GB2555871A

GB2555871A - A convertible bag comprising bed and chair configuration

Info

Publication number: GB2555871A
Application number: GB1619339.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yaffe Adam; Simon Donn Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-15
Filing date: 2016-11-15
Publication date: 2018-05-16
Also published as: WO2018091882A1; GB201702876D0; GB2558960A

Abstract

A convertible bag 1 comprises a base portion 2, two opposing side portions 3, 4, opposing front and back portions 5, 6 and a top portion 7. The bag further comprises at least two adjoining mattress sections 21-23 adapted to be assembled with the bag into a chair configuration (figure 4) and a bed configuration (figure 3). The mattress sections may be folded for use in the seat configuration and stored in the bag when not in use. The bag is characterised in that at least the opposing side portions and back portion of the bag comprise rigid panels. The back and side panels may be integrally formed or individually formed and attached together. The top and front portion of the bag may comprise flexible panels which are at least partially detachable from the rigid side and back panels. A pair of side rails 31, 32 may be provided flanking the mattress and which also be used as armrests when in a seat configuration. The bag may have an extendible handle (11, figure 1) and wheels (12, figure 2).

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A convertible bag comprising bed and chair configuration Abstract Title: A convertible bag comprising a bed and chair configuration (57) A convertible bag 1 comprises a base portion 2, two opposing side portions 3, 4, opposing front and back portions 5, 6 and a top portion 7. The bag further comprises at least two adjoining mattress sections 21-23 adapted to be assembled with the bag into a chair configuration (figure 4) and a bed configuration (figure 3). The mattress sections may be folded for use in the seat configuration and stored in the bag when not in use. The bag is characterised in that at least the opposing side portions and back portion of the bag comprise rigid panels. The back and side panels may be integrally formed or individually formed and attached together. The top and front portion of the bag may comprise flexible panels which are at least partially detachable from the rigid side and back panels. A pair of side rails 31,32 may be provided flanking the mattress and which also be used as armrests when in a seat configuration. The bag may have an extendible handle (11, figure 1) and wheels (12, figure 2).

FIGURE 3

1/4

6c

FIGURE 2

2/4

23c

FIGURE 4

3/4

20a

23d

FIGURE 5

22d

FIGURE 6

4/4

120

FIGURE 7

FIGURE 8

A CONVERTIBLE BAG COMPRISING BED AND CHAIR CONFIGURATIONS

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of bags comprising bed and chair arrangements. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention concerns a portable bed and chair arrangement.

Description of the Related Art

Portable beds or chairs that are carried in bags are well-known. These range from a floor sheet that folds up along designated fold lines into a loose bag (CN 2244861Y), to wooden-framed deckchairs with inflatable mattresses which can form a carry bag when deflated (GB 767316 A). Neither arrangement provides the dual-functionality of bed and chair configurations, nor the comfort that is generally sought after in a portable bed or chair.

One dual-functional arrangement is disclosed by CN 2289447 Y, in which a backpack is made up of inflatable panels. The panels are joined such that backpack unfolds into an elongate, floorlying mattress, or can be arranged such that a number of the panels can be stood generally upright to provide a backrest (supported by struts) to a seat base. However, in this arrangement, it can be clearly seen that the chair configuration would lack the comfort of a proper armchair, whilst both the chair and bed configurations lack the stability and durability of a purpose built chair or bed.

It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the problems of the prior art as discussed herein or otherwise.

Therefore, it is now desired to provide an improved arrangement for a dual-functional portable bed and chair assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided a convertible bag comprising a base portion, two opposing side portions, opposing front and back portions and a top portion, the bag further comprising at least two adjoining mattress sections adapted to be assembled with the bag into a chair configuration and a bed configuration and the bag being adapted to accommodate the said mattress sections therein, characterised in that at least the opposing side portions and back portion of the bag comprise rigid panels.

By providing the side and back panels of the bag as rigid panels, a great improvement is made to the stability and feel of the chair configuration and additional features can be added to the bed configuration.

By ‘chair configuration’, what is meant is a seat-style arrangement, which may be a standard single seat, a wide single seat, or two or more seats intended to be used as a ‘sofa’.

By ‘bed configuration, what is meant is a flat mattress arrangement, which may be a narrow or standard single mattress arrangement, or a double, queen or king mattress arrangement intended to be used by more than two persons.

