U.S. patent application number 17/154810 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-22 for sleeping bag.
The applicant listed for this patent is AOB Products Company. Invention is credited to John Holdmeier, Matthew Kinamore, Curtis Smith, Anton Sutovsky, James Tayon.
Application Number | 20210219752 17/154810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005360640 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210219752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sutovsky; Anton ; et
al. |
July 22, 2021 |
SLEEPING BAG
Abstract
A sleeping bag, components thereof, and associated methods. The
sleeping bad includes a bag body sized and shaped to receive a
human lying down in a human-receiving interior of the bag body. The
sleeping bag includes a left flap and right flap releasably
connected to the bag body. The left flap and right flap are movable
with respect to the bag body into overlapping and underlapping
configurations to provide insulation and/or cushioning. The left
flap and right flap are releasably connectable to the bag body.
Inventors: |
Sutovsky; Anton; (Columbia,
MO) ; Holdmeier; John; (Columbia, MO) ; Tayon;
James; (Moberly, MO) ; Kinamore; Matthew;
(Columbia, MO) ; Smith; Curtis; (Columbia,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AOB Products Company |
Columbia |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005360640 |
Appl. No.: |
17/154810 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62963804 |
Jan 21, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/086 20130101;
A47G 9/1045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/08 20060101
A47G009/08; A47G 9/10 20060101 A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A sleeping bag for use by a human, said sleeping bag comprising:
a bag body, the bag body having an upper end and a lower end, a
forward face and a rearward face, and left and right sides, the bag
body including a rear portion defining the rearward face and a
front portion defining the forward face, the rear portion including
a rear portion top segment, a rear portion bottom segment, and rear
portion left and right side segments, the rear portion having a
length extending from the rear portion top segment to the rear
portion bottom segment and a width extending from the rear portion
left side segment to the rear portion right side segment, the rear
portion being sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on
the rear portion, the front portion including a front portion top
segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and
right side segments, the front portion having a length extending
from the front portion top segment to the front portion bottom
segment and a width extending from the front portion left side
segment to the front portion right side segment, the front portion
being sized and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on
the rear portion under the front portion, the bag body including a
human-receiving interior between the front and rear portions, the
human-receiving interior being sized to receive the human to permit
the human to lie on the rear portion when the human is in the
human-receiving interior; a left flap releasably connected to the
bag body, the left flap having opposite front and rear faces, the
left flap having a left flap top segment, a left flap bottom
segment, and left flap left and right side segments, the left flap
having a length extending from the left flap top segment to the
left flap bottom segment and a width extending from the left flap
left side segment to the left flap right side segment; wherein the
left flap, when releasably connected to the bag body, is movable
with respect to the bag body to a left flap overlapping
configuration and to a left flap underlapping configuration, the
left flap when in the left flap overlapping configuration
overlapping the forward face of the bag body, with the front face
of the left flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the
human-receiving interior, the left flap when in the left flap
underlapping configuration underlapping the rearward face of the
bag body, with the front face of the left flap facing forward, to
provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving
interior, the left flap being sized and shaped to substantially
cover the forward face of the bag body in the left flap overlapping
configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the
bag body in the left flap underlapping configuration; and a right
flap releasably connected to the bag body, the right flap having
opposite front and rear faces, the right flap having a right flap
top segment, a right flap bottom segment, and right flap left and
right side segments, the right flap having a length extending from
the right flap top segment to the right flap bottom segment and a
width extending from the right flap left side segment to the right
flap right side segment, wherein the right flap, when releasably
connected to the bag body, is movable with respect to the bag body
to a right flap overlapping configuration and to a right flap
underlapping configuration, the right flap when in the right flap
overlapping configuration overlapping the forward face of the bag
body, with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to
provide insulation over the human-receiving interior, the right
flap when in the right flap underlapping configuration underlapping
the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the right
flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the
human-receiving interior, the right flap being sized and shaped to
substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the right
flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the
rearward face of the bag body in the right flap underlapping
configuration.
2. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left and
right flaps, when releasably connected to the bag body, are
configurable to be in the respective left and right flap
overlapping configurations at the same time, are configurable to be
in the respective left and right flap underlapping configurations
at the same time, are configurable to be in the left flap
overlapping and right flap underlapping configurations at the same
time, and are configurable to be in the left flap underlapping and
right flap overlapping configurations at the same time.
3. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap is
selectively disconnectable from the bag body without disconnecting
the right flap from the bag body, and the right flap is selectively
disconnectable from the bag body without disconnecting the left
flap from the bag body.
4. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap is
releasably connected to the left side of the bag body and the right
flap is releasably connected to the right side of the bag body.
5. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 4, wherein the left and
right flaps are releasably connected to the bag body outside the
human-receiving interior.
6. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bag body
includes a closure that is selectively openable to permit access to
the human-receiving interior by the human and closeable to close
the closure when the human is in the human-receiving interior, the
closure being fully closeable when the left and right flaps are
releasably connected to the bag body and in the left flap and right
flap underlapping configurations.
7. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap
includes a pocket, the pocket being configured to store a majority
portion of the left flap when the left flap is disconnected from
the bag body, wherein when the pocket stores the majority portion
of left flap the left flap is usable by the user as a pillow.
8. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 7, wherein the right flap
includes a pocket, the pocket being configured to store a majority
portion of the right flap when the right flap is disconnected from
the bag body, wherein when the pocket stores the majority portion
of the right flap the right flap is usable by the user as a
pillow.
9. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap is
releasably connectable to the left and right sides of the bag body,
the left flap being configured to form at least one connection of a
first connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting
the left flap to the left side of the bag body and being configured
to form at least one connection of a second connection type with
the bag body for releasably connecting the left flap to the right
side of the bag body, the first connection type being different
from the second connection type.
10. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 9, wherein the right flap
is releasably connectable to the right and left sides of the bag
body, the right flap being configured to form at least one
connection of a third connection type with the bag body for
releasably connecting the right flap to the right side of the bag
body and being configured to form at least one connection of a
fourth connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting
the right flap to the left side of the bag body, the third
connection type being different from the fourth connection
type.
11. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 10, wherein the first and
third connection types are the same connection type, and the second
and fourth connection types are the same connection type.
12. A sleeping bag for use by a human, said sleeping bag
comprising: a bag body, the bag body having an upper end and a
lower end, a forward face and a rearward face, and left and right
sides, the bag body including a rear portion defining the rearward
face and a front portion defining the forward face, the rear
portion including a rear portion top segment, a rear portion bottom
segment, and rear portion left and right side segments, the rear
portion having a length extending from the rear portion top segment
to the rear portion bottom segment and a width extending from the
rear portion left side segment to the rear portion right side
segment, the rear portion being sized and shaped to receive the
human lying down on the rear portion, the front portion including a
front portion top segment, a front portion bottom segment, and
front portion left and right side segments, the front portion
having a length extending from the front portion top segment to the
front portion bottom segment and a width extending from the front
portion left side segment to the front portion right side segment,
the front portion being sized and shaped to substantially cover a
human lying down on the rear portion under the front portion,
wherein to the bag body defines a human-receiving interior between
the front and rear portions, the human-receiving interior being
sized to receive the human to permit the human to lie on the rear
portion when the human is in the human-receiving interior; a flap
releasably connectable to the bag body outside the human-receiving
interior, the flap having opposite front and rear faces, the flap
having a flap top segment, a flap bottom segment, and flap left and
right side segments, the flap having a length extending from the
flap top segment to the flap bottom segment and a width extending
from the flap left side segment to the flap right side segment,
wherein the flap is releasably connectable to the left and right
sides of the bag body, the flap being configured to form at least
one connection of a first connection type with the bag body for
releasably connecting the flap to the left side of the bag body and
being configured to form at least one connection of a second
connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the
flap to the right side of the bag body, the first connection type
being different from the second connection type, wherein when the
flap is releasably connected to the left or right side of the bag
body, the flap is movable with respect to the bag body to a flap
overlapping configuration and to a flap underlapping configuration,
the flap when in the flap overlapping configuration overlapping the
forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the flap
facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving
interior, the flap when in the flap underlapping configuration
underlapping the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face
of the flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation
under the human-receiving interior, the flap being sized and shaped
to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the flap
overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward
face of the bag body in the flap underlapping configuration.
13. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 12, wherein the bag body
includes at least one first bag body connector at the left side of
the bag body, the flap including at least one first flap connector
at the left side segment of the flap, the at least one first bag
body connector and at least one first flap connector being
releasably connectable to each other to form the at least one
connection of the first connection type, and wherein the bag body
includes a least one second bag body connector at the right side of
the bag body, the flap including at least one second flap connector
at the right side segment of the flap, the at least one second bag
body connector and at least one second flap connector being
releasably connectable to each other to form the at least one
connection of the second connection type
14. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein the at least
one first bag body connector and at least one first flap connector,
and the at least one second bag body connector and at least one
second flap connector, are arranged to form the respective first
and second connections when the flap is in the overlapping
configuration and when the flap is in the underlapping
configuration.
15. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein the first
connection type comprises a button-type connection.
16. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 15, wherein the second
connection type comprises a snap-type connection.
17. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein the flap is a
first flap, and the sleeping bag further comprises a second flap
releasably connectable to the bag body, the second flap having
opposite front and rear faces, the second flap having a second flap
top segment, a second flap bottom segment, and second flap left and
right side segments, the second flap having a length extending from
the second flap top segment to the second flap bottom segment and a
width extending from the second flap left side segment to the
second flap right side segment, the second flap being releasably
connectable to the left and right sides of the bag body, the second
flap being configured to form at least one connection of a third
connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the
second flap to the right side of the of the bag body and being
configured to form at least one connection of a fourth connection
type with the bag body for releasably connecting the second flap to
the left side of the bag body, the third connection type being
different from the fourth connection type, wherein when the second
flap is releasably connected to the right side of the bag body the
second flap is movable with respect to the bag body to a second
flap overlapping configuration and to a second flap underlapping
configuration, the second flap when in the second flap overlapping
configuration overlapping the forward face of the bag body, with
the front face of the second flap facing forward, to provide
insulation over the human-receiving interior, the second flap when
in the second flap underlapping configuration underlapping the
rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the second
flap facing forward to provide cushioning or insulation under the
human-receiving interior, the second flap being sized and shaped to
substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the second
flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the
rearward face of the bag body in the second flap underlapping
configuration.
18. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 17, wherein the bag body
includes at least one third bag body connector at the right side of
the bag body, the second flap including at least one third flap
connector at the right side segment of the second flap, the at
least one third bag body connector and at least one third flap
connector being releasably connectable to each other to form the at
least one connection of the third connection type, and wherein the
bag body includes at least one fourth bag body connector at the
left side of the bag body, the flap including at least one fourth
flap connector at the left side segment of the second flap, the at
least one fourth bag body connector and at least one fourth flap
connector being releasably connectable to each other to form the at
least one connection of the fourth connection type..
19. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 18, wherein the at least
one third bag body connector and at least one third flap connector,
and the at least one fourth bag body connector and at least one
fourth flap connector, are arranged to form the respective third
and fourth connections when the second flap is in the overlapping
configuration and when the second flap is in the underlapping
configuration.
20. A sleeping bag as set forth claim 18, wherein the first
connection type and the third connection type are the same
connection type.
21. A sleeping bag as set forth claim 20, wherein the second
connection type and the fourth connection type are the same
connection type.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/963,804, filed Jan. 21, 2020, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to sleeping bags
for use in various temperatures and conditions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Sleeping bags are used by campers, hikers, hunters, and
other people in various situations.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, a sleeping bag for use by a human comprises a
bag body. The bag body has an upper end and a lower end, a forward
face and a rearward face, and left and right sides. The bag body
includes a rear portion defining the rearward face and a front
portion defining the forward face. The rear portion includes a rear
portion top segment, a rear portion bottom segment, and rear
portion left and right side segments. The rear portion has a length
extending from the rear portion top segment to the rear portion
bottom segment and a width extending from the rear portion left
side segment to the rear portion right side segment. The rear
portion is sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the
rear portion. The front portion includes a front portion top
segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and
right side segments. The front portion has a length extending from
the front portion top segment to the front portion bottom segment
and a width extending from the front portion left side segment to
the front portion right side segment. The front portion is sized
and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear
portion under the front portion. The bag body includes a
human-receiving interior between the front and rear portions. The
human-receiving interior is sized to receive the human to permit
the human to lie on the rear portion when the human is in the
human-receiving interior. The sleeping bag includes a left flap
releasably connected to the bag body. The left flap has opposite
front and rear faces. The left flap has a left flap top segment, a
left flap bottom segment, and left flap left and right side
segments. The left flap has a length extending from the left flap
top segment to the left flap bottom segment and a width extending
from the left flap left side segment to the left flap right side
segment. The left flap, when releasably connected to the bag body,
is movable with respect to the bag body to a left flap overlapping
configuration and to a left flap underlapping configuration. The
left flap when in the left flap overlapping configuration overlaps
the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the left
flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving
interior. The left flap when in the left flap underlapping
configuration underlaps the rearward face of the bag body, with the
front face of the left flap facing forward, to provide cushioning
or insulation under the human-receiving interior. The left flap is
sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag
body in the left flap overlapping configuration and to
substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the left
flap underlapping configuration. The sleeping bag includes a right
flap releasably connected to the bag body. The right flap has
opposite front and rear faces. The right flap has a right flap top
segment, a right flap bottom segment, and right flap left and right
side segments. The right flap has a length extending from the right
flap top segment to the right flap bottom segment and a width
extending from the right flap left side segment to the right flap
right side segment. The right flap, when releasably connected to
the bag body, is movable with respect to the bag body to a right
flap overlapping configuration and to a right flap underlapping
configuration. The right flap when in the right flap overlapping
configuration overlaps the forward face of the bag body, with the
front face of the right flap facing forward, to provide insulation
over the human-receiving interior. The right flap when in the right
flap underlapping configuration underlaps the rearward face of the
bag body, with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to
provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving
interior. The right flap is sized and shaped to substantially cover
the forward face of the bag body in the right flap overlapping
configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the
bag body in the right flap underlapping configuration.
[0005] In another aspect, a sleeping bag for use by a human
comprises a bag body having an upper end and a lower end, a forward
face and a rearward face, and left and right sides. The bag body
includes a rear portion defining the rearward face and a front
portion defining the forward face. The rear portion includes a rear
portion top segment, a rear portion bottom segment, and rear
portion left and right side segments. The rear portion has a length
extending from the rear portion top segment to the rear portion
bottom segment and a width extending from the rear portion left
side segment to the rear portion right side segment. The rear
portion is sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the
rear portion. The front portion includes a front portion top
segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and
right side segments. The front portion has a length extending from
the front portion top segment to the front portion bottom segment
and a width extending from the front portion left side segment to
the front portion right side segment. The front portion is sized
and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear
portion under the front portion. The bag body defines a
human-receiving interior between the front and rear portions. The
human-receiving interior is sized to receive the human to permit
the human to lie on the rear portion when the human is in the
human-receiving interior. The sleeping bag includes a flap
releasably connectable to the bag body outside the human-receiving
interior. The flap has opposite front and rear faces. The flap has
a flap top segment, a flap bottom segment, and flap left and right
side segments. The flap has a length extending from the flap top
segment to the flap bottom segment and a width extending from the
flap left side segment to the flap right side segment. The flap is
releasably connectable to the left and right sides of the bag body.
