WO2021209731A1

WO2021209731A1 - Sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021209731A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/050953
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siri PRICE
Original assignee: Price Siri
Priority date: 2020-04-15
Filing date: 2020-04-15
Publication date: 2021-10-21
Also published as: US20230165361A1

Abstract

A sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus (10; 110) includes a sack (12; 112), a sleeping bag (28; 128) and a connection arrangement (30; 130) configured to connect the sleeping bag (28; 128) and the sack (12; 112). The sack (12; 112) has an internal pocket therein for stowing the sleeping bag (28; 128) and one or more carry strap (36) to facilitate carrying of the apparatus (10; 110) by a user. The apparatus (10; 110) is configurable between a stowed configuration in which the sleeping bag (28; 128) is stowed within the internal pocket of the sack (12; 112), and a deployed configuration in which the sleeping bag (28; 128) is removed from the internal pocket while still connected to the sack (12; 112) by the connection arrangement (30; 130).

Description

SLEEPING BAG STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS

FIELD

This relates to a sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus

BACKGROUND

Sleeping bags provide a portable form of bedding, useful for example when sleeping outdoors or away from home.

As the name suggests, sleeping bags typically take the form of an elongate tube of material, which can be formed into a bag having a closed bottom and sides and an open top. The material of the sleeping bag is commonly constructed as a quilt comprising a water resistant outer shell, an inner liner and a layer of insulation disposed therebetween. Sleeping bags commonly have a releasable fastening such as a zip along one elongate side of the bag, and in some instances also across the closed end of the bag, in order to facilitate entry to and exit from the bag for a user. Some sleeping bags have an additional panel of material at the open end that provides insulation to the user’s head outside of the bag.

There are a number of common methods for storing a sleeping bag. For example, folding and rolling the bag and retaining it in that form by binding it with lashings. The lashings may be used to carry the sleeping bag or to attach the sleeping bag to other items for carrying.

Another known apparatus for storing a sleeping bag is a stuff sack. The sleeping bag can be randomly forced, or ‘stuffed’ into the sack without any need for folding or rolling the sleeping bag. Stuff sacks commonly comprise a draw string closure. Stuff sacks may comprise external straps for compression of the sleeping bag within the sack to reduce the size of the stored sleeping bag, and/or for carrying the sleeping bag or attaching the sleeping bag to other items for carrying.

Sleeping bags are commonly used in recreational outdoor activities such as camping. However, sleeping bags can also be a critical piece of equipment for people who have no choice but to sleep out of doors, for example, those who are homeless or displaced. Homeless people, displaced people, refugees, migrants, those escaping natural disasters, etc. may also have a small number of essential belongings. Such people may need to travel with their essential belongings and sleeping bag quickly and unencumbered. Known apparatus for storing and transporting a sleeping bag can be slow to use when storing the sleeping bag, and cumbersome to use when transporting the sleeping bag whether it is carried separately or attached to other articles. Furthermore, there is a risk when using known apparatus for storing and transporting a sleeping bag that the sleeping bag and any other essential belongings may become separated and one or the other could be easily dropped, lost, stolen, etc. Furthermore, essential belongings and a sleeping bag may be critical to survival for those who are homeless or displaced. The security of these essential items and the apparatus for transporting and storing the sleeping bag may be compromised whilst the person is using the sleeping bag, unless the person stores the belongings within the sleeping bag whilst they use it in which case the properties of the sleeping bag may be compromised.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus comprising: a sack comprising an internal pocket therein for stowing a sleeping bag; at least one carry strap attachable to or forming part of the sack, the at least one carry strap configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus by a user; a sleeping bag; and a connection arrangement configured to connect the sleeping bag and the sack; wherein the apparatus comprises a stowed configuration in which the sleeping bag is stowed within the internal pocket of the sack, and a deployed configuration in which the sleeping bag is removed from the internal pocket while connected to the sack by the connection arrangement.

In use, a user may store the sleeping bag in the pocket of the sack to facilitate transport of the apparatus, and a user may remove the sleeping bag from the pocket of the sack in order to sleep inside the sleeping bag. The apparatus may be transported using the at least one carry strap.

The apparatus provides advantages over a separate sack and sleeping bag. The apparatus provides convenience for transportation. Further, the apparatus in the stowed configuration provides security for the sleeping bag, and the apparatus in the deployed configurations provides security for a user’s belongings that may also be stored in the apparatus whilst the user is sleeping.

