Patent Application
20160198873
1. Field of the Invention
The invention lies in the field of outdoor equipment. It relates to a lying system as well as to a levelling device for a lying system, for use on uneven ground. The lying system includes a lying side and a supporting side, which lies opposite the lying side. The supporting side serves for the resting of the lying system on uneven ground.
2. Description of Related Art
A multitude of lying mats comprising air-filled chambers, which serve for damping and insulation to the ground, as well as for levelling small unevennesses of the ground, as are caused e.g. by smaller stones, is known from the state of the art.
Small unevennesses cause indentations on the supporting side of the lying mat in the position of use. The indentations are produced by the contact pressure. They are possible due to the fact that the wall of the lying mat is flexible and the air in the chambers can yield to the pressure and escape.
The mentioned indentations however do not arise until the lying mat is the position of use and lies on the ground, and when a contact pressure is produced, e.g. due to a lying person.
Such a lying mat however can only level out very small unevennesses. Larger unevennesses in the form of troughs, stones or mounds penetrate through to the lying surface and significantly compromise the lying comfort.
This is also the case if the ground is inclined. The lying surface also has a corresponding inclination in the case of conventional lying mats. An inclined lying surface however leads to a slipping of the person lying on the lying surface.
It is therefore the object of the invention, to provide a lying system as well as a levelling device of the initially mentioned type, wherein this system and device guarantee a high lying comfort even with greater ground unevennesses or ground inclinations.
The lying system according to the invention includes a levelling device with at least one levelling chamber, wherein the at least one levelling chamber is fillable with air in a manner such that the lying system outside the position of use can have locally adjustably different heights to the supporting side.
The at least one levelling chamber, as the case may be in interaction with the subsequently described delimiting device and/or stabilising device, can be filled with air, in particularly in a shape-maintaining manner.
The lying system in particular can already have locally adjustably different heights to the supporting side even before assuming the position of use.
The adjustability in particular can be achieved by way of a variable filling ability of the at least one levelling chamber with air.
The levelling device thus in particular represents a device for levelling out ground unevennesses.
The term “levelling chamber” is based on its function, specifically the levelling of ground unevennesses.
The term “levelling axis” is introduced here with reference to the levelling chamber, and the distance between the lying surface and the supporting surface and thus the height of the lying system is defined by way of this. For this reason, the extent of the expansion or extension of the at least one levelling chamber along the levelling axis is decisive for levelling ground unevennesses. The levelling axis in particular is perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the lying surface.
The supporting side can be adapted at least partly to the inclination and/or the unevennesses of the ground or the subsurface in this manner. The lying side thus in the position of use is more level and/or less inclined with respect to the ground. This means that the levelling device at least partly compensates the unevennesses or the inclination of the ground.
The supporting side is that side facing the ground. The supporting side in particular forms the ground contact side that serves for resting on the ground or subsurface. The supporting side in particular forms a support surface. The support surface e.g. includes a flexible outer wall.
The lying side is the side of the lying system or of the levelling system, which is distant to the ground, which is to say away from the ground. The lying side can form the lying surface with regard to the lying system. The lying surface e.g. is designed in a level manner. The lying surface e.g. includes a flexible outer wall.
The flexible outer wall can e.g. consist of or include a flexible sheet formation.
The levelling device can form a shape-maintaining relief to the supporting side and this relief is adapted to the unevenness or to the inclination of the ground or subsurface. The levelling device or the levelling chambers can be designed in a slip-preventing manner to the supporting side.
The lying system can include a main body that forms the lying surface or is arranged to the lying side. The main body can include one or more support chambers that are fillable with air.
The support chambers can be arranged next to one another in the longitudinal extension and/or transverse extension of the lying system. The support chambers can extend in the longitudinal direction. The support chambers can be tubular chambers. The tubular support chambers can run parallel to one another.
The main body in particular can include a lying mat with one or more support chambers which are fillable with air.
The term “support chamber” originates from its function, specifically the damping support of a person lying on the lying system.
The support chambers of the main body can be fillable with air independently of the levelling chambers. Several support chambers of the main body can be connected to one another and be fillable with air via a common air inlet or be fillable with air independently of one another and via individual air inlets. The support chambers of the main body can form a lying surface in the filled condition.
The levelling device e.g. permits the inclination of the ground to be leveled or compensated such that the lying side in the position of use is horizontally aligned or essentially horizontally inclined even given an inclined ground.
This levelling device can be designed such that it merely changes the (surface) shape of the supporting side for levelling unevennesses or a slope. The (surface) shape of the lying side remains unchanged for example by way of the application of the levelling device.
The lying system in particular includes a longitudinal side and a transverse side, for receiving a lying person. The levelling device can be designed such that a levelling is possible transversely as well as longitudinally to the lying system.
The levelling device can include a plurality of closed levelling chambers, which are fillable with air independently of one another via individual air inlets. “Closed levelling chambers” means that the levelling chambers are closed in an airtight manner to the outside as well as mutually.
The air inlets in particular serve for the air discharge, be it for adjusting the filling of the levelling chambers or for the complete emptying of the levelling chambers.
The levelling chambers however can also include separate air discharges, via which air can be discharged out of the levelling chambers.
The definition “independently fillable with air” is also to mean that several levelling chambers can be filled with air via a common air inlet, but that the air quantity in the levelling chambers can be individually adjusted by way the individual venting of air out of the levelling chambers. The levelling chambers comprise individual air outlets for this. This, for example, is possible if the levelling chambers are connected to one another via valves, such as check valves. These valves e.g. only permit the inflow of air into the levelling chamber, but not the discharge of air out of the levelling chamber.
The levelling device can include a plurality of open levelling chambers, which are fillable with air via a common air inlet. “Open levelling chambers” means that the levelling chambers although being closed off to the outside in an airtight manner, however are connected to one another such that air can circulate between the levelling chambers in both directions.
The air inlet in particular also serves for the discharge (venting) of air, be it for adjusting the filling of the levelling chambers or for the complete emptying of the levelling chambers.
A separate air outlet however can also be provided, via which air can be discharged out of the levelling chambers.
A mixed form of open as well as closed levelling chambers is likewise possible.
The air inlets in particular each comprise a closable opening. The air inlets in particular are valves for the controlled supply of air. The air outlets in particular each include a closable opening. The air outlets in particular are valves for the controlled discharge of air.
The levelling chambers can be partly delimited (open levelling chambers) or completely delimited (closed levelling chambers) to one another by way of inner-lying web connections and intermediate walls respectively. The web connections or intermediate walls also have the purpose of connecting an outer wall, which is to the supporting side, to an outer wall, which is to the lying side.
“Fillable” means that the chambers, in particular the levelling chambers are actively fillable with air, e.g. by way of a pump or by way of inflation by mouth.
“Fillable” however should also means that the chambers, in particular the levelling chambers are passively fillable with air, e.g. by way of producing a vacuum in the lying system.
Such a vacuum arises for example if, in the lying system, a force moving the chambers to expand is exerted upon them. Such an expansion force can be produced actively by way of pulling apart the chamber walls or passively by a restoring force.
The chambers, in particular the levelling chambers, can thus include a self-expanding inner structure. The inner structure e.g. can expand elastically into its operating position e.g. by way of opening an air inlet. With this procedure, air is passively sucked through the air inlet. The chamber volume, which shapes out by the expansion, is thus filled with air.
The inner structure can e.g. include an elastically deformable foam substance. The hollow chambers here in particular are formed by the pores of the foam material. The maintaining of the shape amongst other things is accomplished by way of the inner structure.
The passive fillability is also given if the compressed-together levelling chamber or its chamber walls are actively pulled apart along their levelling axis, by hand or by way of a device. The chamber volume, which is shaped out by way of the pulling-apart, is filled with air, which flows in through an open air inlet.
“Air” within the framework of this description is not limited to the air of the surroundings. Air can also otherwise be understood as a gas or gas mixture, which is suitable for filling the chambers.
The term “chamber” is to be understood in its broadest sense and include any type of cavity that is reversibly fillable with gas. Reversibly fillable with gas means that the gas can be discharged again, in order to thus repeatedly fill the chambers with gas.
The levelling chambers can therefore also include a pore structure. Thus the levelling chambers can e.g. include a foam material or another type of filling, e.g. with elastic characteristics. Here too, the height of the levelling chamber can be adjusted by way of a varying filling with air.
The levelling device includes one or more air inlets for filling the at least one levelling chamber with air.
The levelling device can e.g. include a plurality of levelling chambers that are fillable with air, in the form of (in the filled or partly filled condition) prominences to the supporting side. The levelling chambers forming the prominences can be closed or open levelling chambers, as mentioned. Thus each levelling chamber can have its own air inlet for filling with air.
One can envisage the levelling device including a group of levelling chambers, which are arranged above one another in the height of the lying system, i.e. along the levelling axis, and which, for example, form the prominence to the supporting side.
The levelling chambers can be individually fillable with air via suitable air inlets. A certain number of these levelling chambers are filled with air for example, depending on the desired height of the lying system in a certain region.
The levelling chambers can be integrally connected to one another. One can also envisage several levelling chambers being arranged above one another along the levelling axis and being able to be releasably connected to one another. The connection can e.g. be an insert connection or a Velcro connection. This is particularly the case with the spacing bodies that are mentioned further below. Thereby, at least the levelling chambers to be connected form independent spacing bodies.
The levelling device can comprise a plurality of such groups of levelling chambers. One can envisage the group of levelling chambers forming a spacing body that is releasably connectable to a main body. One can envisage the group of levelling chambers being an integral constituent of the lying system or of a main body. One can envisage only a first levelling chamber being an integral component of the lying system or of a main body.
The at least one levelling chamber can form a central recess. The at least one levelling chamber in particular can be designed annularly with a central cavity. The annular levelling chambers can have a circular, oval or polygonal (e.g. rectangular) cross section. The levelling chambers can be designed e.g. in a hollow-cylindrical manner.
The central recess for this can serve for connecting a separate spacing body to the levelling chamber, by way of an insert connection. The spacing body in particular includes an insert section for creating the insert connection.
The levelling chambers can moreover have a conical shape, which tapers to the supporting surface. The levelling chambers can also be column-like.
The at least one levelling device can be an integral part of the lying system or of a main body. In this case e.g. the mentioned levelling chambers, which e.g. form the prominences, are an integral part of the lying system or of the main body.
The levelling device can also be releasably connected to the lying system or to a main body. The mentioned levelling chambers that form the prominences, in this case can be designed as spacing bodies, which are releasably connectable to the main body, as will be described hereinafter.
The main body can include connection devices or means such as tabs, for fastening the compensation, respectively levelling device, in particular the associated spacing bodies, on the main body.
