GB2430145A - Sleeping bag that prevents soiling of bedding - Google Patents

Abstract

A sleeping bag 10 comprises first 110 and second 120 panels forming a bag portion, the bag portion having a mouth 170 providing access to the bag interior, a cover flap 160 which in use sandwiches bedding overlying the bag potion between itself and the bag portion and a head flap 180. The head flap may incorporate a pillow pocket 185 into which a pillow can be inserted in use. The sleeping bag may be attached to a bed by a loop or by a tuck panel comprising a length of material that tucks under the mattress of the bed. In use, the sleeping bag prevents the user from soiling bedding, for example if the user applies a tanning preparation before going to bed.

Description

1 2430145

SLEEPING BAG

The present invention relates to sleeping bags. In particular but not exclusively the present invention relates to sleeping bags for use in a bed, to prevent soiling of bedding by a person lying in the bed.

The problem of soiling of a bed by a user of the bed is well known in hospitals and other public health institutions. It is also well known amongst users of fake tan/self-tanning lotions.

It is common practice, and recommended by certain manufacturers of tanning preparations such as creams and lotions, to apply the preparation before bedtime. The user sleeps with preparation applied to their skin overnight, and then washes the preparation from his or her body the following morning. The preparations contain dyes that stain the skin. An example of a tanning preparation is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with skin proteins to develop a natural tan.

Users of the preparations encounter several problems. One problem is that their S...

bedding becomes stained with dye, which is difficult to remove by washing. Alternatively, solutions containing DHA may not actually stain the bedding but still produce soiling of the bedding that requires washing for removal. Additionally, the use of DHA generates a strong aroma which many users find unpleasant. The additional washing of bedding s * results in shortening the fabric's lifespan and inconvenience both in terms of time and *... labour in stripping, washing and remaking the bed.

In order to address these problems, many users place towels or spare sheets over their bedding in order to provide protection. The fact that these towels or spare sheets are not fixed to the bed means that this solution is unsatisfactory since movement of the person during the night often results in contact between the skin of the person and the bedding.

Therefore the need of the user to keep still so as not to disturb the towels or spare sheets reduces the effectiveness of a night's sleep. There is also the added disadvantage of not only having to wash the towels/sheets used as protection, but also the main bedding.

Another solution includes the wearing of clothing in order to prevent such contact.

However, lotion applied to exposed areas of skin such as the hands, feet and face still cause staining of the bedding. Furthermore, not all users are comfortable wearing clothing in bed.

US4680821 (MAGUIRE) discloses an improved sheet bedding construction for institutional use. The construction comprises a fitted bedding article having a bag-like portion for a user's feet, a head portion, a foot portion, and straps to secure the article to a mattress. The article is intended to replace standard bedding arrangements, and is complex and costly to make.

US41 28908 (KERBS) discloses a sleeping bag liner for use with a sleeping bag which can be easily removed from the sleeping bag for washing. However, users of the sleeping bag liner that are wearing tanning lotion are still at risk of soiling the sleeping bag, for example due to contact with their face, arms or hands.

In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleeping bag comprising first and second side walls which together form a bag portion having front and rear faces; a mouth adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap and the bag portion; and a head flap operable to protect a surface underlying the : 20 bag from soiling due to contact with a user's head.

An advantage of the invention is that a user of tanning preparation such as a lotion or * cream may sleep within the bag without risk of soiling the bedding. Furthermore, the bag a. is of a relatively simple construction and is therefore of relatively low cost to manufacture. Ohs

The bag can be installed to underlie bedding quickly and easily.

In addition, the bag may be readily removed from the bed environment for washing.

Since a user of the bag only contacts the bag during sleep, washing of items that may overlie the bag whilst a user is sleeping, such as blankets, sheets, a duvet cover, etc, may be washed less frequently.

The bag is suitable for use by users of tanning preparations both at home and when travelling, It is also suitable for persons not using tanning preparations but wishing not to soil bedding through contact with the bedding, or for users not wishing to have contact with soiled bedding. For example, persons temporarily sleeping in a bed, such as when visiting friends or relatives. Furthermore, persons suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis and applying preparations such as lotions or creams to their skin for those conditions may also use the sleeping bag to prevent soiling of bedding by the preparation.

Preferably the first sidewall includes the head flap and the second sidewall includes the cover flap.

The first and second sidewalls may be made from a single length of material.

Preferably the mouth is provided between said flaps and the bag portion.

