillow 44. The extra layer 40 may be constructed of the same
material as the liner 22 or of a different material, as desired. To
form the pocket 42, the extra layer 40 may be connected along the
entirety or a portion of at least two sides, and preferably is
connected along at least a portion of three sides.
[0035] The liner 22 also may utilize different materials for the
top surface 22 and bottom surface 24 of the foldable pad 12,
depending on the desired properties for durability, comfort,
moisture resistance and/or other factors. The materials for the
liner 22 may be specific to their location on the foldable pad 12,
such as in the preferred example including a 200 Denier Coated
Nylon fabric for the top surface 26 of the foldable pad 20 and a
400 Denier Coated Nylon fabric for the bottom surface of the
foldable pad 20. However, it will be appreciated that many other
sheet materials or fabrics may be used in the construction of the
liner 22.
[0036] The blanket 14 has a top surface 46 and a bottom surface 48,
and opposed lateral sides 50, 52. The blanket 14 has a width W2
between the opposed lateral sides 50, 52. In the extended position
for use, the blanket 14 extends from a first (or foot) end 54 to a
second (or head) end 56. The first end 54 of the blanket 14 is
configured to be removably connected to the first end 32 of the
foldable pad 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-11, the removable
connection may be formed by the blanket 14 having a pocket 58 that
is formed to receive the first end 32 of the foldable pad 12 below
the bottom surface 48 of the blanket 14. The blanket 14 may be
constructed of any suitable sheet or fabric material or combination
of materials, for instance, it may be constructed of a fleece
fabric.
[0037] In this example, the pocket 58 includes two additional
layers 60, 62 that are connected to each other, along the sides of
the pocket 58 and at the end 54 of the blanket 14. It will be
appreciated that other constructions for the pocket at the first
end 54 of the blanket 14 may be used to removably receive the first
end 32 of the foldable pad 12. It also may be advantageous to
include corner panels 64, 66 that extend between the pocket 52 and
respective opposed lateral sides 50, 52 of the blanket 14, so as to
help control the blanket 14 in the foot receiving area of the
sleeping pad system 10. The corner panels 64, 66 may be constructed
of the same material as the blanket 14, or may be constructed of
other material, which may include stretchable material, such as
Lycra, to help control the blanket 14, while allowing it to flex
around the foot area.
[0038] The blanket 14 also may have securing elements 68, 70
attached thereto to assist in holding the sleeping pad system 10 in
a folded position. It will be appreciated that the securing
elements may be constructed in various ways and using a variety of
materials. Thus, the securing elements could include elongated
cords, straps, bands, ties or other suitable elements, which may be
used alone or in conjunction with buckles, fasteners, or any other
suitable structures to capture and hold the blanket 14 and foldable
pad 12 in a folded position. For instance, FIGS. 1-4 show the
sleeping pad system 10 having securing elements 68, 70 in the form
of cords 72, 74 of resilient material, and having adjustable barrel
locks 76, 78.
[0039] As illustrated, the foldable pad 12 may be folded, such as
by removing any pillow 40 from the pocket 42 and folding inward
toward the top surface 24 of the foldable pad 12 any pad
extensions, as is shown in FIG. 5B. The folding of the foldable pad
12 may continue back and forth on itself to result in having the
panels 20 of the foldable pad 12 be parallel to each other and in a
stacked configuration, as shown in FIG. 5C. Given that the width W2
of the blanket 14 is wider than the width W1 of the foldable pad
12, to reduce bulk and provide an efficient, compact final
presentation, the opposed lateral sides 50, 52 of the blanket 14
may be folded inward, such as toward the bottom surface 48 of the
blanket, as shown in FIG. 2, and then the folded foldable pad 12
may be placed thereon, as shown in FIG. 3. The blanket 14 then may
be folded around the foldable pad 12 until a neat bundle is formed,
and the securing elements 68, 70 then may be used to encircle and
secure the folded sleeping pad system 10. Thus, the elastic cords
72, 74 may be extended around the folded configuration of the
blanket 14 and foldable pad 12, and then cinched and held in a
taught configuration by the barrel locks 76, 78 to secure the
blanket 14 and foldable pad 12 in a folded position, as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0040] It will be appreciated that when in the folded position, the
sleeping pad system 10 may be further compressed to a small
fraction of its folded size to permit compact packing within
carry-on luggage, as well as placed in airtight packaging for
efficient storage of large quantities by organizations that may
distribute them to stranded or displaced individuals. As noted
above, the compact, compressed sleeping pad systems may be combined
with other advantageous items, such as hygiene and/or nutrition
products, including food or liquids, which may be helpful to ensure
some level of comfort for users.
[0041] As previously noted, the sleeping pad system 10 may
optionally include a bag 16 for receiving the foldable pad 12 and
blanket 14, such as when in the aforementioned folded position. It
will be appreciated that many different bag configurations may be
utilized, but the bag 16 preferably may have a few advantageous
features. Thus, the bag 16 may be constructed in various ways, at
least one of which will result in the bag 16 having a top portion
80, a bottom portion 82, a pair of side portions 84, 86, and a pair
of end portions 88, 90. The various outer portions of the bag 16
may be formed so as to continue from a single piece or be connected
together by conventional methods, such as by sewing, use of
adhesives or other suitable manners of construction. The various
portions may be constructed as a single layer or may have a layered
construction. For instance, the bag 16 may be constructed with an
outer layer of 600 Denier Coated Polyester, an inner liner of 150
Denier Coated Polyester, and a relatively thin sheet of an open
cell or closed cell foam therebetween for structural support.
[0042] In addition, for added convenience, the bag 16 may have
handles 92, 94, constructed of similar materials to those used for
the other portions of the bag 16, or of different materials, as
desired. The top portion 80 may be connected to a side portion,
such as by a flexible hinge 96 and by a zipper 98. The top portion
80 also may include additional storage compartments, on the
exterior, or as shown in FIG. 13 with an interior zippered mesh
pouch 100, which can securely hold various items that may be useful
in the event of a traveler being stranded without the traveler's
remaining luggage, or other items, as desired. The interior of the
bag 16 also may include a divider 102, to further form separate
compartments, such as for receiving the foldable pad 12 and blanket
14 in one compartment and a pillow 44, or other articles in
another. Indeed, a bag could be provided as part of a sleeping pad
system that may be provided to stranded persons, which would permit
convenient distribution of additional items to ensure the comfort
of the recipients.
[0043] For ease of carrying, the bag 16 may further include rings
104, 106 for attachment to a strap (not shown), and/or may include
an outer panel along at least one of the side portions, such as
shown with panel 108 along the side portion 86, to form a sleeve
through which an extendible handle of wheeled piece of luggage or a
briefcase may be passed, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 16.
Inclusion of such a sleeve may facilitate convenient transport of
the sleeping pad system 10 when traveling. However, it will be
appreciated that other adaptations or bag configurations may be
used.
[0044] It will be understood that the examples described above are
illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the
present subject matter. Further additions or alterations may be
made to the sleeping pad systems or methods of using such systems
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. Numerous modifications may be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the claimed subject matter, including but not limited to
combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed
herein. For these reasons, the scope of this disclosure is not
limited to the above examples but is as set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *