SEGMENTED SLEEPING BAG SYSTEM

Abstract

A segmented sleeping bag is provided that can be used as a sleeping bag or can be transversely separated into constituent parts for alternative uses. In one alternative, one or more of the constituent parts may be used with a host sleeping bag to provide enhanced performance properties. In another alternative, one or more of the constituent parts of the segmented sleeping bag may be used as an article of clothing, such as a parka or cagoule.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a provides an illustration of a segmented sleeping bag.

FIG. 1 b provides an illustration of a segmented sleeping bag separated into its constituent parts.

FIG. 2 a depicts an exemplary use of an upper portion of the segmented bag.

FIG. 2 b depicts an exemplary use of a combined upper portion and middle portion of the segmented sleeping bag.

FIG. 3 a depicts a cut-away view of an assembly of a fully assembled segmented sleeping bag and a host sleeping bag.

FIG. 3 b depicts another cut-away view of an assembly of a fully assembled segmented sleeping bag and a host sleeping bag.

FIG. 3 c depicts an attachment mechanism for use with a segmented sleeping bag and a host sleeping bag.

FIG. 3 d depicts an assembly of a middle portion of the segmented sleeping bag and a host sleeping bag.

FIG. 4 a depicts an upper portion of the segmented sleeping bag and an associated releasable connector.

FIG. 4 b depicts a middle portion of the segmented sleeping bag having positioned releasable connectors.

FIGS. 5 a-5d depict exemplary embodiments of releasable closure mechanisms for use with a segmented sleeping bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a segmented sleeping bag configured to include detachable portions usable as an article of clothing and usable in combination with a host sleeping bag in order to provide compartmentalized use of the detachable portions.

FIG. 1 a provides an illustration of a segmented sleeping bag 100 according to one embodiment. Segmented sleeping bag 100 includes an upper portion 110 for covering a person's head and surrounding a portion of their torso, a middle portion 120 for surrounding a person's body from about their lower torso to about their knees, and a lower portion 130 for surrounding a person's legs from about their knees down around their feet. Middle portion 120 of segmented sleeping bag 100 is coupled to upper portion 110 via releasable connectors 115 at one end, and to lower portion 130 via releasable connectors 125 at the other end.

Segmented sleeping bag 100 further includes zipper closure 145 that extends along a longitudinal length of upper portion 110 in order to provide access to the segmented sleeping bag 100 when assembled, as in FIG. 1a. Upper portion 110 also includes a drawstring 135 that extends along the circumference of the opening of hood 150 so that the size of opening 155 can be adjusted. In addition, closure tabs 170 and 175 provide bag closure mechanisms for upper portion 110, and zipper closure 185, located along another longitudinal length of upper portion 110, may provide an opening for a user's arm to extend through, which is described further below.

Middle portion 120 additionally includes releasable connectors that extend longitudinally along its length. Coupling releasable connectors along the length of middle portion 120 enables middle portion 120 to be formed into a hollow elongated sleeve.

According to aspects of the invention, releasable connectors may include zippers, snaps (FIG. 5a), e.g., quick snaps that are easily broken apart and manufactured by Yale Hook and Eye Co., of Newark, N.J., hook and loop closures (FIG. 5b), and loop lacing (FIGS. 5c and 5d), for example. However, it should be understood that a variety of mechanisms may be used to provide releasable connectors, as described above and below, in addition to those described above. For example, any zippers used may either be non-locking zippers, easy-grab zippers or safety zippers. Moreover, zippers, snaps, or other closure mechanisms used may be of the type that allows the user to quickly open the segmented sleeping bag 100, and may be positioned on the inside of segmented sleeping bag 100 so that the closure mechanisms are easily accessible.

Furthermore, each segment of the segmented sleeping bag 100 may include a pocket 190a-c, and each may be situated on an exterior or interior of segmented sleeping bag 100. Pockets 190a-c may be used to stuff and store their respective portions of the bag, or may be used for other storage, for example. In some implementations, additional pockets or storage structures may be included on segmented sleeping bag 100. For example, pocket 190a′ may be affixed in an interior of upper portion 110, or in an interior of pocket 190a, and may be used for holding a tablet and pen or pencil. In another example, pocket 190a′ may be used to stuff and store upper portion 110, and pocket 190 may be used for other storage.