The sleeping bag may take the form of an elongate tube having an open end and a closed end. The sleeping bag may be sized to fit an average user within it at least from their feet to their shoulders. The open end may facilitate a user entering and exiting the sleeping bag. The open end may be configured to receive the head of a user who is inside the sleeping bag when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration.

The sleeping bag may comprise a side slit. The side slit may ease entry to and exit from the sleeping bag of a user. The side slit may comprise a releasable fastening. The releasable fastening may be a zip. The releasable fastening may permit the side slit to be releasably closed to fully enclose a user within the sleeping bag except for the open end.

The sleeping bag may comprise an interior pocket. In use, when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration, the interior pocket may provide a secure location for storing small articles, for example a mobile phone, a passport, other documentation, etc.

The sleeping bag may be formed of an insulating material. The insulting material may be covered on at least the exterior of the sleeping bag by a water- repellent or water-resistant material. Alternatively, the exterior of the sleeping bag may comprise a water-repellant or water-resistant coating. At least a portion of the exterior of the sleeping bag may comprise reinforced material.

When the apparatus is in the deployed configuration and a user is inside the sleeping bag, the user may use the sack as a pillow to support their head. Beneficially, this provides a means of security for the portable sack, and any other items that may be stored in the portable sack, whilst the user is sleeping.

The connection arrangement may comprise a panel of material attached to the sack and the sleeping bag. The panel may be attached by sewing, bonding or the like. The panel may be integral with the sleeping bag.

The connection arrangement may be attached to the open end of the sleeping bag.

The connection arrangement may be attached to an internal surface of the pocket.

The connection arrangement may comprise a releasable connection for releasably connecting the portable sack and the sleeping bag. The releasable connection may be located at an end or intermediate the panel. The releasable connection may comprise a zip, buttons, poppers or the like. The releasable connection may permit the sleeping bag to be disconnected from the portable sack, for example, in order to facilitate cleaning of the sleeping bag. The sack may comprise or take the form of a backpack, ruck sack, haversack of the like.

The sack may generally take the form of a rectangular prism.

The sack may be formed of a water-repellent or waterproof material. Alternatively, the sack may be formed of material having a water-repellent or waterproof coating.

The internal pocket may be accessible via a releasable fastening, for example a zip.

The internal pocket may be a first internal pocket. The portable sack may further define a second internal pocket separated from the first internal pocket by a divider portion of the sack. The second internal pocket may be accessible via a releasable fastening, for example a zip.

The sack may comprise an external pocket. The external pocket may be formed on an external surface of the sack. The external pocket may comprise a releasable fastening, for example a zip, a button, a popper, a magnet, etc. The external pocket may be located on a side of the sack opposite a side of the sack to which the at least one carry strap is attached. Alternatively, the external pocket may be located on a side of the sack adjacent a side of the sack to which the at least one carry strap is attached.

The sack may comprise a plurality of external pockets. At least one external pocket may be located between at least one other external pocket and the at least one carry strap. At least one external pocket may be located on a side of the sack opposite a side of the sack comprising at least one other external pocket.

The sack may comprise a reinforced portion comprising a plurality of slits. Other article may be attached to the portable sack by lacing a portion of said article through the plurality of slits of the reinforced portion to permit the article to be carried with the apparatus, e.g. shoes having their laces fed through the slits to attach the shoes to the reinforced portion. The reinforced portion may be integral with the sack. Alternatively, the reinforced portion may be a patch attached to the sack by sewing, bonding, or the like. The reinforced portion may be located on a side of the sack opposite a side of the sack to which the at least one carry strap is attached.

The at least one carry strap may be attached to the sack by sewing, bonding or the like.

The at least one carry strap may comprise a pair of carry straps. The pair of carry straps may be configured to be located over a user’s shoulders to support the sack on the user’s back when the apparatus is in the stowed configuration. Carrying items on one’s back has benefits such as the ability to carry a greater load and the ability to carry a load for a longer duration because the load is evenly distributed over a large area of the body. Each strap of the pair of carry straps may comprise padding padded portion. The padded portion may be positioned in or on each carry strap of the pair of carry straps at the general location that each carry strap of the pair of carry straps may contact the user’s shoulders whilst the user is carrying the apparatus in the stowed configuration. Each carry strap of the pair of carry straps may comprise an adjustment mechanism for changing the length of the carry strap.

The at least one carry strap may comprise a carry strap configured to be gripped by a user’s hand to permit the user to carry the apparatus in the stowed configuration with their hand.