The prominences as already partly mentioned, to the supporting side can have the shape of columns, bumps, beads, feet, balls, rings or cones. A combination of several shapes of prominences is possible.
The prominences can also be designed in a wedge-like manner. The wedge-like prominences can taper into a tip to that side, in whose direction the height reduces. The wedge-like prominences in particular can be circle-segment-shaped. This embodiment of prominences in particular can include a self-expanding foam material.
The prominences in particular can be aligned in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction. The prominences can also be aligned diagonally. The prominences can be arranged in a crossing manner. The prominences can also be arranged in a circular shape, oval shape or arched formation.
The prominences can project away to the supporting side. The prominences with regard to their shape, number and distribution on the supporting side can be designed such that the lying system lies on the ground exclusively via the prominences.
The prominences are shaped out to a greater or lesser extent due to the different extent of the filling of the levelling chambers to the supporting side. The shaping out of the prominences in turn has an influence on the local height or thickness of the lying system. The supporting side can adapt to unevenness of the ground by way of locally different heights of the lying system.
According to a particular further development, the levelling device includes adjustable delimiting means, by way of which, on filling the at least one levelling chamber with air, the height of the lying system can be locally limited to an amount which is smaller than or equal to the height which is maximally possible which is to say is maximally achievable by the filling.
This means that the delimiting means can delimit the volume, fillable with air, of the at least one levelling chamber, before the filling with air. The delimiting means in particular limit the extension (expansion) of the levelling chamber along the levelling axis.
This has the advantage that the necessary adjustments for adapting the support surface to the ground can be carried out e.g. already before the filling of the levelling chambers with air.
Moreover, the levelling device thanks to the delimiting means can also include several open levelling chambers which are fillable with air via a common air inlet. This is because the delimitation of the filling volume of the individual levelling chambers can be individually set via the delimiting means despite the common filling with air.
One no longer has to pay attention to the filling volume with the subsequent filling of the levelling chambers, since this volume is already given by the delimiting means.
The delimiting means can additionally or alternatively be designed to bias a levelling chamber, which is partly filled with air, by way of the reduction of the expansion and thus of the volume of the levelling chamber along the levelling axis by way of actuating the delimiting means. The pressure in the inside of the levelling chamber is increased by way of the biasing.
One can also envisage an individual levelling chamber having several delimiting means, which are distributed over the supporting side. In this manner, an individual levelling chamber can form locally different heights or thicknesses of the lying system. Several delimiting means thus form a delimitation device.
One can moreover envisage individual levelling chambers each having individual delimiting means. With each of these levelling chambers therefore, the height of the lying system can be adjusted to an individual amount that is smaller than or equal to the maximal possible or maximally achievable height by way of filling the respective levelling chamber.
The delimiting means in particular can also be assigned to individual spacing bodies, which include individual or a group of levelling chambers.
If these levelling chambers form prominences, such as e.g. bumps, beads or feet, then the height of the prominence and this likewise the height of the lying system can be set at this location by way of the delimiting means.
The delimiting means can include a distance element. The distance element can be of one part or of several parts. The distance element in particular includes a distance-effective section. The distance element extends with the distance-effective section in particular with a direction component along the levelling axis.
The distance element can run within the levelling chamber. The distance element can run outside the levelling chamber, in particular along the chamber walls.
The distance element can be designed as a flexible, in particular limp body. The flexible body in particular can be an elongate body. A flexible elongate body according to this application can be a cord, a tab, a tape, a cable, a belt, a strap, a cord or a thread.
The extension, in particular the length of the distance-effective section in particular can be adjusted. The extension of the levelling chamber along the levelling axis can be adjusted in this manner. The extension, in particular the length of the distance-effective section in particular can be set via a fixation element.
The fixation element is actively connected to the distance element. Actively connected can mean mechanically connected or guided.
The fixation element can be a component that is independent of the distance element. The fixation element can also be attached on the distance element.
The fixation element can be displaceable relative to the distance element. The fixation element can include an open or closed through-opening, through which the distance element is led.
The fixation element can be designed as a clamping element.
The fixation element can be designed for tightening or lashing the distance element as a tightening element.
The distance element in particular can form pull tabs, via which the distance-effective length can be shortened by way of the fixation element.
The fixation element can be designed as a re-closable closure and include closure elements for shortening the distance-effective length. The closure elements can be integrated into the distance element.
The fixation element can be a tightening buckle, a clamping buckle or a cord stopper, e.g. cord and toggles. The closure can be a Velcro closure, which for example connects two end sections of the distance element to one another. The closure can also be a push button closure.
The distance element with one end can be fastened on a first wall and can be adjustably fixed in the region of a second wall, in particular an outer wall, via the fixation element, as the case may be together with a delimiting element.
The delimitation can be effected by way of the fixation element, as the case may be together with a delimiting element, being displaceable along a longitudinal extension of the distance element and being lockable, in particular able to be firmly clamped, at different locations on the distance element.
The delimitation can be effected by way of the distance element being able to be led through the fixation element, and being lockable, in particular firmly clampable, on the fixation element.
The delimitation can be effected by way of the distance-effective length of the distance element being able to be shortened by way of leading together and connecting two closure parts.
The delimiting means can additionally include a delimiting element, which delimits the extension of the levelling chamber. The delimiting element can be fixed on the distance element in particular by way of a fixation element.
The height of the lying system in the region of the distance element is e.g. adjustable by way of displacing the delimiting element relative to the distance element or along the levelling axis.