The flap is configured to form at least one connection of a first
connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the
flap to the left side of the bag body and is configured to form at
least one connection of a second connection type with the bag body
for releasably connecting the flap to the right side of the bag
body. The first connection type is different from the second
connection type. When the flap is releasably connected to the left
or right side of the bag body, the flap is movable with respect to
the bag body to a flap overlapping configuration and to a flap
underlapping configuration. The flap when in the flap overlapping
configuration overlaps the forward face of the bag body, with the
front face of the flap facing forward, to provide insulation over
the human-receiving interior. The flap when in the flap
underlapping configuration underlaps the rearward face of the bag
body, with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide
cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior. The
flap is sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of
the bag body in the flap overlapping configuration and to
substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the flap
underlapping configuration.
[0006] Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be
in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a sleeping bag of a first
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front perspective of a sleeping bag of a second
embodiment of the present disclosure, the sleeping bag including a
bag body, a left flap, and a right flap.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front perspective of the sleeping bag of FIG. 2
without the left and right flaps.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective of the sleeping bag of FIG. 2
without the left and right flaps.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective of the left flap.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective of the right flap.
[0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a flap connected
to the bag body.
[0014] FIG. 8 a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the
right flap in an overlapping configuration and the left flap in an
open configuration.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the
left flap and the right flap in overlapping configurations with the
left flap overlapping the right flap.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the
left flap and the right flap connected to the bag body and in
overlapping, open configurations.
[0017] FIG. 11 a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the
left flap in an underlapping configuration and the right flap in an
open configuration.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a left perspective of the sleeping bag showing
the left flap and the right flap in underlapping configurations
with the right flap underlapping the left flap.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a right perspective of the sleeping bag showing
the left and right flaps in the configurations shown in FIG.
12.
[0020] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts
throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a sleeping bag of the present
disclosure is indicated by 10. The sleeping bag 10 includes a bag
body 12, a left flap or wing 13, and a right flap or wing 14. The
sleeping bag is versatile for use in various cold, moderate, and
warm temperatures. The flaps 13, 14 are configurable with respect
to the bag body 12 to increase comfort of a user in the bag body 12
and/or to increase or decrease temperature rating of the sleeping
bag for use in different temperatures. For example, the flaps 13,
14 can be used as additional insulation to maintain heat in the bag
body 12 and/or as cushioning under the bag body.
[0022] Still referring to FIG. 1, the bag body 12 defines an
interior 18 sized and shaped for receiving a human therein, such as
for sleeping. The bag body 12 has an upper end, where the human's
head would be located, and a lower end, where the human's feet
would be located. The bag body includes a forward face (facing out
of the page in FIG. 1) and a rearward face (facing into the page in
FIG. 1). The bag body includes a left side and a right side
extending between the upper and lower ends.
[0023] The bag body includes a rear portion 12A defining the
rearward face and a front portion 12B defining the forward face.
The rear portion 12A includes a rear portion top segment (which
would underlie the human's head), a rear portion bottom segment
(which would underlie the human's feet), and left and right rear
portion side segments. The rear portion 12A has a length L1 (from
rear portion top segment to bottom segment) and a width W1 (from
side segment to side segment). The rear portion 12A is sized and
shaped to receive the human lying down on the rear portion. The
front portion 12B includes a front portion top segment, a front
portion bottom segment, and front portion left and right side
segments. The front portion 12B has a length L2 (from front portion
top segment to bottom segment) and a width W2 (from side segment to
side segment). The front portion 12B is sized and shaped to
substantially cover a human (e.g., cover most of the human, such as
cover the human's body below the neck) lying down on the rear
portion 12A under the front portion. The rear portion 12A left side
segment is connected to the front portion 12B left side segment,
and the left side of the bag body includes the rear portion left
side segment and the front portion left side segment. The rear
portion right side segment is connected to the front portion right
side segment, and the right side of the bag body includes the rear
portion right side segment and the front portion right side
segment. The bottom segments of the front and rear portions 12B,
12A are connected to each other to form the bottom end of the bag
body. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the upper end of the rear
portion defines the top end of the bag body. The arrangement is
such that the front and rear portions are connected to each other
to define the human-receiving interior 18 of the bag body 12
between the front and rear portions. The interior 18 is sized and
shaped to receive the human (e.g., adult human) therein, while the
human lies on the rear portion 12A, to permit the human to sleep in
the sleeping bag. It will be understood that the front and rear
portions 12B, 12A can be formed separately from each other and then
attached to each other (e.g., by sewing) along seams between the
portions. Alternatively, the front and rear portions of the bag
body or segments thereof could be formed integrally such that there
are no seams at the connections of the front and rear portions
[0024] Desirably, the front portion 12B and rear portion 12A
include respective inner and outer shells, and insulation material
is provided between the shells.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, a first openable closure 16
is provided along the left side of the bag body 12 connecting the
front portion 12B to the rear portion 12A, and a second openable
closure 16 is provided along the right side of the bag body
connecting the front portion 12B to the rear portion 12A. For
example, the openable closures 16 may comprise zippers. The
closures 16 are selectively openable to permit access to the
human-receiving interior 18 by the human and closeable to close the
closure 16 when the human is in the human-receiving interior,
[0026] Other configurations of bag bodies can be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0027] In FIG. 1, the left flap 13 and right flap 14 are shown
extending laterally outward from the bag body 12 from the
respective left and right sides of the bag body in open
configurations of the flaps. The flaps each have opposite front and
rear faces. In FIG. 1, the front faces face into the page, and the
rear faces face out of the page. The flaps each have a top segment,
a bottom segment, and left and right side segments. The flaps 13,
14 have lengths L3, L4 extending from the respective top segment to
the bottom segment and widths W3, W4 extending between the
respective left and right side segments. In the illustrated
embodiment, the flaps 13, 14 are mirror images of each other and
have essentially the same length and width. Desirably, the flaps
are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the
front portion 12B, but other sizes and shapes can be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The flaps 13,
14 can include respective front and rear shells (e.g., at least
partially forming the respective front and rear faces), and
insulation material between the shells.
