Patent Application
20190290032
The present disclosure generally relates to sleeping bags.
People generally use sleeping bags when sleeping outdoors in various climates and at various times of the year. Some people use a light sleeping bag for mild weather and a heavier sleeping bag for colder weather.
Known sleeping bags may have a number of drawbacks or disadvantages. For example, some people use one sleeping bag and then add blankets for colder weather. A problem with blankets is they often slide off a sleeping bag during the night, leaving a user exposed to the cold. It may be difficult to find a blanket that is the correct shape and size to sufficiently cover the sleeping bag during use. It may also be difficult to find a blanket with ideal thermal properties that has been specifically designed for use in the outdoors.
Problems common with heavier, cold-weather sleeping bags may include: (1) there are cold areas around the edges of the sleeping bag, specifically along the hem at the foot of the sleeping bag and zippers that run down the side, and these cold areas may exist partly due to a lack of insulation, compression of the insulation, or separation of the insulation; (2) insulation is not efficiently used because manufactures tend to add insulation equally to the bottom layer and the top layer of the sleeping bag, and the insulation in the bottom layer may become compressed by the weight of a user's body, which may cause the insulation to be less effectual; and 3) additional insulation in the top layer and bottom layer of the sleeping bag may cause the sleeping bags to become heavy and bulky. The heavy and bulky nature of the sleeping bags may make transport difficult and inconvenient. In addition, the added weight may be significant, especially when hiking substantial distances, climbing, mountaineering, and the like.
There are some sleeping bags that include an optional insert that may be inserted inside the sleeping bag for added insulation or warmth. A problem with using the inserts is that the inserts often bunch up or slide to an undesirable location inside the sleeping bag. Also, the inserts are commonly made from materials such as fleece that are not as soft or comfortable to the touch as are the liners found in many sleeping bags. Furthermore, many inserts are not heavily insulated and provide little additional warmth or comfort.
A need therefore exists for a sleeping bag with an integrated quilt that eliminates or diminishes the above-described disadvantages and problems.
A sleeping bag with an integrated quilt may provide a warm and comfortable sleeping bag. For example, the sleeping bag with an integrated quilt may cover the less insulated areas of the sleeping bag with the integrated quilt. To do this effectively, the integrated quilt may be large enough to cover areas on the sleeping bag with less insulation such as the bottom hem and/or zipper. The sleeping bag with an integrated quilt may include a quilt that is securely attached to the sleeping bag. To do this effectively, the integrated quilt may need to be secured to the sleeping bag at various locations such that a user may comfortably move, change position, and/or sprawl without causing the integrated quilt to slide off of the sleeping bag and without the user being overly constricted. The sleeping bag with an integrated quilt may increase the efficiency of the sleeping bag. To do this effectively, the integrated quilt may need to be large enough to create at least a portion of a seal around one or more sides or other portions of the sleeping bag. The efficiency of the sleeping bag may also be increased by varying the direction of the seams and/or insulation chambers running through the integrated quilt with the direction of the seams and/or insulation chambers running through the sleeping bag. For example, the seams and/or insulation chambers of the quilt may be disposed at an angle relative to the seams and/or insulation chambers of the sleeping bag. In an exemplary embodiment, the seams and/or insulation chambers of the quilt and the seams and/or insulation chambers of the sleeping bag may be disposed at a right angle or perpendicular. The seams and/or insulation chambers of the quilt and the seams and/or insulation chambers of the sleeping bag may be disposed at other angles such as about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, about, 60 degrees, or about 75 degrees. After reviewing this disclosure, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the seams and/or insulation chambers of the quilt and the seams and/or insulation chambers of the sleeping bag may be disposed at other suitable angles, offset, and the like.
The sleeping bag with an integrated quilt may include one or more attachment points or portions such as buckles, buttons, clips, hooks, loops, snaps, ties, toggles, etc. The attachment points may be disposed on an outer portion of the sleeping bag, such as the outside edges of the sleeping bag. A quilt or blanket may be sized and configured to be attached to the sleeping bag. For example, the quilt may include one or more corresponding mating attachment points such as buckles, buttons, clips, hooks, loops, snaps, ties, toggles, etc. The quilt may be secured in place by the attachment points, so it may stay in place while in use. The quilt may be specifically sized so that it may drape over and seal the edges of the sleeping bag. The quilt may increase the efficiency of the sleeping bag the quilt may cover the areas of the sleeping bag that may lack insulation, where the insulation may be compressed, where the insulation may be separated, where seams or zippers occur, etc. Advantageously, the sleeping bag with the integrated quilt may allow the quilt to be attached or removed as desired. For example, if the sleeping bag is being used in a warmer environment, the quilt may not be need. Thus, the quilt may not be attached or the quilt may be removed. On the other hand, in colder environments, the quilt may be needed and the quilt may be attached. Beneficially, the quilt may be quickly and easily connected and/or disconnected from the sleeping bag, which may facilitate use of the sleeping bag. This may also allow a user to disconnect the quilt if they become too warm during use or connect the quilt if they are too cold. Thus, the sleeping bag with the integrated quilt may considerably expand the users of the sleeping bag.
A sleeping bag with an integrated quilt may be more versatile because it can be used in a number of locations and situations. In mild weather the sleeping bag may be used without the quilt. When a warmer sleeping bag is needed, a user may simply attach the integrated quilt to the sleeping bag.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments, and appended claims.
The appended drawings contain figures of exemplary embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Additionally, it will be appreciated that while the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales, relationships and configurations of the invention, the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The following exemplary embodiments are generally described in connection with sleeping bags with an integrated quilt. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to sleeping bags with an integrated quilt. In particular, the principles of the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt may be implemented in connection with other articles. In addition, it will be understood that, with the benefit of the present disclosure, the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt may have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements. Moreover, while the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt shown in the accompanying figures may be shown in a particular configuration, it will be appreciated the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt may have other suitable styles, arrangements, and configurations. Further, the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt disclosed herein and components thereof may be successfully used in connection with other types of articles and structures.
To assist in the description of exemplary embodiments of the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right, left, etc. may be used to describe the accompanying figures which may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale. It will further be appreciated the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt may be disposed in a variety of desired positions or orientations, and used in numerous locations, environments and arrangements.
The description of exemplary embodiments of the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt may be clarified by the following wording. While the wording may clarify exemplary embodiments of the sleeping bags with an integrated quilt, one skilled in the art will understand the wording may have other meanings after reviewing this disclosure.
A sleeping bag may have a shape or configuration such as an elongated tube. The sleeping bag may be closed on the foot and sides. The sleeping bag may be closed at the foot and on the sides by a zipper or other type of fastener. The sleeping bag may be portable bedding and may be used when sleeping outdoors. A primary purpose of the sleeping bag may be to provide warmth and thermal insulation. A secondary purpose of the sleeping bag may be to provide padding and comfort from the ground. The sleeping bag may include other features and aspects, such as a body portion and/or a top flap.
A sleep chamber may be the area within the body portion and the top flap of the sleeping bag wherein a user normally sleeps.
A shell of the sleeping bag may be the outer layer of fabric that is normally in contact with the open air and ground. The shell could be made with polyester, nylon, cotton, or the like. The inner fabric of the shell may promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag.
A liner of the sleeping bag may be the inner fabric that is normally in contact with a user inside the bag. The liner is often made with fabric that is soft and comfortable to the touch such as flannel or a synthetic. The inner fabric of the liner may be oriented in such a way that may promote the heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag.
The fill of the sleeping bag may be insulation and the insulation may be disposed between the liner and the shell. The fill may be natural (e.g., goose down) or man-made (e.g., polyester fiberfill). The fill may be oriented to promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag.
The top flap of the sleeping bag may be a panel of fabric that may be used to drape from the shoulders of a user and may extend beyond the top of the head of the user. The top flap may consist of an outer shell, fill, and/or liner. The outer shell, fill, and/or liner of the top flap may be oriented to promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag.
The quilt may be sized, shaped, configured, and/or arranged to be connected to the sleeping bag. The quilt may contain one or more seams and the seams may run across all or part of the width of the sleeping bag. The one or more seams may be used to couple the outer shell, fill, and/or liner of the sleeping bag, which may create one or more compartments or insulation chambers within the sleeping bag.