Preferably, at least the front portion and top portion of the bag comprise flexible panels.

Preferably, the side and back rigid panels are permanently adjoined to one another. Most preferably, the side and back rigid panels are integrally formed as one single piece.

Alternatively, the side and back rigid panels may be formed separately and adjoined to one another. The joining of the side and back panels may comprise webbing between the panels, which may be fabric webs or other plastics or metal webs.

Preferably, the base portion of the bag comprises a rigid panel. Preferably, the base panel is formed integrally with the back and side panels, or may be joined with said back and side panels as previously discussed.

Alternatively, the base portion may comprise a flexible panel.

Preferably, the bag comprises a pair of mattress support rails adapted to flank at least the majority of a first mattress section in use. Preferably, the support rails are adapted to move between a stowed configuration when not in use and an extended configuration when in use. Preferably, in the stowed configuration, the support rails overlie the inside faces of the side panels and in the extended configuration, the support rails are moved to lie on a floor surface. Alternatively, however, in the stowed configuration, the support rails may be housed within the side panels and in the extended configuration, the support rails may extend laterally from the side panels to lie on a floor surface.

Preferably, the side rails comprise a mechanism attached to insides of the side panels adapted to pivot between stowed and extended configurations. Alternatively, however, the side rails may be removably attached to one or more panels of the bag in the stowed and extended configurations by any suitable mechanism, e.g. by hook and loop fastenings.

At least internal faces of the rigid panels and/or the support rails may comprise padding. Unadjoined top and side edges of the rigid panels may also be padded. At least the internal faces of the rigid panels and/or the support rails may comprise a material covering. The un-adjoined top and side edges of the rigid panels may also comprise a material covering.

The back panel may comprise an extendible portion. This may be in the form of a pull-out panel hidden within the back panel for upward deployment during the chair configuration. Most preferably, the back panel comprises an integrated handle on an exterior face thereof. The handle may be extendible, preferably telescopic. Accordingly, the handle may be temporarily or permanently coupled to the extendible portion of the back panel for extension with the handle.

Preferably, at least one mattress section is coupled to at least one rigid panel of the bag, most preferably, to a front edge of the base panel.

Preferably, the flexible panels of the bag are at least partially detachable from the rigid panels.

Preferably, at least the front and top flexible panels are formed integrally as one piece. Preferably, therefore, at least one edge of one flexible panel is attached to a rigid panel of the bag. Preferably, a bottom edge of the front panel is attached to a front edge of the base panel, but alternatively, the back edge of the top panel may be attached to the top edge of the back panel. Preferably, the remaining edges of the flexible panels are detachable from the rigid panels. Preferably, corresponding edges of the flexible panels and the rigid panels comprise cooperative fastening means. The fastening means may comprise hook and loop fastenings (e.g. Velcro ®), or toggles and loops, but most preferably, a zip.

Alternatively, base, front and top flexible panels are formed integrally as one piece. In this case, a back edge of the base panel is attached to a bottom edge of the back panel, but alternatively, the back edge of the top panel may be attached to the top edge of the back panel. Preferably, the remaining edges of the flexible panels are detachable from the rigid panels as before.

Preferably, the flexible panels comprise a durable fabric material. Preferably, an outer face of the rigid panels also comprise a covering of durable fabric material. Preferably, the fabric material is at least shower proof.

The bag may comprise an integrated pillow. Preferably, the pillow is coupled to an inside face of the base panel of the bag. The coupling may be removable or permanent. The inside face of the base panel may comprise a removable or unfastening pocket accommodating said pillow when not in use.

The bag may comprise a backrest cushion. Preferably, one of said mattress sections is adapted to provide a backrest cushion. Most preferably, a first mattress section comprises a backrest cushion.

Preferably, the first mattress section comprises a pillow at a top end thereof. Preferably, the pillow is formed as part of the first mattress section. Most preferably, the first mattress section and the pillow comprise a longer mattress section than the other mattress section(s). Preferably, the first mattress section comprises a short hinged section at the bottom end thereof, to facilitate folding of the mattress sections. Preferably, the first mattress section comprises a hinge with the pillow to facilitate folding.

Preferably, the pillow comprises a dome-shape. Preferably, the peak of the dome is deeper than the mattress sections in use. At the peak, the pillow may be at least 30% deeper than the mattress section(s), more preferably, up to 50% deeper than the mattress section(s) in use.