[0028] The left flap 13 is releasably connected to the left side of
the bag body 12, and the right flap 14 is releasably connected to
the right side of the bag body. The flaps 13, 14 each include
respective connectors configured to form releasable connections 21
with corresponding connectors of the bag body 12. In the
illustrated embodiment, each flap 13, 14 is connected to the bag
body 12 by three connections 21. The connections for each flap are
spaced from each other along the lengths of the bag body and flaps.
For example, the connections can comprise buttons (e.g., toggle
buttons) and openings (e.g., loops), with the buttons being on the
bag body or flaps and the openings being on the other of the bag
body or flaps. Other types of connectors (e.g., buckles, snaps,
hook and loop fasteners, etc.) can be used without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, connectors such as
zippers that extend along the length of the bag body and flaps can
be used. The connectors are releasable so the user can selectively
connect and disconnect one or both flaps.
[0029] The flaps 13, 14, are movable with respect to the bag body
12 (while remaining connected to the bag body) to arrange the flaps
in in several different configurations. The left flap 13 and right
flap 14 are each movable with respect to the bag body 12 to an
overlapping configuration, an underlapping configuration, and an
open configuration. When the respective flap 13, 14, is in its
overlapping configuration, the flap overlaps the front face of the
bag body 12, with the front face of the flap facing forward, to
provide insulation over the bag body. When the respective flap is
in its underlapping configuration, the flap underlaps the rear face
of the bag body 12, with the front face of the flap facing forward
to provide cushioning and/or insulation under the bag body. The
flaps 13, 14 are sized and shaped to substantially cover the front
face of the bag body 12 in the overlapping configurations and to
substantially cover the rear face of the bag body in the
underlapping configurations. As used herein, "substantially cover"
means the flap covers at least 60% of the respective face of the
bag body. However, other amounts of covering, such as 70%, 80%, or
more, can be used without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0030] The left flap 13 and right flap 14 are configurable to be
in: 1) the respective left and right flap overlapping
configurations at the same time (e.g., for maximum insulation), 2)
the respective left and right flap underlapping configurations at
the same time (e.g., for maximum cushioning), 3) the left flap
overlapping and right flap underlapping configurations at the same
time (for some insulation and cushioning), or 4) the left flap
underlapping and right flap overlapping configurations at the same
time (for some insulation and cushioning). In other examples, one
flap 13, 14 may be used and the other flap not used (e.g.,
disconnected). In such examples, the single connected flap 13, 14
may be arranged to underlie or overlie the bag body 12. In yet
other examples, both flaps 13, 14 are disconnected such that
neither flap is used. For example, the flaps may be both
disconnected to decrease weight of the sleeping bag. The flaps
might not be needed if the sleeping bag will be used in moderate or
warm temperatures.
[0031] It will be appreciated that the configurations of the flaps
13, 14, and how many of the flaps are used, can be selected by the
user before a trip (e.g., while packing) and each time the user
uses the sleeping bag 10. For example, if the user is traveling to
a warm climate, one or both flaps 13, 14 may be disconnected from
the bag body 12 and left at home. On the other hand, if the user is
not concerned about carrying extra weight, the user may desire to
bring one or both flaps 13, 14 and arrange the flap(s) to underlie
the bag body 12 to provide cushioning under the bag body for
increased comfort. If the trip involves sleeping in cold (e.g.,
outdoors) and warm (e.g., indoors) conditions, the user can
reconfigure the sleeping bag 10 by re-arranging and/or
disconnecting flaps 13, 14 from the bag body 12 to meet their
desired sleeping comfort each time they use the sleeping bag based
on the current conditions.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the closures 16 are fully
closeable when the left and right flaps 13, 14 are releasably
connected to the bag body and in the overlapping, underlapping, or
open configurations.
[0033] The left flap 13 is selectively removable from the bag body
12 without removing the right flap 14 from the bag body, and the
right flap is selectively removable from the bag body without
removing the left flap from the bag body. In the illustrated
embodiment, the left flap 13 and right flap 14 are connected to the
bag body outside of the human receiving interior 18, and in
particular outside the exterior surface of the bag body 12.
[0034] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that
the flaps 13, 14 and bag body 12 could be configured to form
additional releasable connections to secure the flaps in the
desired overlapping or underlapping configurations. For example,
additional connectors may be provided on sides of the flaps
opposite the illustrated connectors. In other words, as shown in
FIG. 1, the left side of the left flap 13 and the right side of the
right flap 14 may include connectors similar to the other sides of
the flaps. Such additional connectors may be connectable to
connectors of the bag body 12 (the illustrated connectors or
additional connectors) along the left and/or right sides of the bag
body to secure the flaps in the desired configuration (e.g.,
overlapping or underlapping the bag body). Thus, when a user is
using the sleeping bag, the flaps 13, 14 will be less likely to
move out of their overlapping or underlapping configurations.