Preferably the head flap and the first sidewall are formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably the cover flap and the second sidewall are formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably the head flap is provided with a pillow pocket, the pillow pocket being adapted to receive a pillow, the pillow pocket being further adapted to cover the pillow so that contact between a user's head and the pillow is prevented when the pillow is located * within the pocket.

* Sd Preferably the bag is further provided with means for attaching the bag to a bed or a mattress. * S

* 40 Preferably the means for attaching the bag to a bed comprises a tuck panel, the tuck Sill panel comprising a length of material adapted to be tucked under a mattress of the bed.

The tuck panel is a panel of material adapted to be tucked under the mattress of the bed.

A weight of the mattress overlying the tuck panel when the tuck panel is tucked under the mattress restrains movement of the tuck panel, and therefore the sleeping bag to which the tuck panel is attached.

Preferably the tuck panel is provided along at least one edge of a sidewall of the bag.

Alternatively or in addition the means for attaching the bag to a bed comprises a clip.

Thus the sleeping bag may be secured to a surface even when a tuck panel may not be tucked under a mattress.

Preferably the means for attaching the bag to a bed includes a loop of material, the clip being attached to said loop of material.

The term bed' is intended to include reference to both a mattress and/or a bedframe.

Preferably there is further provided means for enlarging the mouth of the bag.

Preferably the means for enlarging the mouth of the bag comprises releasable fastening means.

Preferably the releasable fastening means is provided along a longitudinal edge of a sidewall.

Preferably the releasable fastening means is provided along each of a pair of opposed longitudinal edges of a sidewall.

Preferably the releasable fastening means comprises a zipper. .u. S..,

Preferably the releasable fastening means comprises at least one selected from amongst a press-stud; a button; or hook and loop fastening material. The hook and loop fastening material may be Velcro (RTM). * S 1(14

Preferably the bag is further provided with at least one pocket adapted to receive a S..

scented article.

This feature has the advantage that the odour associated with tanning preparations may be masked by the use of a scented article.

The mouth may be defined by an opening of the second sidewall proximate an end of the bag.

This feature has the advantage that a pillow may be inserted between the second sidewall and the first sidewall, between the mouth and an end of the bag.

A flat piece of material may be provided, to be secured to a pillow along at least one side. The piece of material may be attached to the head flap of the sleeping bag.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference shall now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a sleeping bag according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sleeping bag according to a first embodiment of the invention installed on a mattress; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sleeping bag according to a first embodiment of the invention installed on a mattress to underlie a blanket; FIGURE 4 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a net of material from which a bag according to the first embodiment may be made; FIGURE 5 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a second embodiment * : * of the invention and of a net of material from which the bag may be made; ***.

*....* 20 FIGURE 6 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a third embodiment of * the invention and of a net of material from which the bag may be made; : * FIGURE 7 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a fourth embodiment S...

of the invention.

FIGURE 8 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

In a first embodiment of the present invention a sleeping bag 10 comprises a bag portion comprising a front sidewall 110 and a rear sidewall 120. The front and rear sidewalls 110, 120 are joined along first edges 130 by a seam, and along second edges by a zipper 145. Zipper 145 allows front and rear sidewalls 110, 120 to be releasably joined. This feature allows mouth 170 of the bag 10 to be enlarged, facilitating entry to and exit from the bag 10 by a user.

In alternate embodiments, other suitable fastening means may be provided along one or both of edges 130, 140 including press-studs, buttons, etc. Any suitable combination of fastening means may be provided along edges 130,140 including a permanent join such as stitching along both edges 130, 140.

A cover flap 160 is provided, joined to the bag 10 at the mouth 170 of the bag 10.

According to the first embodiment of the invention the cover flap 160 is formed integrally with the front sidewall 110, ie from a single length of material.

The cover flap 160 may be folded over bedding 220 (Figure 3) overlying the front sidewall 110 of the bag. Thus, soiling of the bedding 220 by contact with a user of the bag may be substantially eliminated.

At the head of the sleeping bag 10 a head panel 180 is provided. According to the first embodiment of the invention the head panel 180 is formed integrally with the rear sidewall 120 of the bag 10. The head panel 180 is adapted to lie over the head portion of a bed, to protect the head portion of the bed from the head of a user. An integral pillow pocket 185 is formed in the head panel 180 in which a pillow 210 may be received.

The pillow pocket 185 protects the pillow 210 from soiling by the user's head. In * 20 alternate embodiments the pillow pocket 185 is not integral to the sleeping bag. Rather, a separate bag is provided into which a pillow may be inserted.

At the foot of the sleeping bag 10 a lower tuck panel 190 is provided. The lower tuck panel 190 is adapted to be folded under the foot portion 202 of a mattress 200 over * S. S * S 25 which the bag 10 may be placed (Figure 3). According to the first embodiment the lower tuck panel 190 is formed integrally with the front and rear sidewalls 110, 120. In alternate embodiments the lower tuck panel 190 is attached to the sleeping bag 10, either permanently or removably. The lower tuck panel 190 may therefore be used to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the bag during use.

The dimensions of the head panel 180 and the cover flap 160 are similar. Thus, if the bag is flipped such that rear sidewall 120 is uppermost, cover flap 160 may function as a head portion 180, and head portion 180 may function as the cover flap 160.

A suitable net of material from which a sleeping bag 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention may be made is shown in Figure 4. According to the first embodiment of the invention the material is a sheet of fabric. In alternate embodiments the material may be any other suitable material.

The fabric is cut and folded about a lateral axis 192 to form a bag portion 150. According to the first embodiment a seam 194 is then formed across the bag, a short distance from fold 192, preferably by stitching, in order to limit the longitudinal extent of the bag portion 150, thereby forming a discrete lower tuck panel 190. In alternate embodiments seam 194 is not provided. Instead, the bag portion 15 extends to the fold 192 of the sleeping bag 10.

The side seam is then formed along side 130 of the bag 10, thereby joining the front and rear sidewalls 110, 120 along the side 130.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cover flap 160 is provided with a strip of material along a lateral free edge 165 of the cover flap. In some embodiments the material is a weighted material, provided in a pocket along the edge 165, or at another suitable location of the cover flap 160. The weighted material assists in keeping the cover flap 160 in place whilst a user is sleeping. In other embodiments a rubberised strip of material is provided on an underside 162 of the cover flap 160. The rubberised strip reduces the amount of slippage between the underside 162 of the coverflap 160 and bedding 220 underlying the blanket (Figure 3). This also helps to keep the coverflap in position whilst a user is sleeping. In still other embodiments of the invention a Velcro (RTM) strip is provided on the coverflap at or along a longitudinal side 162, 164 of * the coverflap 160. A corresponding Velcro (RTM) strip is provided at or along a **..

., 25 longitudinal edge 130, 140 of the bag 10. The Velcro (RTM) strips may be joined in S...

order to keep the coverflap 160 in place. Alternatively, small loops of material may be attached to an end of the cover flap through which clips (such as suspender clips or any other suitable clips) may be placed, to attach the coverflap 160 to a duvet or other bedding.

In some embodiments of the invention, a pouch is provided on the coverflap 160 into which scented inserts may be placed. In further embodiments of the invention a pouch is provided on the head panel 180 either side of the pillow pocket 185. In further embodiments the material used for the bag is impregnated with scent.

In a second embodiment of the invention (Figure 5), a sleeping bag 10 is provided having an upper tuck panel 385 instead of the lower tuck panel 190 of the first embodiment of the invention. The upper tuck panel 385 may be tucked under the head portion 204 of a mattress 200. In some embodiments of the invention the sleeping bag 10 is provided with a lower tuck panel 190 in addition to an upper tuck panel 385.

In a third embodiment of the invention (Figure 6), a sleeping bag 10 is provided having a side panel 495 instead of an upper tuck panel 385 or a lower tuck panel 190. In other embodiments, any suitable combination of an upper tuck panel 385, a side panel 495 and a lower tuck panel 190 may be provided.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, a double sleeping bag 20 is provided (Figure 7) suitable for occupancy by two persons. The double sleeping bag 20 is provided with zippers 535, 545 along both sides of the bag 20.

In embodiments of the invention, a sleeping bag 10 may be made to different dimensions depending upon the desired manner of use. For example, the bag may be made wide enough such that an edge 140 may be positioned to overhang an edge of the mattress 200, such that a user of the bag is less likely to come into contact with the zipper 145 or * : : : other fastener. Furthermore, sidewalls 110, 120 of the bag are less likely to become taut around the body of the user as the user moves within the bag 10. S... * .

In alternate embodiments of the invention, foot panel 190 and/or head panel 385 are replaced by alternate means for holding the bag in position on the bed.

