WO2009092028A1

WO2009092028A1 - Convertible sleeping bag

Info

Publication number: WO2009092028A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/031318
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wendy K. Dunson
Original assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-01-16
Filing date: 2009-01-16
Publication date: 2009-07-23
Also published as: CN101969821B; KR101510918B1; JP2011509761A; CN101969821A; KR20100120148A; JP5334998B2

Abstract

A sleeping bag that Is convertible between, a rectangular shape and a trapezoidal or 'mummy' shape through the use of a pocket located on the outside of the bag, wherein the body of the sleeping bag is pulled through the pocket or sleeve to achieve the shape conversion.

Description

COHVERTIBLE SIJSEPIHG BAG

TECHHIC&L FIELD OF THE INVEHTIOSS

(0001) The present invention relates generally to sleeping bags,- and more particularly to sleeping bags which are convertible between two different shapes or styles.

BACKGROUND OF THE IHVENTIOH

(0002) Sleeping bags can be uncomfortable, and when they are uncomfortable, they can deny their users much- needed rest. Sleeping bag comfort is largely a matter of warmth - that is, providing the occupant with the correct amount of insulation to suit the existing conditions. Sleeping bag comfort is also a matter of providing the user with adequate freedom of movement. These two aspects of sleeping bag comfort can work against each other. For example, for similarly shaped bags, the more room there is inside a bag, the more freedom of movement is available to the occupant. However, the more room inside a bag, the more air space the user' s body is required to heat and the more outer bag surface is exposed to the cold. Most sleeping bags provide comfort in only a rather narrow range of temperatures. Accordingly, sleeping bag manufacturers have long sought means of effectively adjusting the suitability of sleeping bags to fit a wider range of temperatures. (0003) Accordingly, it is desired to provide a sleeping bag having increased warmth during cooler weather and increased freedom of movement during warmer weather, and to provide a more user- friendly,, yet economical sleeping bag.

SOmmsY OF ψm IHVEHTION

(0004) The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

(0005) The invention is a conventional sleeping bag that is convertible between a generally rectangular, hybrid or hooded shape and a trapezoidal or mummy-type shape . The purpose of the convertibility is so that a user of the sleeping bag can convert the bag from the rectangular shape generally used for warmer weather to the trapezoidal shape which is better for colder weather. The trapezoidal (mummy) configuration reduces heat loss by reducing the inside volume of the sleeping bag.

(0006) The present invention provides a sleeping bag that allows the user to adjust the sleeping bag between a conventional rectangular bag and a narrowed trapezoidal (mummy-style) bag, thereby adjusting the internal volume of the bag. The adjustable feature allows a user to reduce the inner air space of the bag to form a tapered mummy-style shape for maximum comfort in cold weather. The sleeping bag user also may expand the inner space of the bag into a non- tapered rectangular shape for maximum comfort and freedom of movement in warm weather. This adjustment may be accomplished quickly and easily via an exterior pocket, the pocket which is preferably trapezoidal in shape, thereby allowing the sleeping bag user to respond to even sudden changes in temperature .

(0007) Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(0008) FIG. 1 Is an upright perspective view of a sleeping bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing the bag in a first rectangular configuration;

(0009} FIG, 2 is an upright perspective view of the sleeping bag of FIG. 1, showing the bag in a second trapezoidal configuration following conversion;

(0010) FIG. 3 Is an exploded plan view of the sleeping bag of FIG. 1, showing the bag in its expanded rectangular warm weather position;

(0011) FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the conversion process of a sleeping bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicting the first and second sleeping bag configurations;

(0012) FIG. 5 is a series of perspective views of a sleeping bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the conversion of the sleeping bag from the first rectangular configuration to the second trapezoidal configuration; and