The apparatus may further comprise a hood for covering a user’s head when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration and a user is inside the sleeping bag.

The sleeping bag or the connection arrangement may comprise a storing arrangement for retaining the hood in a stored configuration. The open end of the sleeping bag or the panel may comprise the storing arrangement. The storing arrangement may be a pocket, a flap, a pouch, lashes, ties, or any other storing arrangement suitable for retaining the hood in the stored configuration.

When the apparatus is in the deployed configuration, the hood may be releasably connectable to the open end of the sleeping bag. The hood may be releasably connectable to a first portion of the open end of the sleeping bag, and to a second portion of the open end of the sleeping bag on a side of the sleeping bag opposite the first portion. The first portion may be proximate the connection arrangement. The hood may be releasably connected to the open end of the sleeping bag. The hood may be releasably connected to the first portion and/or the second portion of the open end of the sleeping bag, such that the hood may cover a user’s head when the user is in the sleeping bag.

The open end of the sleeping bag and the hood may comprise complementary releasable fastenings for releasably connecting the hood to the open end of the sleeping bag when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration. The complementary releasable fastenings may be hook-and-loop panels, buttons, poppers or the like.

The hood may be formed of insulating material and/or water-repellent or water- resistant material, or insulating material comprising a water-repellent or water-resistant coating.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, it will be understood that any of the features defined above or described below may be utilised in isolation or in combination. For example, features described in relation to the aspect above or below in relation to the detailed description may together form a new aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 10, in a stowed configuration;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the sleeping bag and connection arrangement of the apparatus of Figure 1, in a deployed configuration;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 10, in a stowed configuration;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the sleeping bag and connection arrangement of the apparatus of Figure 3, in a deployed configuration;

Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of the apparatus, showing a hood of the apparatus in a stored configuration; and

Figure 6 shows a detailed perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5, showing the hood in a deployed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings show a sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is particularly suitable for use by homeless people, displaced people, refugees, migrants, those escaping natural disasters, or the like.

Figure 1 shows the apparatus 10 in a stowed configuration, suitable for transportation. Figures 2 shows the apparatus 10 in a deployed configuration, suitable for use by a user.

As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 10 comprises a sack 12. The sack 12 takes the general form of a rectangular prism comprising a back portion 14, a front portion 16, a top portion 18, a bottom portion 20, a first side portion 22 and a second side portion 24.

It will be understood that the terms back, front, top, bottom, and side in the present disclosure refer nominally to how the apparatus 10 is used. The sack 12 defines a first interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 26. Within the first interior pocket (shown in Figure 2) is a sleeping bag 28 and a connection arrangement 30. The connection arrangement 30 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 28 and the sack 12 inside the first interior pocket, as will be described in greater detail below.

With continued reference to Figure 1, the sack 12 further defines a second interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 32. The first and second interior pockets are separated by an interior divider wall (not shown) of the sack 12. The second interior pocket provides storage for other articles such as a user’s belongings.

The sack 12 comprises first and second exterior pockets 34a, 34b. The first and second exterior pockets 34a, 34b are formed of material attached to the exterior of the sack 12. The first exterior pocket 34a is located on the front portion 16 of the sack 12. The second exterior pocket 34b is located on the first side portion 22 of the sack 12. The first and second exterior pockets 34a, b provide additional storage for other articles such as a user’s belongings. In particular, the first and second exterior pockets 34a, b provide convenient and easily accessible storage for small articles such as electronic devices or documentation that, in use, may need to be retrieved quickly and/or may otherwise be difficult to retrieve from the relatively larger second interior pocket.

The apparatus 10 comprises a pair of shoulder carry straps 36 attached to the sack 12. The shoulder carry straps 36 are attached to the back portion 14 of the sack 12. Each shoulder carry strap 36 has a first end 38 attached to the back portion 14 of the sack 12 at a location proximate the top portion 18 of the sack 12, and a second end 40 attached to the back portion 14 of the sack 12 at a location proximate the bottom portion 20 of the sack 12, thereby forming loops suitable for being located around a user’s shoulders which facilitate the apparatus 10 being carried on a user’s back.

Carrying items on one’s back has benefits such as the ability to carry a greater load and the ability to carry a load for a longer duration because the load is evenly distributed over a large area of the body. The apparatus 10 further comprises a hand carry strap 42 connected to the sack 12. The hand carry strap 42 is attached to the top portion 18 of the sack 12. The hand carry strap 42 is attached to the top portion 18 of the sack at a position proximate the back portion 14 of the sack 12. The hand carry strap 42 comprises first and second ends that are attached to the sack 12, thereby the hand carry strap 42 forms a loop suitable for being grasped by a user’s hand.

While in the illustrated apparatus 10, the hand carry strap 42 is attached to the top portion 18, the hand carry strap 42may alternatively be attached to any other portion of the sack 12.

The shoulder carry straps 36, and hand carry strap 42 beneficially provides flexibility in the means of carrying the apparatus 10, and therefore convenience for use of the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 may comprise fewer or more carry straps for carrying the apparatus in the stowed configuration.

The sack 12 further comprises a reinforced portion 44. The reinforced portion 44 is located on the front portion 16 of the sack 12. The reinforced portion 44 comprises slits 46. In use of the apparatus in the stowed configuration, other articles can be attached to the reinforced portion 44 via the slits 46 for transportation, for example by threading shoe laces through the slits 46 to transport shoes.

Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the apparatus 10 in the deployed configuration, with the sleeping bag 28 removed from the first interior pocket of the sack 12 while still connected via the connection arrangement 30.

As shown in Figure 2, the sleeping bag 28 comprises an elongate fabric tube 47 having a closed end 48 and an open end 50. The elongate tube 47 is sized such that at least the feet to shoulders of a user fit within the elongate tube 47. In use, the user’s head is positioned at and may protrude from the open end 50. The elongate tube 47 comprises a slit 51 extending from the open end 50. The slit 51 is releasably closable via a zip 52.

In use, the slit 51 provides ease of ingress to and egress from the sleeping bag 28 for a user. By closing the zip 52, the user’s body from their shoulders to their feet will be surrounded by the sleeping bag 28, thereby providing warmth and comfort to the user.

The sleeping bag 28 further comprises an interior pocket 54 (shown in hidden detail in Figure 2). The interior pocket 54 takes the form of a pouch attached to the inside of the tube 47. The interior pocket 54 is sized to be suitable for holding a user’s essential items such as a mobile phone, a passport, or other documentation. The interior pocket 54 provides a security mechanism for such items whilst the apparatus 10 is in the deployed configuration.

As described above, the connection arrangement 30 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 28 and the sack 12. As shown in Figure 2, the connection arrangement 30 comprises a panel of material 56 extending between the sack 12 and the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28. The connection arrangement 30 is located at the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28, allowing a user sleeping in the sleeping bag 12 when the apparatus 10 is in the deployed configuration to utilise the sack 12 as a pillow.

As well as providing comfort to the user, this provides a security mechanism for other articles stored within the second interior pocket of the sack 12, as the articles could not be retrieved from the second interior pocket without disturbing the user of the apparatus 10 from their sleep.

The panel 56 is fixedly attached to the sack 12 inside the first interior pocket and releasably attached to the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28 via a zip 58. The zip 58 permits separation of the sleeping bag 28 and the sack 12 to facilitate, for example, cleaning of the sleeping bag 28, or replacement of either the sack 12 or the sleeping bag 28 if one has become worn beyond the point of use but the other is still in a usable condition.

While in the illustrated apparatus 10, the panel 56 is fixedly attached to the sack 12 inside the first interior pocket and releasably attached to the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28 via a zip 58, the connection panel 56 may alternatively be releasably attached to the sack 12 and fixedly attached to the sleeping bag 28. In further alternative, the connection panel 56 may be fixedly connected to both the sack 12 and the sleeping bag 28. The connection panel 56 may comprise a releasable connection such as a zip.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a hood (not visible in Figure 2). The hood has a stored configuration (shown in Figure 2) and a deployed configuration. In the stored configuration, the hood is stowed in a pouch 60. The pouch 60 is attached to the panel 56. The pouch 60 comprises two closed sides two open sides, the open sides for entry and exit of the hood to and from the pouch 60. The pouch 60 is formed of a panel of material attached to the panel 56 along two sides. In other embodiments, the pouch may be formed to have three closed sides and one open side.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 110.

The apparatus 110 is similar to the apparatus 10 described above, with the exception of the form of the pouch 160 for the hood. The reference numerals used in respect of the apparatus 110 correspond to those used for corresponding features of the apparatus 10 incremented by 100.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus 110 in a stowed configuration, suitable for transportation. Figures 4 shows the apparatus 110 in a deployed configuration, suitable for use by a user.