: . In a fifth embodiment of the invention (Figure 8), loops of material 695 are attached to * *. S a... 25 the bag at opposed longitudinal ends of the bag. Clips 697 are connected to the loops 695, the clips being suitable for gripping bedding. Thus, the bag may be secured to the bedding to prevent lateral or longitudinal movement of the bag.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. * .. * I I * I., I... * S

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Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A sleeping bag comprising first and second side walls which

   together form a bag portion having front and rear faces; a mouth adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap and the bag portion; a head flap operable to protect a surface underlying the bag from soiling due to contact with a user's head.
2. 2. The bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first sidewall includes the head flap; and the second sidewall includes the cover flap.
3. 3. The bag as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mouth is provided between said flaps and the bag portion. * S*

   ::::
4. 4. The bag as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the head flap and the first * 20 sidewall are formed from a single piece of material. SS *S * S *

   *
5. 5. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the cover flap and the second sidewall are formed from a single piece of material. * * * S S...

   * **, 25
6. 6. The bag as claimed in any one of claims I to 5 wherein the head flap is provided S...

   with a pillow pocket, and wherein the pillow pocket is adapted to receive a pillow, the pillow pocket being further adapted to cover the pillow so that contact between a user's head and the pillow is prevented when the pillow is located within the pocket.
7. 7. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bag is further provided with means for attaching the bag to bed or a mattress.
8. 8. The bag as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means for attaching the bag to a bed comprises a tuck panel, the tuck panel comprising a length of material adapted to be tucked under a mattress of the bed.
9. 9. The bag as claimed in claim 8 wherein the tuck panel is provided along at least one edge of a sidewall of the bag.
10. 10. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the means for attaching the bag to a bed comprises a clip.
11. 11. The bag as claimed in claim 10 wherein the means for attaching the bag to a bed includes a loop of material, the clip being attached to said loop of material.
12. 12. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is further provided means for enlarging the mouth of the bag.
13. 13. The bag as claimed in claim 12 wherein the means for enlarging the mouth of the bag comprises releasable fastening means.
14. 14. The bag as claimed in of claim 13 wherein the releasable fastening means is provided along a longitudinal edge of a sidewall. * *

    ::::
15. 15. The bag as claimed in claim 14 wherein the releasable fastening means is provided along each of a pair of opposed longitudinal edges of a sidewall. S* ** * S S
16. 16. A bag substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

    16. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the releasable fastening means comprises a zipper. * a S S...

    *: : :: 25
17. 17. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the releasable fastening means comprises at least one selected from amongst a press-stud; a button; or hook and loop fastening material.

    18. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bag is further provided with at least one pocket adapted to receive a scented article.

    19. A bag substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

    Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: CLAIMS: 1. A sleeping bag comprising: first and second panels which together form a bag portion having top and bottom layers; a mouth adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap and the bag portion; a head flap operable to protect a surface underlying the bag from soiling due to contact with a users head; and at least one tuck panel extending from an edge portion thereof, the tuck panel comprising a length of material adapted to be tucked under a mattress of a bed so as to attach the bag to the mattress; wherein the at least one tuck panel Is provided at a head edge only of the sleeping bag, or at a foot edge only of the sleeping bag, or at both the head edge and the foot edge only of the sleeping bag, and/or on one side edge only of the sleeping bag.

    2. The bag as claimed in claim I wherein the first panel includes the head flap; and the second panel Includes the cover flap.

    3. The bag as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mouth Is provided between said flaps and the bag portion.

    4. The bag as claimed in claIm 2 or claim 3 wherein the head flap and the first panel are formed from a single piece of material.

    5. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the cover flap and the second panel are formed from a single piece of material.

    6. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the head flap is provided with a pillow pocket, and wherein the pillow pocket is adapted to receive a pillow, the pillow pocket being further adapted to cover the pillow so that contact between a users head and the pillow is prevented when the pillow is located within the pocket 7. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bag is further provided with additional means for attaching the bag to a bed or a mattress.

    8. The bag as claimed In claIm 7 wherein the means for attaching the bag to a bed S comprises at least one loop and clip.

    9. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is further provided means for enlarging the mouth of the bag.

    10. The bag as claimed in claim 9 wherein the means for enlarging the mouth of the bag comprises releasable fastening meant 11. The bag as claimed in of claim 10 wherein the releasable fastening means is provided along a side edge of a panel.

    12. The bag as claimed in claim 11 wherein the releasable fastening means is provided along each of a pair of opposed side edges of a panel.

    13. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the releasable fastening means comprises a zipper.

    14. The bag as claimed In any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the releasable fastening means comprises at least one selected from amongst a press-stud; button; or hook and loop fastening material.

    15. The bag as claimed in any precedIng claIm wherein the bag is further provided with at least one pocket adapted to receive a scented article.