The delimiting element is fixable on the distance element via the fixation element, for fixing the delimitation. The fixation element can be designed as a separate component. The fixation element can also be an integral part of the delimiting element and for example form the delimiting element.
The delimiting element can include a through-opening through which the distance element is led.
The delimiting element can be a disc-like, beaker-like or plate-like or a voluminous body. The beaker-like or plate-like body can include a concave recess that is directed towards the levelling chamber.
The levelling device can moreover include a stabilisation device. This serves for accommodating transverse forces and for preventing the levelling chambers from being pressed away laterally due to the weight of the user.
Individual levelling chambers can thus be connected to one another to the supporting side, i.e. via outer walls. The connection can be effected via a flexible elongate body of the already defined type.
According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one flexible body, in particular elongate body of the type mentioned above can be led through below the supporting side of the lying system and spans over at least two levelling chambers. The at least one flexible body can e.g. be fixed on outer walls of the main body or the levelling chambers.
The stabilisation device can be combined with delimiting means of the type described above.
The length, as the case may be also the distance-effective length of the flexible body in particular is adjustable on the lying system via at least one fixation element of the type described above, so that the flexible body can be tensioned. As the case may be, the extension (expansion) of the levelling chamber(s) along the levelling axis can also be limited.
Several such flexible bodies can be provided. The flexible bodies can be arranged in the transverse direction, the longitudinal direction or running diagonally, on the lying system and led through below the supporting side.
The delimiting means can also include fixation elements such as re-closable closures, such as zip closures, push button closures or Velcro closures, which release a wall widening of the levelling chamber on opening. The height of the lying system can be enlarged by way of this.
The widening of the wall leads to an increase of the chamber volume. The wall widening can be reversed and the chamber volume reduced in size by way of closing the closures.
The wall widening can thus be arranged between closure parts of a closure. The wall widening is released by way of opening the closure.
The at least one levelling chamber, along the levelling axis can include one or more cross-sectional narrowings, which are distanced to one another and have the effect that a controlled fold structure is produced on compressing together the levelling chambers along the levelling axis.
The cross-sectional reductions can also be arranged at the transition between two levelling chambers, which are arranged above one another along the levelling axis.
The wall of the at least one levelling chamber in particular can form a bellows structure. Such a bellows structure is particularly suitable if levelling chambers are to be filled with air to a different extent, depending on the location at which the lying system is currently applied. The outer wall of the prominence can include a bellows structure for example.
The wall widening by way of closures in particular can be achieved via a bellows structure.
The description in the context of the delimiting means, the wall widening and the bellows structure particularly also relates to the spacing bodies, which is described in more detail hereinafter.
The at least one levelling chamber for example can extend over the complete length and/or over the complete width of the lying system. The levelling chamber can be formed in a wedge-like manner by way of filling with air, by way of one or more delimiting means mentioned above, e.g. for the purpose of adapting to a slope.
The lying system can be designed such that this has an intrinsic stiffness or intrinsic stability. Thus for example a main body can ensure an adequate intrinsic stiffness or intrinsic stability.
The lying system or the levelling device with the levelling chambers, if it is not loaded externally in compression, e.g. due to a person lying on this, in particular can be designed in a shape-stable manner, which is to say in a shape-maintaining manner. This means that the differently adjustable height of the at least one levelling chamber in particular is shape-maintaining.
The lying system or the main body can also be a lying mat and in particular an air mattress or insulation mat. The air mattress can be self-inflatable.
The support chambers according to an embodiment at the same time can form the levelling chambers of the levelling device. The support chambers form a cross section running parallel to the levelling axis. The chambers can have different cross-sectional sizes along the transverse direction. The chambers can have different cross-sectional sizes along the longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional sizes can be designed in a constantly reducing manner in one direction and constantly increasing manner in the opposite direction. The chambers can be designed in a wedge-shaped manner.
The lying system can be constructed in a single-part or multi-part manner. The levelling chambers, which form the prominences, can thus be an integral part of the lying system. The mentioned levelling chambers however can also be designed as independent spacing bodies, which are connectable to a main body which, in particular, forms the lying surface.
The levelling device in particular can include one or more spacing bodies that are releasably or integrally connected to the main body and extend to the supporting side.
The spacing bodies thereby correspond to the prominences on the supporting side. The above disclosure in the context of the levelling chambers formed as prominences therefore also relates to the spacing bodies in its entirety. In particular, this also relates to the shape of the prominences.
As a result, the levelling device according to a first variant can be an integral part of the lying system. The levelling device can form an integral unit, in particular with a main body of the mentioned type.
According to a second variant, the levelling device is designed as a separate device, which is connectable to a main body whilst forming a lying system. It is also possible for the main body to be positionable on the levelling device without the application of connection means, whilst forming the lying system.
The lying system in this case can be designed as a retrofit solution, according to which sleeping bags, tents or bivouac accommodation, lying mats and in particular air mattresses can be retrofitted with a levelling device.
The invention therefore also relates to a levelling device for a lying system, in particular for a lying system of the type described above, with a lying side and with a supporting side for the adaptation of the supporting side to ground unevennesses, so that in the position of use, the lying side is more level and/or less inclined, with respect to the ground.
The levelling device now comprises at least one spacing body with at least one levelling chamber which is fillable with air, wherein the levelling device or the at least one spacing body can be combined, in particular assembled, with a main body, into a lying system.
The at least one spacing body, e.g. as an individual body, is fastenable on the main body in particular to the supporting side. The fastening can be effected by way of an insert connection. As will be yet explained hereinafter, the spacing body can be stuck with an insert section into receiving openings on the main body. The fastening can also be effected in another manner, e.g. via a Velcro connection.
The levelling device according to an embodiment of the invention can form a pocket-like receiver for receiving a main body or a sleeping bag or a sleeping envelope or a ticking. Thus e.g. a lying mat or air mattress can be inserted into the pocket-like receiver.
Flexible elongate bodies such as tapes can also be provided instead of a pocket-like receiver, and these elongate bodies on the levelling device and towards the lying side form receiving loops, through which a main body can be inserted and fixed. The flexible elongate bodies for example can be designed elastically. The elongate bodies for example can be of an elastomer or comprise this.
The pocket-like receiver or the flexible elongate bodies can be constructed of several parts. Adjustment means permitting the adjustment of the size of the receiver or the receiving loop can be assigned to the pocket-like receiver or the flexible elongate body.
The levelling device can include a plurality of spacing bodies. The spacing bodies can be fixedly, i.e. non-releasably connected to one another, and form an assembly unit which can be combined, in particular assembled, with a main body of the lying system. It is also possible for several spacing bodies to be connectable via suitable connection means such as Velcro closures, push button closures, etc., into an assembly unit.
The at least one spacing body as already mentioned further above in the context of the prominences can include several levelling chambers, which are fillable with air independently of one another and which are arranged in particular along the levelling axis A. Accordingly, the levelling chambers comprises individual air inlets.
The at least one spacing body can include delimiting means for delimiting the filling volume of the at least one levelling chamber. The delimiting means can be of the type which has already been described above. The delimiting means in particular include a distance-effective length, which can be adjusted via fixation elements.
The spacing body or the levelling chamber, as has already been described above in the context of the prominences, can comprise one or more cross-sectional reductions of the type already mentioned above, along a levelling axis. The spacing body in particular can comprise a bellows structure.
According to an embodiment, the at least one spacing body in the air-filled condition forms at least one cone-shaped levelling chamber with a cone axis running transversely to the levelling axis. The cone shape can also include a truncated cone.
According to a further development of this embodiment, the levelling device has several of the mentioned cone-shaped levelling chambers. The cone-shaped levelling chambers can be individually filled with air via a common or several separate air inlets.
Several cone-shaped levelling chambers can be arranged over one another along the levelling axis. Several cone-shaped levelling chambers can be arranged next to one another on the supporting side. Several cone-shaped levelling chambers can also be arranged behind one another. Cone-shaped levelling chambers can also be directed counter to one another.
According to a further development of the invention, the levelling device can include a first group of cone-shaped levelling chambers, which are arranged next to one another and are equally aligned, and a second group of cone-shaped levelling chambers, which are arranged next to one another and are equally aligned. The first and second group of levelling chambers are directed counter to one another and meshingly engage into the cone-shaped intermediate spaces of the other group of cone-shaped levelling chambers. Both groups of cone-shaped levelling chambers in particular lie in a common plane.
The first and the second group of cone-shaped levelling chambers can form units, which are independent of one another and which can be joined together. The first and the second group of levelling chambers can also form an integral unit.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers of a group can be open, so that these can be commonly filled with air via an air inlet.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers of the first group are fillable with air independently of the cone-shaped levelling chambers of the second group. The two groups of levelling chambers therefore comprise individual air inlets.
Several such combinations of a first and second group of cone-shaped levelling chambers can be arranged above one another along a levelling axis.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers can have a different diameter. In particular, the cone-shaped levelling chambers of two groups mentioned above can have different diameters. Thus a first diameter e.g. can be e.g. 5 cm and a second diameter 10 cm. This permits the setting of different levelling heights.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers or cone-shaped levelling chamber of a group of levelling chambers can be connected to one another in a non-releasable or releasable manner, into an assembly unit.
Groups of levelling chambers as units can be non-releasably connected to one another or releasably connected to one another, into an assembly unit.
The levelling device with cone-shaped levelling chambers of the type and arrangement, which are described above, can also be an integral part of the lying system or be integrally connected to a main body.
A levelling device with several cone-shaped levelling chambers can for example be created by way of incorporating a zigzag-like connection seam between two surface elements laid over on one another and face-side connection seams. The connection seams can be weld seams.
An individual cone-shaped levelling body can e.g. be created by way of incorporating a V-seam between two sheet elements, which are laid on one another and a face-side closure seam.
The connection seams can be weld seams. These assume a cone shape due to the filling of the extensive levelling chambers with air.
An integral levelling device with a first and second group of levelling chambers that meshingly engage into one another can be created in this manner.
Also, only a first group of levelling chambers can be formed in this manner. Recesses can be provided instead of the second group of levelling chambers, for reasons of weight. Two such groups of levelling chambers can thereby be combined with one another into a levelling unit, in the manner described above.
The levelling device with cone-shaped levelling chambers, which is described above can also be applied as a retrofit solution.
Instead of cone-shaped levelling chambers, one or more levelling chambers that are wedge-like in the air-filled condition, with a wedge axis running transversely to the levelling axis can also be provided. Wedge-like levelling chambers of the type described above and which are directed counter to one another can overlap one another.
