US20080256705A1

US20080256705A1 - Sleeping Bag System

Info

Publication number: US20080256705A1
Application number: US11/838,748
Authority: US
Inventors: Susan Dean Herman Maguire
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-19
Filing date: 2007-08-14
Publication date: 2008-10-23

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved sleeping bag system. In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system comprises a sleeping bag and a supplement sheet layering over the top exterior side of the sleeping bag, wherein the supplemental sheet is attached to the sleeping bag at the foot end via an attachment means.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/912,903 filed Apr. 19, 2007, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a novel sleeping bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional sleeping bags have a single thickness. There are times where the thickness is not appropriate for a particular use. For example, the particular thickness of the sleeping bag may be too thin for cold weather, or too thick for hot weather, or too porous for rainy weather. Therefore, there is a need for an improved sleeping bag system, where the sleeping bag is versatile to accommodate various weather conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved sleeping bag system. In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system comprises a sleeping bag and a supplement sheet layering over the top exterior side of the sleeping bag, wherein the supplemental sheet is attached to the sleeping bag at the foot end via an attachment means. Optionally, the sleeping bag system comprises one or more of the following:
(a) a storage bag attached to the sleeping bag at the foot end via an attachment means;
(b) a pillow attached to the sleeping bag at the head end via an attachment means;
(c) an accessory pouch attached to the side of the sleeping bag via an attachment means; and
(d) a storage bag attached to the sleeping bag at the head end via an attachment means.
The following is a listing of numbers corresponding to a particular element refer to herein:
10 Sleeping bag system
20 Sleeping bag. A sleeping bag 20 of the present invention may be of any size and shape. Exemplary shapes include a rectangle, square, “mummy” shape or conical shape. The sleeping bags 20 shown in the drawings herein are in their flapped over position, where a person can insert himself between the upper and lower sleeping bag 20 layers. The foot end of the sleeping bag is where the user's feet go, and the head end of the sleeping bag is where the head of the user goes. The “foot end” of the sleeping bag 20 is the end of the sleeping bag where the user's feet is located. Usually, the foot end can be completely zippered up. The “head end” of the sleeping bag is at the other end of the sleeping bag that is closer to where the user's head usually rests. The head end of the sleeping bag usually cannot be zipped up.
30 Supplement sheet. A supplement sheet 30 of the present invention may be of any size and shape. Exemplary shapes include a rectangle, square, “mummy” shape or conical shape. In some embodiments, the supplement sheet 30 is the same shape as that of the sleeping bag 20, e.g., both are rectangles. In some embodiments, the shape of the supplement sheet 30 is different from that of the sleeping bag 20. Further, a supplement sheet 30 of the present invention may have various physical qualities. In some embodiments, a supplement sheet 30 has a thermo retention capability that is lower than that of the sleeping bag 20. For example, the supplement sheet could be made out of satin, cotton, silk, light weight flannel, nylon or any other synthetic or natural fabric. In some embodiments, a supplement sheet 30 has a thermo retention capability that is the same as that of the sleeping bag 20. For example, the supplement sheet 30 may be made from the same material as that of the sleeping bag. In some embodiments, a supplement sheet has a thermo retention capability that is higher than that of the sleeping bag 20. The size of the supplement sheet of the present invention can be smaller, same as or larger than that of the sleeping bag 20.
31 Water proof supplement sheet. Water proof supplement sheet 31 can be constructed from any material which is substantially water proof. Non-limiting examples include nylon, plastic, parachute material, and any other water resistant fabric. The size of the water proof supplement sheet of the present invention can be smaller, same as or larger than that of the sleeping bag. A supplement sheet 30 of the present invention may be of any size and shape. Exemplary shapes include a rectangle, square, “mummy” shape or conical shape. In some embodiments, the water proof supplement sheet 3 is the same shape as that of the sleeping bag 20, e.g., both are rectangles. In some embodiments, the shape of the water proof supplement sheet 31 is different from that of the sleeping bag 20
40 Attachment means. An attachment means may be any means by which one component of the present invention can be attached to itself and/or another component. Non-limiting examples of attachment means include VELCRO®, buttons, zippers, threads, strings, hooks and glue. VELCRO® is a brand name of fabric hook-and-loop fasteners used for connecting objects. Hook and loop fasteners consist of two layers: a “hook” side, which is a piece of fabric covered with tiny plastic hooks, and a “loop” side, which is covered with even smaller and “hairier” plastic loops. There are many variations to this which include hooks on both sides, for example. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and hold the pieces together. When the layers are separated, the strips make a characteristic ripping sound. This creates some disadvantages to the use of velcro in various occasions. VELCRO® is patented in U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,437, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
50 Pouch for sheets. The pouch for sheets 50 is a pouch where supplement sheets 30 and/or water proof supplement sheets 31 may be stored.
60 Pillow
70 Storage bag. A storage bag 70 can be used to store the sleeping bag.
72 Strap. The strap may be constructed from leather, nylon or cloth.
80 Accessory pouch. An accessory pouch 80 can be used to store undergarments, swim suits, tooth brush, comb, etc. The accessory pouch can be sealed by an attachment means.
Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show the supplement sheet 30 attached to the sleeping bag 20.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a pouch for sheets 50 attached to the sleeping bag 20.