By ‘in use’, what is intended is to distinguish between inflated and uninflated states, when an inflatable/ partially inflatable pillow and/ or mattress sections are being used.

Alternatively, an inside face of the back panel may comprise said backrest cushion. The backrest cushion may be coupled to the inside face of the back panel. The inside face of the back panel may comprise a removable or unfastening pocket accommodating said backrest cushion when not in use. The backrest cushion may be adapted to provide additional padding to the back panel in use. The backrest cushion may be adapted to extend above a top edge of the back panel to provide support above the back panel when in use.

Preferably, there are three mattress sections. However, more than three mattress sections may be provided. Preferably, the mattress sections are joined to one another in linear arrangement. Preferably, the mattress sections are at least approximately 5 cm thick (in use), most preferably, up to approximately 10 cm thick

Preferably, the mattress sections comprise a covering coupled to top surfaces of the mattress sections. Most preferably, the mattress sections comprises a removable, integrated sleeping bag for coupling to the top surfaces of the mattress sections.

Preferably, the covering or integrated sleeping bag comprises the connections between the mattress sections. Alternatively, however, the mattress sections may be joined to one another by other material webs arranged to allow concertina-folding of the mattress sections into a stack.

One or more of the mattress sections may comprise outwardly-folding wings adapted to extend the width of the bed configuration.

Preferably, the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails comprise a body with at least a top surface (user contact surface) of foam material. Preferably, the whole body of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails comprise foam material. Alternatively, however, the body of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails may be partially, or entirely inflatable. The pillow may be a removably-attachable foam component. Preferably, the removable attachment comprises hook and loop fastenings, e.g. Velcro®.

Preferably, the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails comprise a fabric material covering.

Preferably, the material covering of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails is removable.

Preferably, the material covering of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/ or the inside faces of the rigid panels and/or the support rails comprises a soft-feel.

The material covering may be flocked or other fabric.

Preferably, the couplings between the mattress sections and the respective rigid panel and/or the pillow and the base panel and/or the mattress support rails and the side panels, are detachable e.g. in the form of hook and loop fastenings. Alternatively, however, the couplings between the pillow and the base panel and/or the mattress support rails and the side panels may be permanent. In the case of a separate pillow, the pillow may comprise a hook/ loop fastening for cooperation with a loop/hook fastening on a bottom side of a mattress section for use in the bed configuration.

Preferably, at least one of the rigid panels comprises an integrated light, most preferably, in the back panel. Additionally, or alternatively, the handle may comprise an integrated light, most preferably, in the horizontal gripping portion of the handle.

Most preferably, the back panel comprises a pair of spaced-apart wheels located above the bottom edge thereof adapted for contact with a ground surface when the back panel is inclined backwards. Alternatively, the back panel may comprises a pair of spaced-apart wheels located at the bottom edge thereof adapted for contact with a ground surface at all times, in which case the base panel comprises a pair of spaced apart feet adjacent a front edge thereof.

Preferably, the bag is adapted to provide an amount of free internal volume between the folded mattress sections and the panels of the bag to allow user’s items to be carried within during transport, e.g. toiletries and pyjamas. Most preferably, the free internal volume is provided proximal to the top panel of the bag. The free internal volume may comprise a compartment provided by an expandable pocket attached to the inside of the top panel or the side panel(s).

Preferably, the bag comprises at least one outer storage pocket. Preferably, the front panel and/ or the side panels of the bag comprise outer storage pockets.

Preferably, the bag comprises one or more retention straps on external faces of one or more panels. These retention straps may be suitable for carrying at least the mattress sections exteriorly of the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of a bag according to the invention in a carrying configuration;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the bag of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective side view of the bag of Figure 1 in a bed configuration;

Figure 4 is a perspective side view of the bag of Figure 1 in a chair configuration;

Figure 5 is a perspective side view of the bed configuration according to the invention of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the chair configuration of the invention of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a perspective side view of a bed configuration according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a chair configuration of the invention of Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figures 1 to 8 the invention relates to a convertible bag 1 comprising a base portion 2, two opposing side portions 3, 4, opposing front and back portions 5, 6 and a top portion 7, the bag 1 further comprising at least two adjoinng mattress sections 21 -23 adapted to be assembled with the bag 1 into a chair configuration and a bed configuration, and the bag 1 being adapted to accommodate the said mattress sections 21-23 therein, characterised in that at least the opposing side portions 3, 4 and back portion 6 of the bag 1 comprise rigid panels

In an exemplary embodiment, the side and back rigid panels 3, 4, 6 of the bag 1 are permanently adjoined to one another, being formed integrally as a single u-shaped component to add strength to the structure of the bag 1 and the bed and chair configurations. However, it is to be appreciated that they may instead be individual rigid panels 3, 4, 6 that are coupled together by fabric (sewn) joints or plastic webbing joints to retain the u-shaped structure. The front portion 5 and top portion 7 of the bag 1 comprise flexible panels.