Examples of such additional connectors are described below with
respect to the second embodiment.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2-13, a second embodiment of a sleeping
bag is shown, indicated by 110. The sleeping bag 110 is similar to
the sleeping bag 10, and like features are indicated by like
reference numbers, plus 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the
sleeping bag 110 includes a bag body 112 sized and shaped for
receiving a human in an interior 118 thereof, and includes flaps
113, 114.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bag body 112 includes an
upper end, where the human's head would be located, and a lower
end, where the human's feet would be located. The bag body 112
includes a forward face (facing out of the page in FIG. 3 and into
the page in FIG. 4) and a rearward face (facing into the page in
FIG. 3 and out of the page in FIG. 4). The bag body 112 includes
left and right sides extending between the upper and lower
ends.
[0037] The bag body 112 includes a rear portion 112A (FIG. 4)
defining the rearward face and a front portion 112B (FIG. 3)
defining the forward face. Referring to FIG. 4, the rear portion
112A includes a rear portion top segment 111A, a rear portion
bottom segment 111B, and left and right rear portion side segments
111C, 111D. The rear portion 112A has a length L5 extending from
the rear portion top segment 111A to the rear portion bottom
segment 111B, and has a width W5 extending from the rear portion
left side segment 111C to the rear portion right side segment 111D.
The rear portion is sized and shaped to receive the human lying
down on the rear portion. The front portion 112B includes a front
portion top segment 115A, a front portion bottom segment 115B, and
front portion left and right side segments 115C, 115D. The front
portion 112B has a length L6 extending from the front portion top
segment 115A to the front portion bottom segment 115B and a width
W6 extending from the front portion left side segment 115C to the
front portion right side segment 115D. The front portion is sized
and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear
portion under the front portion (e.g., cover most of the human,
such as the human's body below the neck). The rear portion 112A
left side segment 111C is connected to the front portion 112B left
side segment 115C at the left side of the bag body, the rear
portion right side segment 111D is connected to the front portion
right side segment 115D at the right side of the bag body, the rear
portion top segment 111A is connected to the front portion top
segment 115A at the upper end of the bag body, and the rear portion
bottom segment 111B is connected to the front portion bottom
segment 115B at the lower end of the bag body, to define the
human-receiving interior 118 of the bag body between the front and
rear portions. The human-receiving interior 118 is sized to receive
the human to permit the human to lie on the rear portion 112A when
the human is in the human-receiving interior. It will be understood
that the front and rear portions 112B, 112A can be formed
separately from each other and then attached to each other (e.g.,
by sewing) along seams between the portions. Alternatively, the
front and rear portions of the bag body or segments thereof could
be formed integrally such that there are no seams at the
connections of the front and rear portions.
[0038] The front portion 112B and rear portion 112A of the bag body
112 can include respective inner and outer shells (e.g., at least
partially forming the respective front and rear faces) and
insulation material therebetween.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, an openable closure 116 is
provided along the front face of the bag body 112. For example, the
openable closure 116 may comprise a zipper. The closure 116 is
selectively openable to permit access to the human-receiving
interior 118 by the human and closeable to close the closure when
the human is in the human-receiving interior.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, the bag body 112 includes a plurality
of connectors 121B, 122B for releasably connecting the flaps 113,
114 to the bag body. A first set of connectors 121B (broadly,
"primary connectors") is provided at the left side of the bag body
for connecting the left flap to the left side of the bag body. The
illustrated first set of connectors includes five loop connectors
spaced from each other along the length of the bag body and each
comprising an opening for receiving a corresponding button
connector of the left flap. A second set of connectors 122B
(broadly, "secondary connectors") is provided at the right side of
the bag body for connecting the left flap to the right side of the
bag body. The illustrated second set of connectors includes two
snap connectors spaced from each other along the length of the bag
body and each configured to make a snap connection with a
corresponding snap connector of the left flap. The snap connectors
may be connected to the bag body by a fabric strip. The first and
second sets of connectors are configured to make different types of
connections (e.g., button-type and snap-type connections) with the
left flap. A third set of connectors 121B (broadly, "primary
connectors") is provided at the right side of the bag body for
connecting the right flap to the right side of the bag body. The
illustrated third set of connectors includes five loop connectors
spaced from each other along the length of the bag body and each
comprising an opening for receiving a button connector of the right
flap. A fourth set of connectors 122B (broadly, "secondary
connectors") is provided at the left side of the bag body for
connecting the right flap to the left side of the bag body. The
illustrated fourth set of connectors includes two snap connectors
spaced from each other along the length of the bag body and each
configured to make a snap connection with a corresponding snap
connector of the right flap. The snap connectors may be connected
to the bag body by a fabric strip. The third and fourth sets of
connectors are configured to make different types of connections
(e.g., button-type and snap-type connections). Moreover, the first
and third sets of connectors are configured to form connections of
the same type (e.g., button-type connections), and the second and
fourth sets of connectors are configured to form connections of the
same type (e.g., snap-type connections). The bag body also includes
a loop connector 121B between the left and right side segments
toward the bottom end of the bag body for further connecting the
flaps 113, 114 to the bag body (e.g., FIG. 10).