(0013) FIG. 6 is a series of perspective views of a sleeping bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and additionally having the assisting strap, showing the bag (a) in its expanded rectangular warm weather position; (b) at the beginning of the conversion process between the expanded rectangular warm weather position and the contracted and tapered cold weather position; (c) at a later stage in the conversion process between the expanded rectangular warm weather position and the contracted and tapered cold weather position; (d) at the approximate mid-point of the conversion process between the expanded rectangular warm weather position and the contracted and tapered cold weather position; (e) near the end of the conversion process between the expanded rectangular warm weather position and the contracted and tapered cold weather position; and (f) in its contracted and tapered cold weather position;

(0014) FIG. 7 is a bottom side perspective view of the sleeping bag of FIG. 6; and

{0015) FIG. 8

(0016) FIG. 9 is an upright FIG. 1 in its generally trapezoidal configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(0017) In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in. the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well- known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

(0018) Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a sleeping bag 10 in accordance with an embodiment. It is rectangular configuration (also shown in FIGS. 4a, 5a and 6a), the bag 10 comprises an elongated shell that is rectangular in shape and comprises a top end 12, a bottom end 14, a top side or face 16, a bottom side or face 18 and two lateral sides 20, 22. The sleeping bag 10 is generally open at the top end 12 and comprises an opening extending along at least one lateral side 20 and preferably the bottom end 14, where such opening is optionally and adjustably closable by conventional closure means (not shown) such as a zipper, toggles, loop and hook fasteners and the like. In its trapezoidal configuration shown in FIGS. 2, 4b, 5c and 6f, the sleeping bag 10 comprises the same general elements as the rectangular bag just described, except that the shape of the bag is such that the top end 12 of the bag is wider in dimension than the bottom end 14 - thus forming a trapezoidal shape which is similar to that of a "mummy"^'.

(0019) In its rectangular configuration, the top side 16 of the sleeping bag 10 comprises an external pocket 24 which is slightly trapezoidal in shape, but could comprise other shapes as well and could be located on the bottom side 18 of the sleeping bag. As shown in FIG. 3, the pocket 24 comprises a top end 26 which is open, a bottom end 28 and two lateral sides 30, 32, wherein the bottom end 28 and lateral sides 30, 32 are connected to either the top side 16 or bottom side 18 of the sleeping bag 10. It is also within the scope of the invention for the pocket 24 to be open at both the top end 26 and bottom end 28 of the pocket, the pocket resembling more of a sleeve. Pocket 24 is preferably located near the bottom end 14 of bag, but may be located a short distance from the bottom end 18 and need not be located at the far outside edge of bottom end 18.

(0020) The pocket 24 is preferably at least 3 inches in depth measured from the top end 26 to the bottom end 28 of the pocket, but could extend the entire length of the sleeping bag 10. The pocket 24 may be connected to the sleeping bag 10 in any fashion, but is preferably sewn on. Other connection means could, include hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, toggles, welds, glue or other adhesive, and the like. In addition, the pocket 24 could be connected to a liner of the sleeping bag (not shown) as opposed to the top 16 or bottom external side 18 of the sleeping bag 10.

(0021) Both the sleeping bag in general and the pocket are made of conventional sleeping bag material which is known in the industry. The pocket material may consist of a woven, knit, non-woven, film or other type of material that is suitable for converting the sleeping bag into a mummy-shape sleeping bag.

{0022} The process of converting the sleeping bag from the rectangular configuration to the trapezoidal configuration is depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. In operation, the sleeping bag 10 can convert from a rectangular, hybrid or hooded style of sleeping bag used in warm weather to the mummy style sleeping bag used in colder weather by means of the external pocket 24. The user will turn the pocket 24 inside out and in the process, the pocket 24 will capture the sides 20, 22 of the sleeping bag 10 and transform the sleeping bag 10 into a mummy-shaped bag with a reduced foot volume, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5c and 6f. To return the sleeping bag 10 to its rectangular shape, the user simply reverses the procedure and pulls the sleeping bag out of the pocket or through the sleeve.

(0023) The pocket 24 may also be used as a type of stuff sack, storage sack or compression sack in which to store the sleeping bag. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the pocket 24 may include webbing, elastic, draw-cords, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other devices to aid or secure the transformation of the sleeping bag or use as a storage pocket or stuff sack. A webbing or textile strap 34 or other device may be attached to the bottom of the pocket 24 to help aid in turning the pocket inside-out.

(0024) As shown in FIG. 6, when the bag 10 is in its rectangular configuration, strap 34 is located between the sleeping bag shell 10 and the pocket 24 and extends from the bag bottom end 14 and pocket bottom end 28 toward the bag top end 12 and pocket top end 26. Strap 34 is preferably connected at a first end to the bag bottom end 12, pocket bottom end 28, or both. The second end of strap 34 is free from connection to either the bag 10 or the pocket 24 such that when a user desires to convert the sleeping bag 10 from the rectangular configuration to the trapezoidal configuration, the user may grasp or pull on the free end of the strap 34 for assistance in turning the pocket 24 inside- out and around the bag 10, thereby pulling at least a portion of the sleeping bag 10 either through or into the pocket 24 and converting the overall shape of the sleeping bag 10 by narrowing the width of the bottom end 12. The bag 10 may also be converted from the first rectangular configuration to the second trapezoidal configuration without the strap 34 (as shown in FIG. 5) using the same general motion described above.

(0025} Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

(0026) All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby Incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

(0027) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the Invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as"} provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

(0028) Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above- described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sleeping bag convertible between a generally rectangular configuration and a generally trapezoidal configuration, comprising: a shell having a top end, a bottom end, first and second planar surfaces, and first and second lateral sides defining a volume therein; and a pocket attached to said shell, said pocket having a top end, a bottom, end, and first and second lateral sides, wherein said shell is convertible between a first generally rectangular shape to a second generally trapezoidal shape by turning said pocket inside out around at least a portion of said shell.

2. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein at least a first lateral side of said pocket is attached to said shell first planar surface.

3. The sleeping bag of claim 2, wherein said bottom, end of said pocket is attached to said shell first planar surface .

4. The sleeping bag of claim 2 or 3, wherein said second lateral side of said pocket is attached to said shell first planar surface.

5. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein said pocket is generally trapezoidal.

6. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein said pocket extends at least 3 inches in length from said pocket bottom end to said pocket top end.

7. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein said pocket is stitchably attached to said shell.

8. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein said pocket and said shell are made of different fabric.

9. The sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein said pocket and said shell are made of the same fabric.

10. The sleeping bag of claim 3, wherein said pocket functions as a storage bag.

11. The sleeping bag of claim 10, further comprising storage bag closure means.

12. The sleeping bag of claim 1, further comprising a strap having first and second ends, wherein said first end extends from said shell bottom end toward shell top end to assist a user in converting said sleeping bag from said generally rectangular configuration to said generally trapezoidal configuration.

13. The sleeping bag of claim 12, wherein said strap first end Is attached to said shell bottom end.

14. The sleeping bag of claim 12, wherein said strap first end is attached to said pocket bottom end.

15. The sleeping bag of claim 13, wherein said strap is made of webbing material.

16. The sleeping bag of claim 1, further comprising a liner located within the interior of said shell, wherein said pocket is attached to said liner.

17. A sleeping bag convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration, comprising: a shell in a first configuration having a top end, a bottom end, first and second planar surfaces, and first and second lateral sides defining a volume therein; and a pocket attached to said shell, said pocket having a top end, a bottom end, first and second planar surfaces, and first and second lateral sides, wherein said shell is convertible between said first configuration to a second configuration by turning said pocket inside out around at least a portion of said shell, wherein said shell in said second configuration defines a volume therein that is different from the volume of said first configuration.

18. The sleeping bag of claim 17, wherein said pocket is specifically shaped to form said second configuration.

19. The sleeping bag of claim 18, wherein said pocket is trapezoidal in shape.

20. The sleeping bag of claim 17_r wherein the volume of said second configuration is less than the volume of said first configuration.

21. The sleeping bag of claim 17, wherein said first planar surface of pocket abuts said first planar side of shell when sleeping bag is in said first configuration and said second planar surface of pocket abuts said second planar side of shell when sleeping bag is in said second configuration .