According to some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 1b, segmented sleeping bag 100 may be separated transversely into its constituent parts so that each of upper portion 110, middle portion 120, and lower portion 130 are separated from each other. The separated portions may be attached or reattached to each other via releasable connectors 115, 125 that may include connections such as snaps (FIG. 5a), hook and loop closures (FIG. 5b), and loop lacing (FIGS. 5c and 5d).

In some embodiments, mechanisms may be provided on the segmented sleeping bag 100 in order to provide insulation in the areas where the portions form a connection, e.g., where releasable connectors 115 and 125 are located. For example, in FIG. 1b, overlapping flaps 165a-d provide additional coverage in the areas where the portions couple together in order to avoid insulation gaps at the connection areas. This may be accomplished by configuring overlapping flaps 165a-d so that they extend around an outer circumference of each of upper, middle, and lower portions in a manner that parallels the areas of releasable connectors 115, 125. Thus, when the connections are made, overlapping flaps 165a and 165b, and 165c and 165d may be positioned so that they overlap each other. Moreover, overlapping flaps 165a-c may be configured to include drawstrings 160a-c, so that, for example, once overlapping flaps 165a-d are positioned, the drawstrings 160a-c may be tightened secure the overlapping flaps in position.

According to some embodiments, the upper, middle and lower portions of sleeping bag 100 may be used separately on a host sleeping bag, or individually, or may be used in combination with other portions.

In one example, depicted in FIG. 2a, upper portion 110 may be used as a jacket or parka because it includes arm openings 140 and 180, a hood 150 at a proximal end, and an adjustable opening at a distal end. According to this example, openings 140 and 180 may serve as arm holes for the parka and are formed by opening zipper closures 145 and 185, respectively. According to this embodiment, zipper closure 145 serves both as a vehicle for providing access to the fully assembled segmented sleeping bag, and as an opening for a user to extend their arm through. A separate zipper closure (not shown) may also be provided at or near zipper closure 185 in order to provide an opening for a user to extend their arm through. Zipper closures 145, 185 provide one example of a closing mechanism for openings 140 and 180. Other closure mechanisms such as snap buttons, Velcro, and hook and loop closures may also be provided.

The hood 150 has a drawstring 135 for adjusting the size of the opening 155 through which a user's head is exposed. Closure tab 170 serves to connect the areas of upper portion 110 at or near hood 150 and/or at the user's shoulder to allow upper portion 110 to be disposed on a user's body in a fashion similar to a parka. An additional closure tab 175 may also be provided in order to connect areas of the upper portion 110 at or near it's distal end so that at least part of the upper portion completely surrounds the circumference of a user's torso. Closure tabs may be constructed of materials such as hook and loop closures, quick snaps, buttons, or any fastening mechanism suitable for connecting two sides of upper portion 110 together. As an alternative to one or more of closure tabs 170 and 175, zipper closure 145 may be configured to close-off upper portion 110 at or near a user's shoulder and/or at or near the lower end of upper portion 110 while leaving opening 140 large enough to permit a user to extend their arm through.

Upper portion 110 farther includes drawstring 160a for adjusting the size of the opening at its distal end depending on the user's fit preference. Affixed pocket 190a is also provided on upper portion 110 and may serve both as a pocket for storing upper portion 110 when not in use, and as a place for a user to put their hands, for example.