The cone-shaped levelling chamber can be actively or passively filled with air. The cone-shaped levelling chamber can be designed e.g. in a self-expanding manner. The cone-shaped levelling chamber in particular can contain self-expanding foam.
The main body or the levelling device can moreover include integrated reinforcement structures such as rods.
The lying system can be designed as an independent functional unit. The lying system can also be designed as part, in particular as a base part of a greater structure. The lying system can be an integral part of the greater structure, such as sleeping bag, sleeping envelope or bivouac accommodation, e.g. comprising a sleeping envelope, or be releasably connected to this.
The lying system can thus form the base part of a sleeping envelope or bivouac accommodation. The bivouac accommodation e.g. is designed for being outdoors or in places which are not heated.
The bivouac accommodation for example can be a bivouac accommodation as is described in the publication document WO 2012/094769.
The lying system can also form the base of a sleeping bag. The receiving envelope of the sleeping bag can be constructed analogously to a sleeping bag envelope. The body receiving envelope can be constructed in a multi-layered manner and for example include a thermally insulating material between two outer layers of a textile sheet material. The thermally insulating material can be down or a suitable filling material of synthetic material. The body receiving envelope can be releasably or non-releasably connected to the lying system.
The lying system according to the invention has the advantage that this can level unevennesses on the ground and in particular a slope, so that the user can assume a horizontal or at least essentially horizontal lying position independently of unevennesses of the ground.
The levelling chambers of the levelling device moreover ensure an optimal thermal insulation to the ground. The main body or the sleeping bag can be designed more thinly by way of this.
The subject-matter of the invention is explained in more detail by way of embodiment examples which are represented in the accompanying drawings. In each case are shown schematically in:
Basically, in the figures, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals.
The lying system 1 according to
A levelling device with a plurality of levelling chambers 4, which are fillable with air and which at least in the partly filled condition form bump-like prominences, is arranged to the supporting side 3. The lying system 1 lies on the ground 8 by way of the bump-like prominences (see
The levelling chambers 4 of the prominences are individually fillable with air. They accordingly include at least one valve 10. The height H of the prominences from the main body 6, and thus the total height of the lying mat 1 in the region of the prominence can be set via the degree of filling with air. The respective levelling chamber 4 can be filled with air to a corresponding amount, depending on whether an indentation, a mound or a gradient is to be compensated by the prominence.
A further embodiment variant of a levelling chamber 4′ or prominence is likewise represented in
The lying system 1 can include a stabilising device. Thus the prominences on the supporting side 3 can be connected to one another via extensive connection elements 12. The connection can e.g. be a Velcro connection. The connection helps the stabilisation of the lying system 1.
The lying system 21 or the levelling device comprises a lying side 22 and a supporting side 23, which lies opposite the lying side 22. The lying system 21 or the levelling device has a receiving pocket 26 with a pocket envelope 32. The receiving pocket 26 is arranged on the lying side 22 and forms a receiver for a conventional insulating mat or lying mat (e.g. a self-inflatable lying mat) or air mattress, for the purpose of forming the lying system.
A plurality of levelling chambers 24, which are fillable with air and which form bump-like prominences at least in the partly filled condition are arranged to the supporting side 23. The lying system 21 or the levelling device lies on the ground 8 by way of the bump-like prominences (see
The levelling chambers 24 of the prominences are individually fillable with air. Accordingly, they each include at least one valve 30. The height H of the prominences and thus the complete height of the lying system 21 or of the levelling device in the region of the prominence can be set by way of the degree of the filling with air.
The receiving pocket 26 is formed by a single-part or multi-part pocket envelope 32. The pocket envelope 32 in the specific embodiment example is designed in a two-part manner and includes two pocket parts 32a, 32b, which are separated from one another in the longitudinal direction. The two pocket parts 32a, 32b are releasably connected or connectable to one another, i.e. via a Velcro closure, in a manner such that the size of the receiving pocket 26 can be set, in particular with regard to its height.
An extensive pocket envelope connection element 35, which connects the two pocket parts 32a, 32b e.g. via a Velcro connection, is provided for connecting the pocket parts 32a, 32b.
The two pocket parts 32a′, 32b′ can also be connected to one another via an elastic draw-cord 35′.
The prominences can be connected to one another at the supporting side 23 via extensive connection elements 33. The connection can e.g. be a Velcro connection. The connection assists in the stabilisation of the lying system 21.
A further embodiment variant of a levelling chamber 24′ or prominence is likewise represented in
With the embodiment according to
The sleeping bag 63 with the body receiving sleeve can alternatively also be releasably connected to the levelling device.
The lying system 61 to the body receiving sleeve comprises a lying side 64 with a lying surface, and to the ground forms a supporting side 65. The levelling device of the lying system 61 likewise includes levelling chambers 66, which are individually fillable with air and which in the filled condition form prominences on the supporting side 65, for levelling unevenness or a gradient on the ground 8. The levelling chambers 66 includes suitable valves 68 for this.
A head underlay 69 can moreover be integrated into the lying system 61. This can likewise form a chamber that is fillable with air via a valve.
The lying system 81 or the levelling device comprises a lying side 82 and a supporting side 83, which lies opposite to the lying side 82. The lying system 81 or the levelling device includes a receiving pocket 83 with a pocket envelope 84. The receiving pocket 83 is arranged on the lying side 82 and forms a receiver for a conventional sleeping bag.
A plurality of levelling chambers 86, which are fillable with air and which form bump-like prominences at least in the partly filled condition, are arranged to the supporting side 83. The lying system 81 or the levelling device lies on the ground 8 by way of the bump-like prominences.
The levelling chambers 86 of the prominences here are also individually fillable with air. They accordingly each include at least one valve 88. The height H of the prominences and thus the total height of the lying system 81 or of the levelling device in the region of the prominence can be set via the degree of the filling with air.
The lying system 81 or the levelling device is adapted to a slope in the terrain 8, in the transverse direction as well as in the longitudinal direction. The deeper the terrain lies, the higher are the prominences formed—which is to say the greater are the levelling chambers 86 that form the prominences filled with air. The lying side 82 is aligned horizontally in the terrain by way of this, despite the slope. The levelling axis A, along which the height of the prominence can be adjusted, is likewise drawn in.
The lying system 101 according to
The levelling device of the lying system 101 includes a plurality of levelling chambers 104. The levelling chambers 104 are directed towards the supporting side 103 and form this. The levelling chambers 104 are moreover arranged next to one another and are fillable with air. The levelling chambers 104 at least in the partly filled condition form bump-like prominences. The lying system 101 lies with the bump-like prominences on the ground 8 (see
The levelling chambers 104 of the prominences are fillable with air via a common valve 110. The levelling chambers 104 are therefore connected to one another. The at least one support chamber of the main body 106 is likewise filled with air via the common valve 110. The at least one support chamber is therefore likewise connected to the levelling chambers 104.
The at least one support chamber however can also be fillable with air via a separate valve. The at least one support chamber is not connected to the levelling chambers in this case.
The levelling device of the lying system 101 moreover has delimiting means in the form of tensioning straps 113. The tensioning straps 113 are each led over the bump-like prominences of the levelling chambers 104 (here only shown on two levelling chambers). The distance-effective length of the tension strap 113 can be preset by way of a fixation element 114 such as a clamping buckle.
The preset tensioning strap 113 forms a height limitation for the levelling chamber 104 with the subsequent filling of the levelling chamber 104. The height H of the prominence of the levelling chamber 104 from the main body 106, and thus the total height of the lying system 101 can thus be set via the tensioning straps 113.
The tensioning strap 113 can also be led over several levelling chambers 104 and additionally hold these together for example (not shown).
Two different types of levelling chambers 104, 104′ are represented by way of example with regard to the lying system 101. These of course do not need to be realised together on a lying system. A first type of levelling chamber 104 corresponds to a full chamber. A second type of levelling chamber 104′ is annular and has a central cavity 111.
The bump-like levelling chambers 104, 104′ can be connected to one another on the supporting side 103 via a stabilisation device. The connection of the levelling chambers 104 assists the stabilisation of the lying system 101.
Thus two levelling chambers 104 can be connected to one another via one or more cords 112, 112′ or straps. Holding tabs with eyelets are therefore fastened on the levelling chambers 104. The cords 112, 112′ are now connected to the levelling chambers 104 via the eyelets.
According to a first embodiment, the cord 112 or the strap is led or tensioned over the levelling chamber 104 from the outer sides which are away from one another. The holding tabs with the eyelets are accordingly arranged on outer sides of the levelling chambers 104 which are away from one another.
According to a second embodiment, the cord 112 or the strap is led or tensioned between two outer sides of the levelling chambers 104, which face one another. The holding tabs with the eyelets are accordingly arranged on the outer sides of the levelling chambers 104, which face one another.
The arrangement of the stabilisation device, which is described above is shown in
The spacing bodies 201, 201′, 201″ according to
The chamber wall 205 includes a bellow structure. The bellows structure on reducing the chamber volume on account of a compression of the spacing body 201, 201′, 202″ along the levelling axis A ensures a controlled folding of the chamber wall 205 along the defined fold structure. The chamber wall 205 is designed of a flexurally rigid material, wherein the wall sections of the bellows structure can be folded together along fold axes. The chamber wall 205 can also be formed from a flexible material.
The spacer, respectively spacing bodies 201, 201′, 201″ moreover includes a valve 204 for filling the levelling chamber 23 with air. The spacing body 201, 201′, 201″ extends to a different extent along the levelling axis A due to the variable filling of the levelling chamber 203. Accordingly, the bellows structure unfolds which is to say expands to a different degree. The height of the spacing body 201, 201′, 201″ along the levelling axis A can therefore be accordingly set via a variable filling with air.
According to the embodiment according to
According to the embodiment according to
The flexible elongate bodies 207 are led along the outer wall of the spacing body 201″. The flexible elongate body 207 can be a tape (band), a cord, a string, a cable or a belt.
The spacing body 241, 241′, 241″ according to the
The spacing body 241, 241′, 241″ moreover includes a valve 244 for filling the levelling chamber 243 with air. The spacing body 241, 241′, 241′″ extends along the levelling axis A to a different extent due to the variable filling of the levelling chamber 243 with air. Accordingly, the height of the spacing body 241, 241′, 241″ along the levelling axis A can be adjusted.
An intermediate wall 249, which is to illustrate that a spacing body can be composed of several part-chambers that are arranged along the levelling axis A and that are individually fillable with air e.g. via separate valves 244, 244′, is drawn in
According to the embodiment according to
The first push button pair 246 consists of a first push button element on the outer wall of the spacing body 241′ and of a second push button element on the lower side of the main body 242. Both push button elements are arranged outside the levelling chamber 243.