Inside the side panels 3, 4 there are provided a pair of seat panels 31,32. These are located inside of the side panels 3, 4 when stowed and not in use. The seat panels 31,32 share the same general shape as the side panels 3, 4, and are movable to (i) flank the mattress sections 21-23 therebetween to provide armrests and minimise splaying of the ‘seat’ when assembled in the chair configuration and (ii) flank the first mattress section 21 for added comfort and for safety (from sideways rolling) when assembled in the bed configuration. The seat panels 31,32 are also padded and covered for comfort. To stabilise the structure, bottom edges of the seat panels 31, 32 comprise flaps 31a, 32a of hook/ loop fastening material for cooperation with corresponding loop/ hook fastening material panels (not shown) on the bottom sides 21 d, 22d of either the first or second mattress sections 21,22.

In the exemplary embodiment, the base portion 2 of the bag 1 is also a rigid panel that is also permanently adjoined to base edges 3d, 4d, 6d of the side and back rigid panels 3, 4, 6, by one of the abovementioned means. However, it is to be appreciated that the base portion 2 may instead comprise a flexible material panel.

The side and back rigid panels 3, 4, 6 of the bag 1 are in contrast with the front portion 5 and the top portion 7 of the bag 1, which are formed integrally from a single piece of flexible material 5, 7 attached to a front edge 2a of the base portion 2. Of course, it is to be appreciated that if the base portion 2 comprises a flexible material panel, then the base portion 2, front portion 5 and the top portion 7 of the bag, may be formed integrally from a single piece of flexible material 2, 5, 7 attached to a bottom edge 6d of the back panel 6.

However, for the purposes of the exemplary embodiment, the single piece of flexible material 5,7 comprises a first part of a fastening mechanism 9 therearound adapted for engagement with a second part of a fastening mechanism 10 that is attached to fastening edges 3a, 3c, 6c, 4c, 4a of the side and back panels 3, 4, 6. The first and second parts of the fastening mechanism 9, 10 comprise a zip, but could instead comprise hook and loop strips, e.g. such as Velcro®.

The front portion 5 comprises access 8a to a flat, integrated, outer pocket 8 that covers the majority of the front portion 5. The access 8a is a zip or simple opening.

The bag 1 further comprises a telescopic handle 11 that is firmly attached to the back panel 6 and a pair of wheels 12 located adjacent the bottom edge 6d. A pair of feet 13 are located on the base panel 2 extending between the back edge 2b and the front edge 2a to steady the bag 1 in stationary mode.

Alternatively, the wheels 12 are positioned such that they engage the floor when the bag 1 is tipped backwards, but are off the floor when the base panel 2 is flat on the floor. In this case, no feet are required to steady the case in stationary mode.

As shown in Figure 3, a pillow 20 is attached to the base panel 2 internally of the bag 1 by a hook and loop fastening, e.g. Velcro®. The pillow 20 comprises a medium-density foam material and a removable covering suitable for washing. The pillow 20 comprises a dome shape and comprises a maximum approximate depth of 12 cm and a length (from a top edge to a bottom edge) of approximately 20 cm.

There are three mattress sections 21 -23. Each of the mattress sections 21 -23 are substantially square with a length just shorter than a height of the back panel 6 and a width just shorter than a width of the back panel 6. The mattress sections 21-23 comprise a maximum approximate depth of 6 cm, a length (from a top edge to a bottom edge) of approximately 50 cm and a width (between side edges) of approximately 50 cm.

Each mattress section 21 -23 comprises a medium density foam with a depth of approximately 6 cm that allows for sufficient cushioning when laid on a hard surface, but can be folded in three sections to fit within a depth of the bag 1 between the back panel 6 and the front portion 5. However, it is to be appreciated, that individually inflatable, or linked inflatable mattress sections could be used instead.

As shown in figure 5, a first of the mattress sections 21, comprises a hook/ loop fastening (not shown) that is attachable to a loop/hook fastening 20a provided by the pillow 20. The fastening 20a is adapted to overlie the interior face of the base panel 2 adjacent the front edge 2a when the pillow 20 is attached to the base panel 2 so as to allow the first mattress section 21 cover/ shield the front edge 2a of the base panel 2 in a bed configuration. The hook and loop fastenings 20a allows the first mattress section 21 to be detached from the front edge 2a of the base panel 2 to (i) facilitate the first mattress section 21 being positioned against the back panel 6 in preparation for the chair configuration and (ii) to pack away inside the bag 1.

A second mattress section 22 is attached to the first mattress section 21 and a third mattress section 23 is attached to the second mattress section 22 in series. The mattress sections 21 -23 are formed with an integral sleeping bag 24 attached to a top side 21 c, 22c, 23c of each mattress section 21 -23. The mattress sections 21 -23 are attached to one another via this integral sleeping bag 24.

The integral sleeping bag 24 is configured to minimise the gap between the sections 21,22, 23 whilst allowing each mattress section 21 -23 to be folded on top of the adjacent mattress section 21-23 in either direction, e.g. against the bottom side or the top side of the adjacent mattress section 21-23. As shown in Figure 2, this allows for the mattress sections 21-23 to be folded into the bag 1 and as shown in Figures 4 and 6, folded into the chair configuration.

The back panel 6 comprises an integrated light 35 provided adjacent the top edge 6c for use as a reading light in the bed configuration.

In use, the bag 1 provides an amount of space between the folded mattress sections 21 -23 and the top panel 7 of the bag 1 to allow user items and luggage, such as toiletries and pyjamas to be carried within during transport.

When ready for deployment (use of the bed or chair configuration), the bag 1 is placed on the floor with the base panel 2 flat on the floor. The top and front portions 5, 7 are unfastened and laid flat on the floor. The mattress sections 21 -23 can then be unfolded.

For the bed configuration as shown in figure 3, the mattress sections 21-23 are unfolded to lay flat on the floor and the first mattress section 21 is attached to the fastening 20a of the pillow 20. The seat panels 31,32 are moved to rest on the floor and flank the first mattress section 21 and the flaps 31a, 32a are attached to the underside of the first mattress section 21. The side and back panels 3, 4, 6 form a bedhead for the bed with the reading light 35.

For the chair configuration, as shown in figure 6, the first mattress sections 21 is manipulated into an upright configuration against the back panel 6 to function as a backrest. The second mattress section 22 therefore, lays on the base panel 2 substantially perpendicularly to the first mattress section 21. The third mattress section 23 is folded to lay on top of the second mattress section 22 with the bottom side 23d facing upwards. Again, the seat panels 31,32 are moved to rest on the floor and flank the seat formed from the mattress sections 22-23. The flaps 31a, 32a of the panels 31,32 are attached to cooperative fastenings on the underside of the second mattress section 22. The seat panels 31,32 form armrests to the chair.

A second embodiment of the bed and chair configurations are shown in Figures 7 and 8.

As shown in Figure 7, a dome-shaped pillow 120 forms part of the first mattress section 121, by being attached at a permanent hinge point 120a. The hinge point allows for the pillow 120 to be folded back against the folded ends of the mattress sections 121-123. Again, the pillow 120 comprises a medium-density foam material and a removable covering suitable for washing. The pillow 120 comprises a maximum approximate depth of 12 cm and a length (from a top edge to a bottom edge) of approximately 20 cm. When the three mattress sections 121-123 are concertinaed together, the pillow 120 spans across their folded ends.

There are three mattress sections 121 -123 as before, each substantially square and attached in series. The second and third mattress sections 122, 123 have a length of approximately 50 cm, just shorter than a height of the back panel 6 of the bag and a width of approximately 50 cm just shorter than a width of the back panel 6 of the bag 1. The first mattress section 121 comprises a main body, which dimensionally, substantially matches that of the second and third mattress sections 122, 123. The pillow 120 hingedly attached to the top end, plus a hinged short section 125 approximately 6 cm long attached to a bottom end thereof, makes the first mattress section 121 substantially longer.