FIG. 2 b. depicts another example of how the separated portions of the segmented sleeping bag 100 may be used. As can be seen in FIG. 2b, upper portion 110 and middle portion 120 are connected via releasable connectors 115, and lower portion 130 has been removed, leaving releasable connectors 125 in a released state. The combination of upper portion 110 and middle portion 120 forms a cagoule for a user to wear. The upper portion 110 of the cagoule may include the same features as the jacket or parka described in FIG. 2a, and further includes a middle portion 120 that surrounds a user's body down to an area at or near a user's knees. Middle portion 120 may include a drawstring 160b (not shown in FIG. 2b) located near the connection point between upper portion 110 and middle portion 120, and drawstring 160c located at or near the lower end of middle portion 120. Drawstring 160b and 160c serve as adjustment mechanisms to loosen or tighten the cagoule around the user's torso and legs, respectively, depending on the desired level of mobility, retained warmth, and/or fit. In addition, middle portion 120 may further include releasable connectors 195 in order to allow the middle portion 120 of the cagoule to be shortened, for example, to allow for more mobility by the user. These connectors 195 may be positioned inside the middle portion for selective attachment to the connectors 125.

According to additional implementations, segmented sleeping bag 100 may be used in combination with a host sleeping bag.

FIG. 3 a depicts a cut-away view of a fully assembled segmented sleeping bag 100 and host sleeping bag 200, according to one embodiment. In some instances, host sleeping bag 200 may resemble a traditional sleeping bag capable of fitting inside of segmented sleeping bag 100 but not specifically configured for use with segmented sleeping bag 100. In other instances, host sleeping bag 200 is designed specifically to fit inside of and be used with segmented sleeping bag 100. In FIG. 3a, host sleeping bag 200 is configured for use with segmented sleeping bag 100 and includes releasable connectors 205, 215, 225 that are complementary to and positioned to correspond to the locations of the releasable connectors 105, 115, 125, respectively, on segmented sleeping bag 100. This allows host sleeping bag 200 to be coupled to segmented sleeping bag 100 so that, for example, when a person moves, the movement of host sleeping bag 200 is translated to segmented sleeping bag 100. This may prevent a person from orientating the host sleeping bag 200 in a way that makes it uncomfortable or difficult to exit the sleeping bag assembly.

FIG. 3 b depicts another cut-away view of a fully assembled segmented sleeping bag 100 and host sleeping bag 200 showing how the releasable connectors couple the segmented sleeping bag 100 and the host sleeping bag 200 together. According to FIG. 3b, releasable connectors 205 of host sleeping bag 200 releasably couple with releasable connectors 105 of segmented sleeping bag 100. Similarly, releasable connectors 215 and 225 of host sleeping bag 200 releasably couple with releasable connectors 115 and 125 of segmented sleeping bag 100, respectively. Furthermore, releasable connectors 115 releasably couple upper portion 110 with middle portion 120, and releasable connectors 125 releasably couple middle portion 120 with lower portion 130. As a result, the portions of the segmented sleeping bag 100 are coupled to each other and to the host sleeping bag.

FIG. 3 c depicts one connection mechanism enabling the portions of the segmented sleeping bag 100 to be coupled to each other and to the host sleeping bag 200. Releasable connectors 215 disposed on host sleeping bag 200 include one side of a set of snaps facing upward and extending along the outer circumference of host sleeping bag 200. Releasable connectors 115″ disposed on middle portion 120 of segmented sleeping bag 100 also includes one set of snaps and extend along an inner circumference of middle portion. Releasable connectors 115′ disposed on upper portion 110 of segmented sleeping bag 100 extend along the circumference of upper portion 110, and include two sets of snaps, where the first set faces releasable connectors 215 and the second set faces releasable connectors 115″. According to this embodiment, the first set of releasable connectors 115′ on upper portion 110 are complimentary to and releasably couple to the set of snaps serving as releasable connectors 215. The second set of releasable connectors 115′ are complimentary to and releasably couple to releasable connectors 115″ disposed on middle portion 120. When releasable connectors 115′ couple to both releasable connectors 215 and releasable connectors 115″, the upper portion 110 and middle portion 120 of segmented sleeping bag 100 are releasably coupled, and host sleeping bag 200 is releasably coupled to upper portion 110, and thus to segmented sleeping bag 100 when fully assembled.

Because segmented sleeping bag 100 may be broken-down into its constituent parts, i.e. into a discrete upper portion 110, middle portion 120, and lower portion 130, and each may be separately coupled to host sleeping bag 200, compartmentalized use of the segmented sleeping bag 100 on host sleeping bag 200 may be employed. This may provide spot performance enhancement in the sleeping bag assembly in order to provide enhanced temperature-control, waterproofing, cushioning, and/or durability performance. For example, FIG. 3d depicts a sleeping bag assembly of a middle portion 120 of segmented sleeping bag 100 providing spot enhancement of temperature performance on host sleeping bag 200. This configuration may be useful for a user that is most comfortable with more insulation around their torso compared to the rest of their body.

In other embodiments, upper portion 110 of segmented sleeping bag 100 may be attached with host sleeping bag 200 to provide enhanced performance around the upper portion of the host sleeping bag 200 that covers a user's head and upper torso. Similarly, lower portion 130 may be coupled to host sleeping bag 200 to provide enhanced performance to the bottom portion of host sleeping bag 200 that surrounds a user's feet and lower legs. In certain aspects, combining one or more portions of the segmented sleeping bag 100 with the host sleeping bag 200 may result in improving the temperature rating of the host sleeping bag 200.

Moreover, it is possible for two portions of segmented sleeping bag to be coupled to host sleeping bag 200 separately or also to each other. For example, upper portion 110 and middle portion 120 may be coupled to each other via releasable connectors 115; and host sleeping bag 200 may couple to the combined upper and middle portions in a manner similar to the connection mechanism described in FIG. 3c.

According to further embodiments, an existing sleeping bag not initially having releasable connectors may serve as a host sleeping bag 200. For example, a hunter who has used the same sleeping bag for years may keep his sleeping bag and add releasable connectors to it. As a result, the hunter's sleeping bag may serve as a host sleeping bag 200 capable of coupling to segmented sleeping bag 100. In one example, hook and loop portions may be fitted onto a hunter's existing sleeping bag in positions that correspond to areas of the segmented sleeping bag 100 having pre-existing complimentary hook and loop portions. This may provide for the incremental addition of increased performance of heat retention properties, waterproofing, cushioning and/or durability on the retrofitted host sleeping bag 200. In another example, both a hunter's sleeping bag and a segmented sleeping bag 100 may be retrofitted with releasable connectors so that the user can determine the positioning of the complementary releasable connectors on both the segmented sleeping bag 100 and the hunter's sleeping bag. FIG. 4a illustrates the addition of releasable connectors 115 to an existing upper portion 110 of the segmented sleeping bag 100. According to this embodiment, releasable connectors 115 may be affixed to upper portion 110 under flap 165a. In some instances, the releasable connectors 115 on upper portion 110 may be configured the same as in FIG. 3c, i.e., as releasable connectors 115′, so that the upper portion may be combined with a host sleeping bag 200 and with middle portion 120. FIG. 4b illustrates middle portion 120 having been retrofitted with releasable connectors 115 attached at a proximal end, and releasable connectors 125 attached at a distal end. Releasable connectors 115 on middle portion 120 may also be configured the same as in FIG. 3c, i.e., as releasable connectors 115″, so that the upper portion 110 releasable connectors 115′ may releasably couple thereto.

Some implementations of the segmented sleeping bag may provide one or more reversible sections. This may allow a user to choose the appearance of the segmented bag when used for sleeping and when used as an article of clothing. In addition, the segmented sleeping bag, according to some aspects of the invention, may include additional storage areas, hooks, or clips for holding camping gear such as ammunition, fishing gear, or other articles commonly used when hunting or hiking.

It should be understood that the materials used to construct both the segmented sleeping bag and the host sleeping bag may be any materials suitable for a sleeping bag such as nylon, polyester, insulating materials, fleece, and various combinations of these and/or other suitable materials. For example, the materials may be selected depending on the desired level of temperature performance, waterproofing, cushioning, and/or durability. According to certain embodiments, materials chosen for use with a segmented sleeping bag may provide a high level of temperature performance, while materials chosen for use with a host sleeping bag may provide a high level of cushioning. In another example, both the segmented sleeping bag and the host sleeping bag are composed of materials that provide mid-level temperature performance so that in areas where the host sleeping bag receives a portion of the segmented sleeping bag, the combination provides a high level of temperature performance.

Furthermore, some implementations of a segmented sleeping bag may include portions that are constructed from materials different from other portions. For example, an upper and middle portion may be constructed of waterproof nylon, while the lower portion may be constructed of a high-performance insulation material. In yet another implementation, one side of a portion of the segmented sleeping bag 100 may be constructed of one material, and the other side of the portion may be constructed of another material. For example, an upper portion of a segmented sleeping bag may be constructed of waterproof nylon on a back side, while the front side is constructed with a breathable water-resistant fabric. Alternatively, a hood and shoulder area of the upper portion may be constructed of waterproof material, while the rest of the upper portion, i.e. the area surrounding the upper torso, may be constructed of breathable fleece.

Aspects of the invention enable a hunter to hike and camp with a host sleeping bag inserted into and/or releasably coupled to a segmented sleeping bag. This improves the heat retention properties of the host sleeping bag, and allows the hunter to use the upper portion or upper and middle portion of the segmented bag as a garment. The need to carry a jacket is thus eliminated, and the amount of bulk and weight carried by the hunter is reduced. In addition, the balance of the unused portion or portions of the segmented sleeping bag may be stored in an integrated storage pocket for easy stowing and transport. Including a segmented sleeping bag in a hunter's camping provisions may be helpful especially during transition seasons when the use of one or more portions of the segmented sleeping bag provides a desired amount of sleeping comfort and utility.

From the above description and drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the particular embodiments shown and described are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. References to details of particular embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag comprising: an upper portion having a first closure mechanism extending longitudinally on a first side of the upper portion for providing access to the segmented sleeping bag and for providing a first sealable arm opening, a second closure mechanism extending longitudinally on a second side of the upper portion for providing a second sealable arm opening, and an integrated hood disposed at a proximal end of the upper portion;a middle portion, said middle portion forming a sleeve and having a proximal end configured to be releasably coupleable to a distal end of the upper portion; anda lower portion forming a sleeve with a closed distal end, said lower portion comprising a proximal end configured to be releasably coupleable to a distal end of the middle portion,wherein when said middle portion is coupled to said upper portion and said lower portion, a hollow elongated sleeping bag is provided, and wherein when said upper portion stands alone, a parka is formed.

2. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein when said top portion and said middle portion are coupled and said lower portion detached, a cagoule is formed.

3. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, further comprising a host sleeping bag, said host sleeping bag configured to be releasably coupleable to the one or more portions of said segmented sleeping bag for providing compartmentalized use of the segmented sleeping bag on said host sleeping bag.

4. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein the upper and middle and middle and lower portions are releasably coupleable via quick snaps.

5. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein the upper and middle and middle and lower portions are releasably coupleable via hook and loop closures.

6. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein the upper and middle and middle and lower portions are releasably coupleable via loop lacing closures.

7. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein the integrated hood is further configured with a drawstring for providing an adjustable opening.

8. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said upper portion farther comprises a drawstring for adjusting the circumference of the upper portion at the distal end.

9. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein each of said proximal end and said distal end of said middle portion further comprise a drawstring for adjusting the circumference of the middle portion at each of the proximal end and the distal end.

10. The multi-purpose segmented sleeping bag of claim 1, wherein each of said upper portion, middle portion, and lower portion further comprise a pocket.

11. A sleeping bag system comprising: a segmented sleeping bag having an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion, wherein said middle portion is releasably attached to said upper portion at a first end and is releasably attached to said lower portion at a second end; anda host sleeping bag configured to detachably couple to one or more of the upper, middle, and lower portions of the segmented sleeping bag,wherein when said segmented sleeping bag is assembled with said upper portion, middle portion, and lower portion, it provides a hollow elongated sack in which said host sleeping bag can be received.