The sleeping bag may include one or more insulation chambers. The fill may be disposed in the sleeping bag insulation chambers and the fill may be used for padding and/or insulation purposes. The sleeping bag insulation chambers may be separated by seams, fabric, etc. The sleeping bag insulation chambers may run from a first side of the sleeping bag across the width of the sleeping bag to a second side of the sleeping bag, in a generally horizontal direction. The sleeping bag insulation chambers may be sized, shaped, and/or oriented to promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag. For example, the size, shape, and/or orientation of the sleeping bag insulation chambers may reduce the likelihood of the fill bunching and/or separating and causing cold areas within the sleeping bag. The sleeping bag insulation chambers may be sized, shaped, and/or oriented to promote the heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag, when coupled to the quilt.
The quilt may have a generally rectangular configuration when laid out flat. The quilt may be used to provide warmth to a user. The quilt may be laid out over the top of a user, may be wrapped around a user, may be laid underneath a user, etc. The quilt may provide warmth and thermal insulation. The quilt may be used in conjunction with a sleeping bag or other bedding to provide additional warmth and thermal insulation to a user. The quilt may provide padding and comfort from the ground.
The shell of the quilt may be the outer layer of fabric that is normally in contact with the open air and ground. The shell could be made with polyester, nylon, cotton, or the like. The fabric of the shell may be oriented to promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the quilt or the sleeping bag.
The liner of the quilt may be the inner fabric that is normally in contact with the sleeping bag when the quilt is coupled to the sleeping bag. The liner may be made with fabric that is soft and comfortable to the touch such as flannel or a synthetic. The inner fabric may promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag and/or quilt.
The quilt may include fill and the fill may be disposed between the shell and the liner. The fill may be natural (e.g., goose down), or man-made (e.g., polyester fiberfill). The fill may promote the heat retention and/or efficiency of the quilt or the sleeping bag.
The quilt may contain one or more seams and the seams may run across all or part of the length of the quilt. The one or more seams may couple the outer shell, the fill, and/or the liner of the quilt. The one or more seams may create one or more compartments or insulation chambers within the quilt.
The quilt insulation chambers may store the fill of the quilt for padding and insulation purposes. The quilt insulation chambers may be separated by seams, fabric, etc. The quilt insulation chambers may run from the head to the foot of the quilt. For example, the quilt insulation chambers may be disposed in a generally vertical direction across all or part of the entire length of the quilt. The quilt insulation chambers may be sized, shaped, and/or oriented to promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the quilt. For example, the size, shape, and/or orientation of the quilt insulation chambers may reduce the likelihood of the fill bunching and/or separating, which may cause cold areas within the quilt. The quilt insulation chambers may be sized, shaped, and/or oriented to interface with the sleeping bag. For example, the quilt insulation chambers may be sized, shaped, and/or oriented to interface with the sleeping bag to promote heat retention and/or efficiency of the sleeping bag when coupled to the sleeping bag.
The user may be a person using or sleeping in the sleeping bag, the quilt, or the sleeping bag assembly.
A detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the sleeping bag assembly now follows.
The sleeping bag 110 may include a body portion 112 and a top flap 114. The body portion 112 may include a top layer and a bottom layer, and the sleeping bag may have a generally tubular shape. The top layer and bottom layer may be coupled on the sides and at the foot of the body portion 112. One or both sides of the body portion 112 may have a zipper running across all or part of the entire length, which may create a way for the user 130 to open the sleeping bag 110 and get in, and then zip the sleeping bag 110 shut. The foot may have the zipper running across all or part of the entire length of the foot, for the purpose of venting at the foot or opening the sleeping bag into a flat rectangle. The sleeping bag may include one or more straps 117, which may be disposed at the foot. The sleeping bag 110 and/or body portion 112 may be rolled and/or folded and secured using the one or more straps 117 to facilitate storage and/or transport.
The body portion 112 may also include sleeping bag insulation chambers 116a-h wherein a fill may be stored for padding and insulation purposes. The sleeping bag insulation chambers 116a-h may be separated by seams, fabric, etc. As shown in
The top flap 114 may be coupled to the body portion 112 of the sleeping bag 110. The body portion 112 and the top flap 114 may be integrally constructed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. Alternatively, the body portion 112 and the top flap 114 may be independently constructed as two separate, distinct structures.
The top flap 114 may be coupled to the body portion 112 such that the entire body of the user 130, other than the head of the user 130, is sealed inside of a sleep chamber. The top flap 114 may be permanently sewn to the body portion 112, or may be detachable by employing a zipper(s), button(s), snap(s), clip(s), hook and loop(s) such as Velcro®, or other fastening methods.