As shown in Figure 3, the apparatus 110 comprises a sack 112. The sack 112 takes the general form of a rectangular prism comprising a back portion 114, a front portion 116, a top portion 118, a bottom portion 120, a first side portion 122 and a second side portion 124.

It will be understood that the terms back, front, top, bottom, and side in the present disclosure refer nominally to how the apparatus 110 is used.

The sack 112 defines a first interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 126. Within the first interior pocket (shown in Figure 4) is a sleeping bag 128 and a connection arrangement 130. The connection arrangement 130 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 128 and the sack 112 inside the first interior pocket, as will be described in greater detail below.

With continued reference to Figure 3, the sack 112 further defines a second interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 132. The first and second interior pockets are separated by an interior divider wall (not shown) of the sack 112. The second interior pocket provides storage for other articles such as a user’s belongings.

The sack 112 comprises first and second exterior pockets 134a, 134b. The first and second exterior pockets 134a, 134b are formed of material attached to the exterior of the sack 112. The first exterior pocket 134a is located on the front portion 116 of the sack 112. The second exterior pocket 134b is located on the first side portion 122 of the sack 112. The first and second exterior pockets 134a, b provide additional storage for other articles such as a user’s belongings. In particular, the first and second exterior pockets 134a,b provide convenient and easily accessible storage for small articles such as electronic devices or documentation that, in use, may need to be retrieved quickly and/or may otherwise be difficult to retrieve from the relatively larger second interior pocket.

The apparatus 110 comprises a pair of shoulder carry straps 136 attached to the sack 112. The shoulder carry straps 136 are attached to the back portion 114 of the sack 112. Each shoulder carry strap 136 has a first end 138 attached to the back portion 114 of the sack 112 at a location proximate the top portion 118 of the sack 112, and a second end 140 attached to the back portion 114 of the sack 112 at a location proximate the bottom portion 120 of the sack 112, thereby forming loops suitable for being located around a user’s shoulders which facilitate the apparatus 110 being carried on a user’s back.

Carrying items on one’s back has benefits such as the ability to carry a greater load and the ability to carry a load for a longer duration because the load is evenly distributed over a large area of the body.

The apparatus 110 further comprises a hand carry strap 142 connected to the sack 112. The hand carry strap 142 is attached to the top portion 118 of the sack 112. The hand carry strap 142 is attached to the top portion 118 of the sack at a position proximate the back portion 114 of the sack 112. The hand carry strap 142 comprises first and second ends that are attached to the sack 112; thereby the hand carry strap 142 forms a loop suitable for being grasped by a user’s hand.

While in the illustrated apparatus 110, the hand carry strap 142 is attached to the top portion 118, the hand carry strap 142 may alternatively be attached to any other portion of the sack 112.

The shoulder carry straps 136, and hand carry strap 142 beneficially provides flexibility in the means of carrying the apparatus 110, and therefore convenience for use of the apparatus 110. The apparatus 110 may comprise fewer or more carry straps for carrying the apparatus in the stowed configuration.

The sack 112 further comprises a reinforced portion 144. The reinforced portion 144 is located on the front portion 116 of the sack 112. The reinforced portion 144 comprises slits 146. In use of the apparatus in the stowed configuration, other articles can be attached to the reinforced portion 144 via the slits 146 for transportation, for example by threading shoe laces through the slits 146 to transport shoes.

Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings shows the apparatus 110 in the deployed configuration, with the sleeping bag 128 removed from the first interior pocket of the sack 112 while still connected via the connection arrangement 130.

As shown in Figure 4, the sleeping bag 128 comprises an elongate fabric tube 147 having a closed end 148 and an open end 150. The elongate tube 147 is sized such that at least the feet to shoulders of a user fit within the elongate tube 147. In use, the user’s head is positioned at and may protrude from the open end 150. The elongate tube 147 comprises a slit 151 extending from the open end 150. The slit 151 is releasably closable via a zip 152.

In use, the slit 151 provides ease of ingress to and egress from the sleeping bag 128 for a user. By closing the zip 152, the user’s body from their shoulders to their feet will be surrounded by the sleeping bag 128, thereby providing warmth and comfort to the user. The sleeping bag 128 further comprises an interior pocket 154 (shown in hidden detail in Figure 4). The interior pocket 154 takes the form of a pouch attached to the inside of the tube 147. The interior pocket 154 is sized to be suitable for holding a user’s essential items such as a mobile phone, a passport, or other documentation. The interior pocket 154 provides a security mechanism for such items whilst the apparatus 110 is in the deployed configuration.