A second push button closure pair 247 consists of a first push button element on the inner wall of the spacing body 241′ and of a second push button element on the lower side of the main body 241. Both push button elements are arranged in the levelling chamber 243.
The expansion of the spacing body 241′ on being filled with air can be mechanically limited to a defined amount due to the creation of the push button closure connections.
Closure elements other than push button closures, such as Velcro closures for example are likewise possible.
According to the embodiment of
The flexible elongate body 248 runs at the outer side along the chamber wall 245. The flexible elongate body 247 can be a tape, a cord, a string, a cable or a belt.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers 261 are fillable with air via a common valve 274. The cone-shaped levelling chambers 261 are delimited by connection seams 265.
Triangular intermediate spaces 262 are cut out between two adjacent cone-shaped levelling chambers 261. This is mainly for reasons of weight.
The levelling device 270 now includes a first group of cone-shaped levelling chambers 271, which are arranged next to one and are equally aligned, and a second group of cone-shaped levelling chambers 272, which are arranged next to one another and are equally aligned. The first and the second group of levelling chambers 271, 272 are directed counter to one another and meshingly engage into the cone-shaped intermediate spaces of the other group of cone-shaped levelling chambers 271, 272. The two groups of cone-shaped levelling chambers lie in a common plane. The levelling chambers 271, 272 are delimited to one another via connection seams 275.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers 271 of the first group are fillable with air via a common valve 274. The same also applies to the cone-shaped levelling chambers 272 of the second group. The cone-shaped levelling chambers 271 of the first group however are fillable with air independently of the cone-shaped levelling chambers 272 of the second group. Each group of levelling chambers 271, 272 therefore in each case has its own valve 274.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers 271 of the first group in each case have a different diameter than the cone-shaped levelling chambers 272 of the second group. This permits the setting of different levelling heights. However, one can also envisage all levelling chambers 271, 272 having the same diameter.
The levelling device 260, 270 can be manufactured by way of sheet elements, in particular textile sheet elements, being laid over one another and being connected to one another via zigzag-like connection seams 265, 275. The connection seams 265, 275 are linear. The connection seams in particular are weld seams.
According to the embodiment according to
According to the embodiment according to
The levelling device 160 now includes a first group of cone-shaped levelling chambers 161, which are arranged next to one and are equally aligned, and a second group of cone-shaped levelling chambers 162, which are arranged next to one another and are equally aligned. The first and the second group of levelling chambers 161, 162 are directed counter to one another and meshingly engage into the cone-shaped intermediate spaces of the other group of cone-shaped levelling chambers 161, 162. The two groups of cone-shaped levelling chambers lie in a common plane. The levelling chambers 161, 162 are delimited to one another in each case via connection seams 165.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers 161 of the first group are fillable with air via a common valve 164. The same also applies to the cone-shaped levelling chambers 162 of the second group. The cone-shaped levelling chambers 161 of the first group however are fillable with air independently of the cone-shaped levelling chambers 162 of the second group. Each group of levelling chambers 161, 162 therefore in each case has its own valve 164.
The cone-shaped levelling chambers 161 of the first group in each case have the same diameter as the cone-shaped levelling chambers 162 of the second group.
Additional cone-shaped levelling chambers 161′ are provided, in order to obtain a greater flexibility for setting the levelling height along the levelling axis A. These are aligned equally to the cone-shaped levelling chambers 161 of the first group. Thus in each case an additional cone-shaped levelling chamber 161′ is arranged on each cone-shaped levelling chamber 161 of the first group and is connected to this. The additional cone-shaped levelling chamber 161′ is therefore quasi doubled.
The connection can be a weld connection, which e.g. forms a longitudinal seam. The additional cone-shaped levelling chamber 161′ has a smaller diameter than the cone-shaped levelling chambers 161 of the first group. The cone-shaped levelling chambers 161, 161′ are each fillable with air independently of one another via individual valves 164.
However, as is illustrated e.g. in
The levelling device according to
The two units 171, 172 are now connected to one another in a fan-like manner at the end-sides which are on the cone tip side, e.g. via a welding connection.
Thus at least the fastening region B1 on the first unit 171 is connected to the fastening region B2 of the second unit 172, and the fastening region A1 on the first unit 171 is connected to the fastening region A2 on the second unit 172.
The fastening regions A1, B1; A2, B2 are arranged on the side of the units 171, 172, which is at the cone tip side, in the side corners.
Two or more than two such units 171, 172 can be composed in a fan-like manner into a levelling device 170 in this manner. The more units 171, 172 are connected to one another in a fan-like manner, the larger is the wedge angle of the levelling device 170.
The two units 171, 172 are fastened to one another in a manner such that these can be folded open in a flan-like manner for exerting their levelling function.
Eyelets 291 are arranged in the corners of the levelling device 291. The eyelets are recessed into the connection seams 295. The levelling device 290 moreover includes tapes 292a, 293b; 294c, 295d, which are led through the eyelets 291 and each form a receiving loop. The levelling device 290 can be connected via the tapes 292a, 293b; 294c, 295d to a main body such as a lying mat (not shown). The main body is led through two equally aligned loops 292a, 293b; 294c, 295d for this. The main body can be inserted parallel or perpendicularly to the cone axes due to the presence of four loops, which are aligned in pairs perpendicularly to one another. The tapes 292a, 293b; 294c, 295d can be rubber bands.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1409/13 | Aug 2013 | CH | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CH2014/000121 | 8/18/2014 | WO | 00 |