The top flap 114 may be coupled to one or more edges or sides of the body portion 112. For example, the top flap 114 may be coupled to the body portion 112 at or near the head edge of a top layer of the body portion 112. The top flap 114 may be coupled to the body portion 112 at shoulder height of the user 130.
The top flap 114 may be coupled to a bottom layer of the body portion 112. The top flap 114 may be coupled to one or more edges or sides of the bottom layer of the body portion 112. For example, the top flap 114 may be coupled to the body portion 112 at or near the head edge of the bottom layer of the body portion 112.
The top flap 114 may include a head opening 119. The top flap 114 may include material and/or padding inside such that the top flap 114 may support the head and/or neck of the user 130. The head opening 119 in the top flap 114 may be large enough for an adult to pass their head through. The head opening 119 in the top flap 114 may come into contact with the neck, head, and/or face of the user 130 and may contain a softer fabric, or liner, sewn on top of, or used in place of the fabric that may be used for other portions of the sleeping bag assembly 100. The head opening 119 of the top flap 114 may comfortably seal around the neck of the user 130.
The quilt 120 may be sized and configured such that the quilt 120 may cover a portion of the sleeping bag 110. For example, the quilt 120 may be sized and configured such that the quilt 120 may cover the entire or at least a portion of the body portion 112 of the sleeping bag 110 when the quilt 120 is draped over the top of the sleeping bag 110. The quilt 120, draping over the sleeping bag 110, may form a seal which may help to trap the warmer air inside of the sleep chamber and/or the sleeping bag 110. The quilt 120, draping over the sleeping bag 110, may also cover areas of the sleeping bag 110 that may tend to allow warmer air to escape including, for example, the zipper, seams, areas where the fill may separate or bunch, etc. The quilt insulation chambers 126a-f of the quilt 120 may interface with the sleeping bag insulation chambers 116a-h such that the areas of the sleeping bag 110 that may tend to allow warmer air to escape are covered and insulated by the quilt 120. Advantageously, this may increase the heat retention and/or efficiency capabilities of the sleeping bag assembly 100.
The one or more attachment points 118 may be disposed at various locations of the sleeping bag assembly 100, such as the sleeping bag 110. The attachment points 118 may be integrally formed with the sleeping bag 110. The attachment points 118 may be connected to the sleeping bag 110 during the manufacturing process. The attachment points 118 may also be connected to the sleeping bag 110 after the manufacturing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment points 118 may be integratedly formed with the sleeping bag 110 at or near the corners of the sleeping bag 110 or the corners of the body portion 112. The attachment points 118 may be integratedly formed with the sleeping bag 110 near the coupling of the body portion 112 and the top flap 114. The attachment points 118 may include buckles, buttons, clips, hooks, loops, snaps, ties, toggles, etc. For example, as shown in
The one or more attachment points 128 may be disposed at various locations of the sleeping bag assembly 100, such as the quilt 120. The attachment points 128 may be integrally formed with the quilt 120. The attachment points 128 may be connected to the quilt 120 during the manufacturing process. The attachment points 128 may also be connected to the quilt 120 after the manufacturing process. For example, the one or more attachment points 128 may be integratedly formed with the quilt 120 at or near the corners of the quilt 120. The one or more attachment points 128 may include buckles, buttons, clips, hooks, loops, snaps, ties, toggles, etc. For example, as shown in
The one or more attachment points 118 may be configured to be coupled to the one or more attachment points 128. The one or more attachment points 118 may include a female portion that may be configured to be coupled to a corresponding male portion of the one or more attachment points 128. For example, as shown in
A location of the one or more attachment points 128 on the quilt 120 may correspond to a location of the one or more attachment points 118. For example, the one or more attachment points 118 may be disposed in the sleeping bag 110 near one or more corners of the top surface of the body portion 112 and the one or more attachment points 128 may be disposed in the bottom surface of the quilt 120 near the one or more rounded corners of the quilt 120 such that when the quilt 120 is placed on top of the sleeping bag 110 with the bottom surface of the quilt 120 in a face-down orientation, the one or more attachments points 118 may couple to the one or more attachment points 128. The top surface of the quilt 120 may be configured to be in a face-up orientation when the quilt 120 is coupled to the sleeping bag 110.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/645,331 entitled SLEEPING BAG WITH INTEGRATED QUILT, which was filed on Mar. 20, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62645331 | Mar 2018 | US |