[0041] Other configurations of bag bodies can be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example,
other types and arrangements of connectors can be used.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, the left flap has a front face (facing
into the page) and an opposite rear face (facing out of the page).
The left flap includes a top segment 113A, a bottom segment 113B,
and left and right side segments 113C, 113D. The flap 113 has a
length L7 extending from the top segment to the bottom segment, and
a width W7 extending from the left side segment to the right side
segment. Desirably, the left flap comprises an inner shell (e.g.,
forming the rear face) and an outer shell (e.g., forming the front
face) and insulation material therebetween.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the left flap 113 includes a first set
of connectors 121A (broadly, "primary connectors") configured to
connect to the first set of connectors 121B at the left side of the
bag body 112 for forming primary connections 121 of the left flap
with the bag body outside the human-receiving interior 118. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first set of connectors 121A includes a
plurality of button connectors (e.g., elongate "toggle-type"
buttons) for forming button-type connections with the connectors
121B at the left side of the bag body. The flap also includes a
second set of connectors 122A (broadly, "secondary connectors")
configured to connect to the second set of connectors 122B at the
right side of the bag body for forming secondary connections 122 of
the left flap with the bag body. In the illustrated embodiment, the
second set of connectors 122A includes a plurality of snap
connectors for forming snap-type connections with the connectors
122B. For example, when the snap connectors 122A, 122B are pressed
together, the snap connectors "snap" together to form an
interference fit connection 122 that can be overcome by the user
applying sufficient force to dislodge the connectors from each
other. The flap 113 may also include a connector 121A (e.g.,
button) configured to form a connection with the connector 121B
between the sides of the bag body toward the bottom end (e.g., as
seen in FIG. 10) when the flap is in the overlapping configuration.
Desirably, the connectors 121A are incompatible with the connectors
122B of the bag body (i.e., incapable of forming a connection
therewith), and the connectors 122A are incompatible with the
connectors 121B of the bag body, to promote formation of the
intended connections between the flap 113 and bag body 112. It will
be appreciated that male connectors could be provided on the flap
and female connectors could be provided on the bag body, vice
versa, or male and female connectors on both the flap and bag body,
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0044] The flap 113, when releasably connected to the bag body 112
via the primary connections 121, is movable with respect to the bag
body to be arranged in an overlapping configuration (e.g., FIG. 9)
or an underlapping configuration (e.g., FIGS. 11-13), and in both
configurations the secondary connections can be formed to maintain
the left flap in the configuration. When the flap 113 is in the
overlapping configuration, the flap overlaps the front face of the
bag body 112 (and optionally overlaps the flap 114), with the front
face of the flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the
human-receiving interior 118. When the flap 113 is in the
underlapping configuration, the flap underlaps the rear face of the
bag body 112 (and optionally the flap 114), with the front face of
the flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under
the human-receiving interior 118. The flap 113 is sized and shaped
to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body 112 in the
overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward
face of the bag body in the underlapping configuration.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, the right flap 114 has a front face
(facing into the page) and an opposite rear face (facing out of the
page). The right flap 114 has a top segment 114A, a bottom segment
114B, and left and right side segments 114C, 114D. The second flap
114 has a length L8 extending from the top segment to the bottom
segment and a width W8 extending between the left and right side
segments. Desirably, the right flap comprises an inner shell (e.g.,
forming the rear face) and an outer shell (e.g., forming the front
face) and insulation material therebetween.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, the right flap 114 includes a first set
of connectors 121A (broadly, "primary connectors") configured to
connect to the first set of connectors 121B at the right side of
the bag body 112 for forming primary connections 121 of the right
flap with the bag body outside the human-receiving interior 118. In
the illustrated embodiment, the first set of connectors 121A
includes a plurality of button connectors (e.g., elongate
"toggle-type" buttons) for forming button-type connections with the
connectors 121B at the right side of the bag body. The flap 114
also includes a second set of connectors 122A (broadly, "secondary
connectors") configured to connect to the second set of connectors
122B at the left side of the bag body for forming secondary
connections 122 of the right flap with the bag body. In the
illustrated embodiment, the second set of connectors 122A includes
a plurality of snap connectors for forming snap-type connections
with the connectors 122B. For example, when the snap connectors
122A, 122B are pressed together, the snap connectors "snap"
together to form an interference fit connection 122 that can be
overcome by the user applying sufficient force to dislodge the
connectors from each other. The flap 114 may also include a
connector 121A (e.g., button) configured to form a connection with
the connector 121B between the sides of the bag body toward the
bottom end (e.g., as seen in FIG. 10) when the flap is in the
overlapping configuration. Desirably, the connectors 121A are
incompatible with the connectors 122B of the bag body (i.e.,
incapable of forming a connection therewith), and the connectors
122A are incompatible with the connectors 121B of the bag body, to
promote formation of the intended connections between the flap 114
and bag body 112. It will be appreciated that male connectors could
be provided on the flap and female connectors could be provided on
the bag body, vice versa, or male and female connectors on both the
flap and bag body, without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0047] The right flap 114, when releasably connected to the bag
body 112 via the primary connections 121, is movable with respect
to the bag body 112 to be arranged in an overlapping configuration
(e.g., FIGS. 8, 9) or an underlapping configuration (e.g., FIGS.
12, 13), and in both configurations the secondary connections can
be formed to maintain the right flap in the configuration. As shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13, when both flaps are in the underlapping
configurations, the connections 121 and 122 are formed (just like
when both flaps are in the overlapping configurations). When in the
overlapping configuration, the right flap 114 overlaps the forward
face of the bag body 112 (and optionally overlaps the flap 113),
with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to provide
insulation over the human-receiving interior 118. When the right
flap 114 is in the underlapping configuration, the right flap
underlaps the rearward face of the bag body 112 (and optionally
underlaps the flap 112), with the front face of the second flap
facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the
human-receiving interior 118. The right flap 114 is sized and
shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in
the overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the
rearward face of the bag body in the underlapping
configuration.
[0048] It will be appreciated that the primary connections 121
being a different type than the secondary connections 122
facilitates use of the sleeping bag 110 by the user. For example,
when both flaps 113, 114 are being used in the overlapping
configurations, the user may want to open the flaps to permit the
user to enter or exit the sleeping bag, in a configuration such as
shown in FIG. 10. In the dark or otherwise, when flaps 113, 114 are
in the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the user knows to feel for
the secondary connections 122 and can distinguish them from the
primary connections 121 because they are different connection
types. Thus, without paying particular attention to the connections
121, 122, the user can determine which connections 122 to
disconnect to open the flaps 113, 114 to arrange the flaps as shown
in FIG. 10. The primary connections 121 are maintained to generally
hold the flaps 113, 114 in position with respect to the main body
112, so the flaps can resume their overlapping configurations with
minimal effort by the user.
[0049] Other types of bag bodies and other types of flaps can be
used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, other types of connections (e.g., hook and loop
fabric, magnetic, zipper, etc.) can be used without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0050] As is now apparent, the left flap 113 and right flap 114 are
configurable to be in: 1) the respective overlapping configurations
at the same time (e.g., FIG. 9), with either the left or right flap
overlapping the other flap; 2) the respective underlapping
configurations at the same time (e.g., FIGS. 12 and 13), with
either the left flap or right flap underlapping the other flap; 3)
the left flap overlapping configuration and the right flap
underlapping configuration at the same time; or 4) the left flap
underlapping configuration and right flap overlapping configuration
at the same time. In other examples, one flap 113, 114 may be used
and the other flap not used (e.g., disconnected). In such examples,
the single connected flap 113, 114 may be arranged to underlie or
overlie the bag body 112. In yet other examples, both flaps 113,
114 are disconnected such that neither flap is used (e.g., FIG.
3).
[0051] It will be appreciated that the configurations of the flaps
113, 114, and how many of the flaps are used, can be selected by
the user before a trip (e.g., while packing) and each time the user
uses the sleeping bag 110. For example, if the user is traveling to
a warm climate, one or both flaps 113, 114 may be disconnected from
the bag body 112 and left at home. On the other hand, if the user
is not concerned about carrying extra weight, the user may desire
to bring one or both flaps 113, 114 and arrange the flap(s) to
underlie the bag body 112 to provide cushioning under the bag body
for increased comfort. If the trip involves sleeping in cold (e.g.,
outdoors) and warm (e.g., indoors) conditions, the user can
reconfigure the sleeping bag 110 by re-arranging and/or
disconnecting flaps 113, 114 from the bag body 112 to meet their
desired sleeping comfort each time they use the sleeping bag based
on the current conditions.
[0052] In one example, when both flaps 113, 114 are used in the
overlapping configurations, the sleeping bag has a temperature
rating of about 17 degrees F. (broadly, at least as low as 20
degrees F.), when one flap is used in the overlapping
configuration, the sleeping bag has a temperature rating of about
24 degrees F. (broadly, at least as low as 30 degrees F.), and when
neither flap is used in the overlapping configuration, the sleeping
bag has a temperature rating of about 37 degrees F. (broadly, at
least as low as 40 degrees F.). The flaps can be configured to
provide the same insulating rating, such that when one flap is used
in the overlapping configuration, the temperature rating does not
depend on whether the left flap or right flap is used. It will be
appreciated that "temperature rating" as used herein means a
temperature in which the user can maintain comfort in the sleeping
bag or can safely occupy the sleeping bag without health risk due
to cold temperature exposure.
[0053] In one example, the top end and bottom end of the bag body
112 are more heavily insulated (broadly, have lower temperature
rating) than the remainder of the front portion of the bag body
(i.e., the section intended to be covered by the flaps).
[0054] It will be appreciated that the left flap 113 is selectively
removable from the bag body 112 without removing the right flap 114
from the bag body, and the right flap is selectively removable from
the bag body without removing the left flap from the bag body. The
left flap 113 and right flap 114 can be connected to the bag body
112 outside of the human receiving interior 118, such as to the
exterior surface of the bag body 112 (FIG. 10).
[0055] It will be appreciated that the closure 116 is fully
closeable when the left flap 113 and right flap 114 are releasably
connected to the bag body 112 and in the overlapping, underlapping,
or open configurations.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, optionally, either or both of
the flaps 113, 114 can include a pocket 130 sized for receiving a
majority portion of the respective flap when the flap is
disconnected from the bag body 112. When the pocket 130 stores the
majority portion of the flap 113, 114 the flap is usable by the
user as a pillow.
[0057] It will be apparent that modifications and variations are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined
in the appended claims.
[0058] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description and
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *