Patent Application
20220304487
The present invention relates generally to the field of sleeping bags. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved sleeping bag featuring integrated memory foam to provide comfort on hard surfaces and an adjustable heating element to keep individuals warm during cold outdoor temperatures. The sleeping bag comprises three heating zones to accommodate the head and neck area, back area and feet of the users. Each zone can be operated independently via a control panel. The heating zones of the sleeping bag include heating elements spread over different sections, that are powered using a standard power cord or a battery pack attached to a solar panel. The invention improves the overall camping or outdoor sleeping experience of the users. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, camping and hiking are enjoyed by individuals around the world. While camping or hiking, sleeping outdoors is an activity that is commonly performed by the users. Individuals usually carry sleeping bags along with other equipment while camping, hiking, hill walking, climbing or other similar adventures. Typical sleeping bags are lightweight, portable bedding comprising a covering or a quilt-like material in a tube-shaped structure, that can be closed with a fastening mechanism. Generally, the material of sleeping bags is relatively thin, and therefore most sleeping bags are unable to accommodate cold outdoor temperatures. When using sleeping bags in cold weather, individuals may not be insulated from the cooler ambient temperature and will be unable to enjoy the camping trip. Additionally, individuals may be uncomfortable and may not sleep properly inside the sleeping bag in cold weather conditions. Sleep discomfort negatively impacts the camping experience and can impact the subsequent activities of the trip.
Additionally, while camping, hiking or during other adventures, the surface on which sleeping bags are placed may be uneven, hard and stony. Standard sleeping bags are quite uncomfortable when used on hard and uneven ground. Individuals may be unable to sleep properly on the ground all night without proper padding in, or under, standard sleeping bags.
To overcome the above issues, individuals may carry mattresses or padding separately to support the sleeping bag over uneven surfaces. However, it becomes difficult to carry heavy mattresses or padding supports while camping, trekking and more, and puts additional burden on the individuals. Further, the mattresses may only provide a padded surface for sleeping bags, and individuals may still be unable to sleep properly in cold weather conditions.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a sleeping bag that is lightweight and that can be easily be carried while camping, trekking, hiking and more. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved sleeping bag that provides a comfortable experience while lying on sleeping bags placed on uneven and rocky ground. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a sleeping bag that integrates padding support and allows the users to sleep comfortably all through the night while on the ground. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a sleeping bag that prevents the users from cold weather conditions and allows them to sleep comfortably. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a sleeping device that eliminates the need to carry additional mattresses or padding supports independently. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved sleeping bag that keeps individuals warm in the outdoors and prevents them from becoming cold and uncomfortable. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved sleeping bag that improves the overall outdoor sleeping experience.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a heated sleeping bag. More specifically, the sleeping bag includes: a generally rectangular memory foam base; the base having two longitudinal edges, a head end and a foot end; and, a waterproof top cover dimensioned to cover the memory foam base that attaches to the base along the longitudinal edges, the head end and the foot end. The foam base includes a plurality of integrated heating elements, wherein a first heating element is for a head and neck portion of the user, a second heating element is for a back and abdomen portion, and a third heating element is for legs and feet of the user. The heating of each heating element can be individually adjusted using a wired or wirelessly connected control panel. The heating elements receive power through an internal battery or directly through a plug and cord inserted into an electrical outlet.
In this manner, the novel heated sleeping bag of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively easy and comfortable solution to allow the users to sleep comfortably inside the sleeping bag on hard and stony ground while camping, hiking, trekking, and more. The heated sleeping bag of the present invention is also user friendly, as it ensures the user stays warm in cold weather conditions and remains comfortable while sleeping outdoors. The integrated memory foam padding eliminates the need to carry mattresses or pads separately and improves the overall outdoor sleeping experience while camping, hiking, trekking and more.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a heated sleeping bag. More specifically, the sleeping bag includes: a generally rectangular memory foam base; the base having two longitudinal edges, a head end, and a foot end; and, a waterproof top cover dimensioned to cover the memory foam base that attaches to the base along the longitudinal edges, the head end and the foot end. The foam base includes a plurality of integrated heating elements, wherein a first heating element is for a head and neck portion of the user, a second heating element is for a back and abdomen portion, and a third heating element is for the legs and feet of the user. The temperature of each heating element can be individually adjusted using a wired or wirelessly connected control panel. The heating elements receive power through an internal battery or directly through a plug and cord inserted into an electrical outlet.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a personal memory foam sleeping bag is disclosed. The memory foam sleeping bag includes: a rectangular memory foam lower portion; a rectangular upper cover dimensioned to cover the lower portion; the upper cover is partially sewn and partially fastened through a zipper to the lower portion; a flexible solar panel is removably attached to the outer surface of the upper cover for converting solar energy into electrical energy to charge an internal battery; a plurality of heating elements connected to a power circuit to receive power from the internal battery or through a cord; a control panel to separately control heating of the heating elements; and, a pouch to store one or more personal items or an electrical cord. The heating elements maintain an elevated temperature to the sleeping bag in cold weather and the memory foam lower portion accommodates sleeping on hard ground.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sleeping bag can be folded or rolled using a plurality of straps for storage and easy carrying. The sleeping bag includes a soft memory foam base padding including three independent heating zones to accommodate the head and neck, the abdomen and back and the legs and feet of a user. The heating zones can be independently controlled and adjusted using a control panel. The sleeping bag can use solar energy for heating and offers a way for individuals to stay warm and comfortable outdoors during low ambient temperatures.
In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a personal solar and electrically-heated sleeping bag is disclosed. The sleeping bag includes an upper layer used as a blanket or fleece, a lower memory foam padding portion, a flexible solar panel removably attached to the upper layer, and a plurality of heating elements controlled individually by a control panel. The heating elements can be powered by an internal battery or a regular electrical power outlet. The internal battery can be charged by the solar panel. The internal battery can also be charged using the regular electrical power outlet. The upper layer covers a user lying on the memory foam pad and the heating elements provide warmth to the user as per the preferences of the user.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a sleeping bag that is lightweight and that can be easily be carried while camping, trekking, hiking and more. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved sleeping bag that provides a comfortable experience even when the sleeping bags are placed on uneven and rocky ground. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a sleeping bag that integrates padding support and allows the users to sleep comfortably all through the night while on the ground. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a sleeping bag that protects the users from cold weather conditions and allows them to sleep comfortably. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a sleeping device that eliminates the need to carry additional mattresses or padding supports independently. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved sleeping bag that keeps individuals warm in the outdoors and prevents them from freezing and becoming uncomfortable. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved sleeping bag that improves the overall outdoor sleeping experience.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel personal memory foam sleeping bag. The memory foam sleeping bag includes a rectangular memory foam lower portion, a rectangular upper cover dimensioned to cover the lower portion, the upper cover is partially sewn and partially fastened through a zipper to the lower portion, a solar panel for converting solar energy into electrical energy to charge an internal battery, a plurality of heating elements connected to a power circuit to receive power from the internal battery or through a cord, and a control panel to control heating of the heating elements and a pouch to store one or more personal items or said cord. The heating elements maintain a high temperature in cold weather and the memory foam lower portion accommodates sleeping on hard ground.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The heated sleeping bag 100 includes a lower rectangular memory foam portion 102 and an upper rectangular cover 104. Both the memory foam portion 102 and the upper cover 104 have longitudinal sides shown as 112, 114, a head end 108, and a foot end 110. The upper cover 104 is selectively fastened to the lower portion 102 through a fastener 106 such as a zipper fastener or hook and loop fastener along the edges, head end, and the foot end. Alternatively, a portion of the upper cover 104 can be permanently sewn to the lower portion 102 at the foot end 110. A user wishing to get in the sleeping bag 100 can enter through the head end 108 by unfastening the upper cover 104 from the lower portion 102. Alternatively, the upper cover can be in a permanent open orientation relative to the lower portion proximal to the head end (not illustrated).
The upper cover 104 can be constructed of resilient waterproof material such as nylon that is tear-resistant and durable. In one potential embodiment, a plurality of heating elements 116 (shown in dashed lines) are embedded in the integrated memory foam 102 and are connected to a built-in battery 122 for providing power to the heating elements 116. The heating elements 116 are present along the surface of the memory foam 102 and can be activated using a control panel (not shown in
The internal battery 122 can be a lithium-ion battery and can be connected through an internal wired mechanism to a solar panel 118. The solar panel 118 can be removably fastened to the exterior surface of the upper cover 104 and can absorb sunlight for conversion into electric power. The solar panel 118 can be constructed with a layer of fabric for fastening to the upper cover 102. The solar panel 118 can be fastened using a snap button, hook and loop fastener or any other magnetic fastener. The solar panel 118 comprises a plurality of thin, flexible, square-shaped solar cell modules. The solar panel 118 can be removed from the upper cover 104 in order to position the solar panel to receive optimal solar rays thereon. The solar panel 118 can be rolled up with the sleeping bag 100 without damaging the solar cell modules.