FIG. 3 shows a pillow 60 attached to the sleeping bag 20 via VELCRO®.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show the sleeping bag 20 being rolled into a storage bag 70.

FIG. 5 shows a storage bag 70 with a draw string 41.

FIG. 6 shows a sleeping bag system 10 comprising a supplemental sheet 30, a pouch for sheets 50, accessory pouches 80, a pillow 60 and a storage bag 70 with a pull string 41.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the sleeping bag system 10 may comprise a sleeping bag 20 and a supplement sheet 30, wherein the supplement sheet 30 is attached to the sleeping bag 20 (for example, at the feet end of the sleeping bag) via an attachment means, e.g., VELCRO®, threads, buttons, etc. In some embodiments, the supplemental sheet is attached to the end of the sleeping bag 20 where the user's feet go.
In some embodiments, the supplemental sheet 30 is layered on the top side of the sleeping bag 20. One advantage of this assembly is that a person can lie in between the supplemental sheet 30 and on the top/outer side of the sleeping bag 20. For example, if lying in between the layers of the sleeping bag is too hot, then one would have the option of lying on the outer top layer of the sleeping bag 20 and under the supplemental sheet 30, wherein the supplemental sheet 30 is constructed from a light material such that cool ambient air can pass through.
In some embodiments, the supplemental sheet 30 can be attached via an attachment means 40 (e.g., VELCRO®, buttons, etc.) to the head end of the sleeping bag 20. One advantage of this assembly is that the attachment means 40 can hold the supplemental sheet 30 in place when the user folds up the sleeping bag system 10. See FIGS. 4B-D.
Referring now to FIG. 2A, a sleeping bag system 10 may comprise a pouch for sheets 50. The pouch for sheets 50 can be permanently or removably attached to the foot end of the sleeping bag 20 via an attachment means 40, e.g., threads, strings, VELCRO®, etc. The pouch for sheets 50 holds supplemental sheets 30 within. In some embodiments, the pouch for sheets 50 can be sealed up using an attachment means 40, see FIGS. 2A and 2B.
In some embodiments, the supplemental sheet 30 may be attached to the inside of the pouch 50 via an attachment means 40 (e.g., VELCRO®) as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. In some embodiments, a plurality of supplemental sheets 30 could be attached to the inside of the pouch 50 as shown in FIG. 2C. In the case where a plurality of supplemental sheets 30 are attached inside the pouch 50, the supplemental sheets may all be the same or one or more of them may be different. For example, when the pouch of sheets 50 comprise a plurality of supplemental sheets 30, the sheets may be of different colors, different thicknesses, and/or different materials.
In some embodiments, the pouch for sheets 50 comprises a water proof supplemental sheet 31 therein. In some embodiments, the water proof supplemental sheet 31 is attached to the inside of the pouch the same way the supplemental sheet could be.
In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system 10 comprises a supplemental sheet attached to the foot end of the sleeping bag 20 and a pouch for sheets 50 attached to the foot end of the sleeping bag 20.
Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the sleeping bag system 10 may comprise a pillow 60 that is attached to the head end of the sleeping bag 20 via an attachment means 40 e.g., VELCRO®, zipper and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the sleeping bag system 10 may comprise a storage bag 70 attached to the head end of the sleeping bag 20 via an attachment means 40. The sleeping bag 20 can be rolled into the storage bag 70 as shown in FIG. 4B-4D. The storage bag 70 may be sealed up via an attachment means 40, e.g. VELCRO®, zipper, string 41. In some embodiments, a strap 72 may be attached to the storage bag 70 as shown in FIG. 5, where a person can use the strap 72 to carry the storage bag.