Each mattress section 121-123 comprises a medium density foam with a depth of approximately 6 cm that allows for sufficient cushioning when laid on a hard surface, but can be folded in sections to fit within a depth of the bag 1 between the back panel 6 and the front portion 5.

However, it is to be appreciated, that individually inflatable, or linked inflatable mattress sections could be used instead.

The mattress sections 21 -23 are formed with an integral sleeping bag 124 attached to a top side 121c, 122c, 123c of each mattress section 121-123. The mattress sections 121-123 are attached to one another via this integral sleeping bag 24.

The integral sleeping bag 124 allows each mattress section 121-123 to be folded on top of the adjacent mattress section 121-123 in either direction, e.g. against the bottom side or the top side of the adjacent mattress section 121-123. As shown in Figure 8, this allows for the mattress sections 121-123 to be folded into the chair configuration and the bag 1.

For the bed configuration as shown in figure 7, the mattress sections 121-123 are unfolded to lay flat on the floor with the pillow 120 overlaying the base panel 2 of the bag 1. Seat panels 131, 132 as in the first embodiment (not shown in Figure 7) are moved to rest on the floor and flank the first mattress section 121 and flaps are attached to the underside of the first mattress section 121. The side and back panels 3, 4, 6 form a bedhead for the bed with the reading light 35 as before.

For the chair configuration, as shown in figure 8, the first mattress section 121 is manipulated into an upright configuration against the back panel 6 to function as a backrest with the pillow 120 now functioning as a headrest, or possibly a lumbar support in upright position. The second mattress section 122 therefore, lays on the base panel 2 substantially perpendicularly to the first mattress section 121. The third mattress section 123 is folded to lay on top of the second mattress section 122 with the bottom side 123d facing upwards. Again, the seat panels 131, 132 are moved to rest on the floor and flank the seat formed from the mattress sections 122123. Flaps 131a, 132a of the panels 131, 132 are attached to cooperative fastenings on the underside of the second mattress section 122. The seat panels 131, 132 form armrests to the chair. Although the invention has been described with a wheeled bag in mind, it is to be appreciated that the invention could be formed as an unwheeled bag, or rucksack/ backpack. The invention may also be provided in a range of different dimensions according to the girth and height of the intended user, e.g. a wider or longer mattress section provided by fold-out panels or by a larger bag.

The length and width dimensions of the bed and chair are somewhat limited by the length and height of the bag 1, particularly, the rigid panels 3, 4, 6. With a wider back panel 6, wider pillow 20, 120 and mattress sections 21-23, 121-123 could be accommodated resulting in a multiseater sofa, or multi-occupancy bed. With these possibilities, it is easy to see how the invention may be used as a temporary solution and/ or portable solution for additional house guests, camping, staying away from home, etc.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A convertible bag comprising a base portion, two opposing side portions, opposing front and back portions and a top portion, the bag further comprising at least two adjoining mattress sections adapted to be assembled with the bag into a chair configuration and a bed configuration and the bag being adapted to accommodate the said mattress sections therein, characterised in that at least the opposing side portions and back portion of the bag comprise rigid panels.

2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the side and back rigid panels are permanently adjoined to one another.

3. The bag according to claim 2, wherein the side and back rigid panels are integrally formed as one single piece.

4. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the side and back rigid panels may be formed separately and adjoined to one another.

5. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base portion of the bag comprises a rigid panel.

6. The bag according to claim 5, wherein the base panel is formed integrally with the back and side panels

7. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bag comprises a pair of mattress support rails adapted to flank at least the majority of a first mattress section in use.

8. The bag according to claim 7, wherein the support rails are adapted to move between a stowed configuration when not in use and an extended configuration when in use.

9. The bag according to claim 8, wherein in the stowed configuration, the support rails overlie the inside faces of the side panels and in the extended configuration, the support rails are moved to lie on a floor surface.

10. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least internal faces of the rigid panels and/or the support rails comprise padding.

11. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein un-adjoined top and side edges of the rigid panels are padded.

12. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least the internal faces of the rigid panels and/or the support rails comprise a material covering.

13. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the back panel comprises an extendible portion.

14. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the extendible portion is a pull-out panel hidden within the back panel for upward deployment during the chair configuration.

15. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the back panel comprises an integrated handle on an exterior face thereof.

16. The bag according to claim 15, wherein the handle is extendible.

17. The bag according to any one of claims 15 or 16 when dependent on claims 13 or 14, wherein the handle is coupled to the extendible portion of the back panel for extension with the handle.

18. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein at least one mattress section is coupled to at least a front edge of the base panel.

19. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least the front portion and top portion of the bag comprise flexible panels and these are at least partially detachable from the rigid panels.

20. The bag according to claim 19, wherein at least the front and top flexible panels are formed integrally as one piece.

21. The bag according to claim 20, wherein at least one edge of one flexible panel is attached to a rigid panel of the bag.

22. The bag according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a bottom edge of the front panel is attached to a front edge of the base panel,

23. The bag according to claim 22, wherein the remaining edges of the flexible panels are detachable from the rigid panels.

24. The bag according to claim 23, wherein corresponding edges of the flexible panels and the rigid panels comprise cooperative fastening means.

25. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the flexible panels comprise a durable fabric material and an outer face of the rigid panels also comprise a covering of durable fabric material.

26. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the bag comprises an integrated pillow coupled to an inside face of the base panel of the bag.

27. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein a first of said mattress sections is adapted to provide a backrest cushion.

28. The bag according to claim 27, wherein the first mattress section comprises a pillow at a top end thereof formed as part of the first mattress section.

29. The bag according to claim 28, wherein the first mattress section and the pillow comprise a longer mattress section than the other mattress section(s).

30. The bag according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein the first mattress section comprises a short hinged section at the bottom end thereof, to facilitate folding of the mattress sections.

31. The bag according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the first mattress section comprises a hinge with the pillow to facilitate folding.

32. The bag according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the pillow comprises a domeshape and a peak of the dome is deeper than the mattress sections in use.

33. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein there are three mattress sections.

34. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the mattress sections are joined to one another in linear arrangement.

35. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the mattress sections comprise a covering coupled to top surfaces of the mattress sections.

36. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the mattress sections comprise a removable, integrated sleeping bag for coupling to the top surfaces of the mattress sections.

37. The bag according to any one of claims 35 to 36, wherein the covering or integrated sleeping bag comprises connections between the mattress sections.

38. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the mattress sections are joined to one another by other material webs arranged to allow concertina-folding of the mattress sections into a stack.

39. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein one or more of the mattress sections comprises outwardly-folding wings adapted to extend the width of the bed configuration.

40. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails comprise a body with at least a top surface (user contact surface) of foam material.

41. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the whole body of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails comprise foam material.

42. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the body of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails are at least partially inflatable.

43. The bag according to any one of claims 26 to 42, wherein the pillow is a removably attachable foam component.

44. The bag according to claim 43, wherein the removable attachment comprises hook and loop fastenings, e.g. Velcro®.

45. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails comprise a fabric material covering.

46. The bag according to claim 45, wherein he material covering of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/or the mattress support rails is removable.

47. The bag according to any one of claims 45 or 46, wherein the material covering of the mattress sections and/or the wings and/or the pillow and/ or the inside faces of the rigid panels and/or the support rails comprises a soft-feel.

48. The bag according to any one of claims 18 to 47, wherein couplings between the mattress sections and the respective rigid panel and/or the pillow and the base panel and/or the mattress support rails and the side panels, are detachable e.g. in the form of hook and loop fastenings.

49. The bag according to claim 48, wherein the pillow comprises a hook/ loop fastening for cooperation with a loop/hook fastening on a bottom side of a mattress section for use in the bed configuration.

50. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 49, comprising an integrated light in the back panel.

51. The bag according to any one of claims 15 to 50, wherein the integrated handle comprises an integrated light.

52. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the back panel comprises a pair of spaced-apart wheels located above the bottom edge thereof adapted for contact with a ground surface when the back panel is inclined backwards.

53. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein the bag is adapted to provide an

5 amount of free internal volume between the folded mattress sections and the panels of the bag to allow user’s items to be carried within during transport, e.g. toiletries and pyjamas.

54. The bag according to claim 53, wherein the free internal volume is provided proximal to the top panel of the bag.

55. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein the bag comprises at least one

10 outer storage pocket.

56. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the front panel and/ or the side panels of the bag comprise outer storage pockets.

57. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 56, wherein the bag comprises one or more retention straps on external faces of one or more panels.

15

58. The bag according to claim 57, wherein the retention straps may be suitable for carrying at least the mattress sections exteriorly of the bag.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1619339.3

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