12. The sleeping bag system of claim 11, wherein said segmented sleeping bag comprises one or more sets of releasable connectors, said releasable connectors coupleable to one or more sets of complimentary releasable connectors disposed on said host sleeping bag.

13. The sleeping bag system of claim 12, wherein each of said upper portion, middle portion, and lower portion comprises one or more sets of releasable connectors coupleable to the one or more sets of complimentary releasable connectors on said host sleeping bag.

14. The sleeping bag system of claim 13, wherein said upper portion comprises an integrated hood section, said hood section comprising an opening with a set of releasable connectors coupleable to complementary releasable connectors on an integrated hood section of said host sleeping bag.

15. The sleeping bag system of claim 11, wherein said upper portion comprises a sealable opening extending longitudinally, and said host sleeping bag comprises a sealable opening extending longitudinally, and wherein said sealable opening of said segmented sleeping bag and said sealable opening of said host sleeping bag are positioned in general alignment to each other.

16. The sleeping bag system of claim 15, wherein one or more of said sealable openings comprise zipper openings.

17. The sleeping bag system of claim 15, wherein one or more of said sealable openings comprise quick snap openings.

18. A multi-purpose article for providing heat retention comprising: an outer sleeping bag parka, said outer sleeping bag parka comprising: at least two sealable arm openings;an integrated hood section;at least one resealable closure tab for defining a shoulder portion; andone or more sets of releasable connectors configured to couple to other camping provisions; andwherein said outer sleeping bag parka defines an elongated sleeve terminating at one end by integrating with the integrated hood section and open at the other end to provide an access opening having an adjustable circumference.

19. The multi-purpose article of claim 18, further comprising a host sleeping bag comprising one or more sets of complimentary releasable connectors configured to couple said host sleeping bag inside of said outer sleeping bag parka, said outer sleeping bag parka providing heat retention properties to said host sleeping bag.

20. The multi-purpose article of claim 18, further comprising an outer sleeping bag sleeve, said outer sleeping bag sleeve comprising one or more sets of releasable connectors at a proximal end that are complimentary to the one or more sets of releasable connectors on the outer sleeping bag parka, wherein said outer sleeping bag sleeve couples to said sleeping bag parka at said access opening to form a cagoule.

21. A sleeping bag system comprising: an outer sleeping bag portion having an integrated hood section at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end; anda host sleeping bag having an integrated hood section, said host sleeping bag configured to detachably couple to the outer sleeping bag portion,wherein said outer sleeping bag portion is configured to receive said host sleeping bag around a circumference of said host sleeping bag and said integrated hood section comprises an opening positioned complimentary to an opening of the integrated hood section of the host sleeping bag.

22. The sleeping bag system of claim 21, further comprising another outer sleeping bag portion, said another outer sleeping bag portion forming a sleeve and having a proximal end configured to be releasably coupleable to the distal end of the outer sleeping bag portion around the opening and/or to the host sleeping bag.

23. The sleeping bag system of claim 21, further comprising another outer sleeping bag portion forming a sleeve with a closed distal end, said another portion comprising a proximal end configured to be releasably coupleable to a distal end of said host sleeping bag.

24. A sleeping bag system comprising: an outer sleeping bag portion configurable as a sleeve; anda host sleeping bag configured to detachably couple to the outer sleeping bag portion,wherein the outer sleeping bag portion surrounds a circumference of the host sleeping bag and extends longitudinally along a length of the host sleeping bag between a distal end and a proximal end of the host sleeping bag.

25. The sleeping bag system of claim 24, further comprising another outer sleeping bag portion forming a sleeve with a closed distal end, said another portion comprising a proximal end configured to be releasably coupleable to said host sleeping bag at a distal end and/or to the outer sleeping bag portion at a distal end.

26. A sleeping bag system comprising: an outer sleeping bag portion comprising a sleeve with a closed distal end; anda host sleeping bag configured to detachably couple to the outer sleeping bag portion at a distal end,wherein the outer sleeping bag portion surrounds a circumference of the host sleeping bag and covers the distal end of the host sleeping bag.