The upper cover 104 further includes a pocket 120 capable of storing a cord/plug 124 for charging the battery through a normal AC port. The upper cover 104 may include one or more pockets 120 to hold personal items of the users while they are lying in the sleeping bag 100. The internal battery 122 can be charged using the solar panel 118 or can be charged using power supplied from a regular power outlet. To roll the heated sleeping bed 100, one or more quick release straps 126, 128, 502, 504 can be attached to the upper surface of the sleeping bag 100, which can then be fastened to each other after rolling the sleeping bag 100 for easy carrying. When in a folded or rolled orientation, the solar panel 118 and the pouch with cord 124 can remain in an outward and accessible orientation, thereby allowing the sleeping bag 100 to be easily charged while the sleeping bag 100 is not in use (refer to
In one potential embodiment, one or more inflatable cushions, formed of an air-impermeable material can be commercially available with the heated sleeping bed 100 of the present invention. The upper cover 104 acts as a quilt cover for a user sleeping on the memory foam 102. The memory foam 102 can be of a desired firmness as per the preferences of a user.
In one potential embodiment, the dimensions of the sleeping bag 100 include 7′(L)×3′(W)×1′(H). For children, the dimensions of the sleeping bag 100 can be 5′(L)×2.5′(W)×0.75′(H). The sleeping bag 100 includes soft linings and a zipper can be used for convenient entry and exit from the sleeping bag.
The control panel 208 can control the individual heating elements 1161, 1162, 1163 wirelessly using Bluetooth 200. The sleeping bag 100 can have a waterproof Bluetooth module for establishing the Bluetooth connection. The control panel 208 includes a plurality of control buttons to turn OFF one or more individual heating elements. Also, the heating intensity of one or more heating elements can be customized as per the preferences of a user via the control panel 208.
The control panel 208 can be embedded on a surface of the sleeping bag 100 and can be connected through a wired mechanism with the heating elements. Both wireless and wired control of the heating elements are disclosed as alternative elements as described in the present disclosure. The control panel 208 controls the power provided by the internal battery to the heating elements to increase or decrease the heating of the heating elements.
To recharge the internal batteries, a wired charging electrical circuit is connected to the power supply for supplying power to the heating elements within the sleeping bag 100. Wired charging circuits and power circuits are well-known in the art and are therefore not described in detail.
A carrying cover can be provided to transport the heated sleeping bag or pad 100. The sleeping pad 100, when folded, fits within the carrying cover and allows the users to easily carry the sleeping pad 100 while camping, trekking or other adventures. Additional pouches may be provided on the carrying cover for storing other items of a user, such as additional cords or a smartphone.
In one potential embodiment, the control panel 208 can be present along one of the longitudinal edges of the sleeping bag 300. It should be appreciated that the control panel 208 and other electronic components of the sleeping bag can be positioned at any convenient place within or on the surface of the sleeping bag 300.
During use, the upper cover 104 is used as a fleece that protects the user 400 from rain and excessive sunlight. The control panel connected to each heating element allows the user to control heating to protect the user from cold weather conditions while sleeping outdoors. The user 400 can lie in the sleeping bag 100 in a prone, a supine and/or a lateral position, as per the desires and comfort of the user 400.
When the sleeping bag 100 is rolled, the flexible solar panel 118 remains positioned on top such that the solar panel 118 remains accessible to sunlight absorption (i.e. solar energy) in order to convert same into electrical energy for charging the heating elements. Through the charging circuit, the internal battery can maintain charging even when the bag 100 is being carried on a back of the user.
The heated sleeping bag 100, 300 can be made available in different sizes and colors to accommodate user needs and/or preferences, and the exact size, measurement, construction and design specifications of the sleeping bag 100, 300 of the present invention may vary upon manufacturing or the particular material that is used. The fleece or upper cover 104, 304 may further comprise logos, indicia, trademarks, geometric patterns, customizable colors and fonts, prints and/or images.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “heated sleeping bag”, “sleeping bag”, “personal sleeping bag”, “memory foam sleeping bag”, and “sleeping pad”, are interchangeable and refer to the heated sleeping bag 100, 300 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the heated sleeping bag 100, 300 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the heated sleeping bag 100, 300 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the heated sleeping bag 100, 300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the heated sleeping bag 100, 300 are important design parameters for user convenience, the heated sleeping bag 100, 300 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/165,900, which was filed on Mar. 25, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63165900 | Mar 2021 | US |