In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system comprises an accessory pouch attached 80 to the sleeping bag. The accessory pouch 80 may be attached to any location on the sleeping bag. See, for example, FIG. 6. In some embodiments, more than one accessory pouch 80 may be attached to the sleeping bag 20.
Referring now to FIG. 6., in some embodiments, the sleeping bag system 10 comprises a supplement sheet 30 attached to the foot end of the sleeping bag 20 via an attachment means 40, a pouch for sheets 50 attached to the foot end of the sleeping bag 20. In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system 10 also comprises a pillow 60 attached to the sleeping bag 20 via an attachment means 40. In some embodiments, the supplemental sheet may also be attached to the head end of the sleeping bag via an attachment means. In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system comprises an accessory pouch attached 80 to the sleeping bag. The accessory pouch 80 may be attached to any location on the sleeping bag. See, for example, FIG. 6. In some embodiments, more than one accessory pouch 80 may be attached to the sleeping bag 20.
In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system 10 comprises a supplement sheet 30 attached to the foot end of the sleeping bag 20 via a VELCRO® 40 (the supplemental sheet may also be attached to the head end of the sleeping bag via a VELCRO® 40), a pouch for sheets 50 attached to the foot end of the sleeping bag 20 via VELCRO®, a pillow 60 attached to the sleeping bag 20 via a VELCRO® 40, one or more accessory pouches 80 attached to the sleeping bag via VELCRO®. The accessory pouch 80 may be attached to any location on the sleeping bag. See, for example, FIG. 6.
In some embodiments, the all the components (e.g., sheet, pillow, pouch, etc.) sleeping bag system may be constructed from a satin, cotton, silk, light weight flannel, nylon or any other synthetic or natural fabric and the like.
Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sleeping bag system comprising:

(a) a sleeping bag;

(b) a supplement sheet layering over the top exterior side of the sleeping bag, wherein the supplemental sheet is attached to the sleeping bag at the foot end via an attachment means;

(c) a storage bag attached to the sleeping bag at the foot end via an attachment means;

(d) a pillow attached to the sleeping bag at the head end via an attachment means;

(e) an accessory pouch attached to the side of the sleeping bag via an attachment means; and

(f) a storage bag att ached to the sleeping bag at the head end via an attachment means.

2. A sleeping bag system comprising:

(a) a sleeping bag;

(b) a supplement sheet layering over the top exterior side of the sleeping bag, wherein the supplemental sheet is attached to the sleeping bag via art attachment means;

(c) a storage bag attached to the sleeping bag at the head end via an attachment means.

3. The sleeping bag system of claim 2, further comprising a pouch for supplement sheet attached to the sleeping bag.

4. The sleeping bag system of claim 3, wherein the pouch for the supplement sheet contains a supplement sheet.

5. The sleeping bag system of claim 3, wherein the pouch for the supplement sheet contains a plurality of supplement sheet.

6. The sleeping bag system of claim 3, wherein the pouch for the supplement sheet contains a water proof supplement sheet.

7. (canceled)