As described above, the connection arrangement 130 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 128 and the sack 112. As shown in Figure 4, the connection arrangement 130 comprises a panel of material 156 extending between the sack 112 and the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128. The connection arrangement 130 is located at the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128, allowing a user sleeping in the sleeping bag 112 when the apparatus 110 is in the deployed configuration to utilise the sack 112 as a pillow.

As well as providing comfort to the user, this provides a security mechanism for other articles stored within the second interior pocket of the sack 112, as the articles could not be retrieved from the second interior pocket without disturbing the user of the apparatus 110 from their sleep.

The panel 156 is fixedly attached to the sack 112 inside the first interior pocket and releasably attached to the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 via a zip 158. The zip 158 permits separation of the sleeping bag 128 and the sack 112 to facilitate, for example, cleaning of the sleeping bag 128, or replacement of either the sack 112 or the sleeping bag 128 if one has become worn beyond the point of use but the other is still in a usable condition.

As shown in Figure 5, the pouch 160 is formed of a portion of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 that is folded back on itself and attached to the interior of the sleeping bag 128, thereby forming a tubular pouch 160 having two open ends for entry and exit of the hood 162 to and from the pouch 160. While in the illustrated apparatus 110, the tubular pouch 160 has two open ends for entry and exit of the hood 162, the pouch may take other forms, such as having three closed sides and one open side.

As shown in Figure 5, the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 is provided with first portions of complementary fasteners 164, the first portions being in the form of panels having a dense arrangement of hooks. The first portions of the complementary fasteners 164 are provided on a first side 166 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 proximate the connection arrangement 130, and on a second side 168 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 opposite the first side166. Opposing sides of the hood 162 are provided with second portions of complementary fasteners 164 (not visible in Figures 5 and 6), the second portions being in the form of panels having a dense arrangement of loops that form an attachment with the hooks of the first portions when brought into contact.

In its deployed configuration, as shown in Figure 6, the hood 162 is shown removed from the pouch 160 and the complementary fasteners 164 are releasably connected together. One of the opposing sides of the hood 162 is releasably connected to the first side 166 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 proximate the connection means 130, and the other of the opposing sides of the hood 162 is releasably connected to the second side 168 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128. In use, the hood 162 will cover the head of a user within the sleeping bag 128, thus providing privacy to the user. The hood 162, in use, may also provide additional protection and warmth to the user, in particular if the apparatus 110 is being used outside. The complimentary fasteners may take other forms, such as buttons, poppers or the like.

It will be recognised that the sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus described above is merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus comprising: a sack comprising an internal pocket therein for stowing a sleeping bag; at least one carry strap attachable to or forming part of the sack, the at least one carry strap configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus by a user; a sleeping bag for location in the internal pocket; and a connection arrangement configured to connect the sleeping bag and the sack, wherein the apparatus is configurable between a stowed configuration in which the sleeping bag is stowed within the internal pocket of the sack, and a deployed configuration in which the sleeping bag is removed from the internal pocket while connected to the sack by the connection arrangement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration, the sack forms a pillow for the user’s head.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection arrangement comprises a panel of material attached to the sack and the sleeping bag.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the panel is attached to the sleeping bag.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the panel is integrally formed with the sleeping bag.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the connection arrangement is attached to an open end of the sleeping bag.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the connection arrangement is attached to an internal surface of the internal pocket.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the connection arrangement comprises a releasable connection for releasably connecting the sack and the sleeping bag.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the releasable connection is located at an end or intermediate the panel.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the releasable connection comprises or takes the form of at least one of: a zip; one or more buttons; one or more poppers.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a releasable fastening for forming a closure to, and facilitating access to, the internal pocket.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the releasable fastening comprises or takes the form of a zip.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the sack comprises a second internal pocket separated from the first internal pocket by a divider portion of the sack.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, comprising a releasable fastening for forming a closure to, and facilitating access to, the second internal pocket.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the releasable fastening comprises or takes the form of a zip.

16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a reinforced portion.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the reinforced portion comprises a plurality of slits.

18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a pair of the carry straps.

19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a hood for covering a user’s head when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the sleeping bag or the connection arrangement comprises a storing arrangement for retaining the hood in a stored configuration.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the open end of the sleeping bag or the panel comprises the storing arrangement.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the hood is releasably connectable to the sleeping bag.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the open end of the sleeping bag and the hood comprise complementary releasable fastenings for releasably connecting the hood to the open end of the sleeping bag when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration.