SLEEPING BAG

Abstract

A sleeping bag, components thereof, and associated methods. The sleeping bad includes a bag body sized and shaped to receive a human lying down in a human-receiving interior of the bag body. The sleeping bag includes a left flap and right flap releasably connected to the bag body. The left flap and right flap are movable with respect to the bag body into overlapping and underlapping configurations to provide insulation and/or cushioning. The left flap and right flap are releasably connectable to the bag body.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to sleeping bags for use in various temperatures and conditions.

BACKGROUND

Sleeping bags are used by campers, hikers, hunters, and other people in various situations.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a sleeping bag for use by a human comprises a bag body. The bag body has an upper end and a lower end, a forward face and a rearward face, and left and right sides. The bag body includes a rear portion defining the rearward face and a front portion defining the forward face. The rear portion includes a rear portion top segment, a rear portion bottom segment, and rear portion left and right side segments. The rear portion has a length extending from the rear portion top segment to the rear portion bottom segment and a width extending from the rear portion left side segment to the rear portion right side segment. The rear portion is sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the rear portion. The front portion includes a front portion top segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and right side segments. The front portion has a length extending from the front portion top segment to the front portion bottom segment and a width extending from the front portion left side segment to the front portion right side segment. The front portion is sized and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear portion under the front portion. The bag body includes a human-receiving interior between the front and rear portions. The human-receiving interior is sized to receive the human to permit the human to lie on the rear portion when the human is in the human-receiving interior. The sleeping bag includes a left flap releasably connected to the bag body. The left flap has opposite front and rear faces. The left flap has a left flap top segment, a left flap bottom segment, and left flap left and right side segments. The left flap has a length extending from the left flap top segment to the left flap bottom segment and a width extending from the left flap left side segment to the left flap right side segment. The left flap, when releasably connected to the bag body, is movable with respect to the bag body to a left flap overlapping configuration and to a left flap underlapping configuration. The left flap when in the left flap overlapping configuration overlaps the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the left flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior. The left flap when in the left flap underlapping configuration underlaps the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the left flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior. The left flap is sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the left flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the left flap underlapping configuration. The sleeping bag includes a right flap releasably connected to the bag body. The right flap has opposite front and rear faces. The right flap has a right flap top segment, a right flap bottom segment, and right flap left and right side segments. The right flap has a length extending from the right flap top segment to the right flap bottom segment and a width extending from the right flap left side segment to the right flap right side segment. The right flap, when releasably connected to the bag body, is movable with respect to the bag body to a right flap overlapping configuration and to a right flap underlapping configuration. The right flap when in the right flap overlapping configuration overlaps the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior. The right flap when in the right flap underlapping configuration underlaps the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior. The right flap is sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the right flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the right flap underlapping configuration.

In another aspect, a sleeping bag for use by a human comprises a bag body having an upper end and a lower end, a forward face and a rearward face, and left and right sides. The bag body includes a rear portion defining the rearward face and a front portion defining the forward face. The rear portion includes a rear portion top segment, a rear portion bottom segment, and rear portion left and right side segments. The rear portion has a length extending from the rear portion top segment to the rear portion bottom segment and a width extending from the rear portion left side segment to the rear portion right side segment. The rear portion is sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the rear portion. The front portion includes a front portion top segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and right side segments. The front portion has a length extending from the front portion top segment to the front portion bottom segment and a width extending from the front portion left side segment to the front portion right side segment. The front portion is sized and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear portion under the front portion. The bag body defines a human-receiving interior between the front and rear portions. The human-receiving interior is sized to receive the human to permit the human to lie on the rear portion when the human is in the human-receiving interior. The sleeping bag includes a flap releasably connectable to the bag body outside the human-receiving interior. The flap has opposite front and rear faces. The flap has a flap top segment, a flap bottom segment, and flap left and right side segments. The flap has a length extending from the flap top segment to the flap bottom segment and a width extending from the flap left side segment to the flap right side segment. The flap is releasably connectable to the left and right sides of the bag body. The flap is configured to form at least one connection of a first connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the flap to the left side of the bag body and is configured to form at least one connection of a second connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the flap to the right side of the bag body. The first connection type is different from the second connection type. When the flap is releasably connected to the left or right side of the bag body, the flap is movable with respect to the bag body to a flap overlapping configuration and to a flap underlapping configuration. The flap when in the flap overlapping configuration overlaps the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior. The flap when in the flap underlapping configuration underlaps the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior. The flap is sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the flap underlapping configuration.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a sleeping bag of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective of a sleeping bag of a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the sleeping bag including a bag body, a left flap, and a right flap.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective of the sleeping bag of FIG. 2 without the left and right flaps.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective of the sleeping bag of FIG. 2 without the left and right flaps.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective of the left flap.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective of the right flap.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a flap connected to the bag body.

FIG. 8 a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the right flap in an overlapping configuration and the left flap in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the left flap and the right flap in overlapping configurations with the left flap overlapping the right flap.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the left flap and the right flap connected to the bag body and in overlapping, open configurations.

FIG. 11 a front perspective of the sleeping bag with the left flap in an underlapping configuration and the right flap in an open configuration.

FIG. 12 is a left perspective of the sleeping bag showing the left flap and the right flap in underlapping configurations with the right flap underlapping the left flap.

FIG. 13 is a right perspective of the sleeping bag showing the left and right flaps in the configurations shown in FIG. 12.

Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a sleeping bag of the present disclosure is indicated by 10. The sleeping bag 10 includes a bag body 12, a left flap or wing 13, and a right flap or wing 14. The sleeping bag is versatile for use in various cold, moderate, and warm temperatures. The flaps 13, 14 are configurable with respect to the bag body 12 to increase comfort of a user in the bag body 12 and/or to increase or decrease temperature rating of the sleeping bag for use in different temperatures. For example, the flaps 13, 14 can be used as additional insulation to maintain heat in the bag body 12 and/or as cushioning under the bag body.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the bag body 12 defines an interior 18 sized and shaped for receiving a human therein, such as for sleeping. The bag body 12 has an upper end, where the human's head would be located, and a lower end, where the human's feet would be located. The bag body includes a forward face (facing out of the page in FIG. 1) and a rearward face (facing into the page in FIG. 1). The bag body includes a left side and a right side extending between the upper and lower ends.

The bag body includes a rear portion 12A defining the rearward face and a front portion 12B defining the forward face. The rear portion 12A includes a rear portion top segment (which would underlie the human's head), a rear portion bottom segment (which would underlie the human's feet), and left and right rear portion side segments. The rear portion 12A has a length L1 (from rear portion top segment to bottom segment) and a width W1 (from side segment to side segment). The rear portion 12A is sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the rear portion. The front portion 12B includes a front portion top segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and right side segments. The front portion 12B has a length L2 (from front portion top segment to bottom segment) and a width W2 (from side segment to side segment). The front portion 12B is sized and shaped to substantially cover a human (e.g., cover most of the human, such as cover the human's body below the neck) lying down on the rear portion 12A under the front portion. The rear portion 12A left side segment is connected to the front portion 12B left side segment, and the left side of the bag body includes the rear portion left side segment and the front portion left side segment. The rear portion right side segment is connected to the front portion right side segment, and the right side of the bag body includes the rear portion right side segment and the front portion right side segment. The bottom segments of the front and rear portions 12B, 12A are connected to each other to form the bottom end of the bag body. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the upper end of the rear portion defines the top end of the bag body. The arrangement is such that the front and rear portions are connected to each other to define the human-receiving interior 18 of the bag body 12 between the front and rear portions. The interior 18 is sized and shaped to receive the human (e.g., adult human) therein, while the human lies on the rear portion 12A, to permit the human to sleep in the sleeping bag. It will be understood that the front and rear portions 12B, 12A can be formed separately from each other and then attached to each other (e.g., by sewing) along seams between the portions. Alternatively, the front and rear portions of the bag body or segments thereof could be formed integrally such that there are no seams at the connections of the front and rear portions

Desirably, the front portion 12B and rear portion 12A include respective inner and outer shells, and insulation material is provided between the shells.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first openable closure 16 is provided along the left side of the bag body 12 connecting the front portion 12B to the rear portion 12A, and a second openable closure 16 is provided along the right side of the bag body connecting the front portion 12B to the rear portion 12A. For example, the openable closures 16 may comprise zippers. The closures 16 are selectively openable to permit access to the human-receiving interior 18 by the human and closeable to close the closure 16 when the human is in the human-receiving interior,

Other configurations of bag bodies can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1, the left flap 13 and right flap 14 are shown extending laterally outward from the bag body 12 from the respective left and right sides of the bag body in open configurations of the flaps. The flaps each have opposite front and rear faces. In FIG. 1, the front faces face into the page, and the rear faces face out of the page. The flaps each have a top segment, a bottom segment, and left and right side segments. The flaps 13, 14 have lengths L3, L4 extending from the respective top segment to the bottom segment and widths W3, W4 extending between the respective left and right side segments. In the illustrated embodiment, the flaps 13, 14 are mirror images of each other and have essentially the same length and width. Desirably, the flaps are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the front portion 12B, but other sizes and shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The flaps 13, 14 can include respective front and rear shells (e.g., at least partially forming the respective front and rear faces), and insulation material between the shells.

The left flap 13 is releasably connected to the left side of the bag body 12, and the right flap 14 is releasably connected to the right side of the bag body. The flaps 13, 14 each include respective connectors configured to form releasable connections 21 with corresponding connectors of the bag body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each flap 13, 14 is connected to the bag body 12 by three connections 21. The connections for each flap are spaced from each other along the lengths of the bag body and flaps. For example, the connections can comprise buttons (e.g., toggle buttons) and openings (e.g., loops), with the buttons being on the bag body or flaps and the openings being on the other of the bag body or flaps. Other types of connectors (e.g., buckles, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc.) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, connectors such as zippers that extend along the length of the bag body and flaps can be used. The connectors are releasable so the user can selectively connect and disconnect one or both flaps.

The flaps 13, 14, are movable with respect to the bag body 12 (while remaining connected to the bag body) to arrange the flaps in in several different configurations. The left flap 13 and right flap 14 are each movable with respect to the bag body 12 to an overlapping configuration, an underlapping configuration, and an open configuration. When the respective flap 13, 14, is in its overlapping configuration, the flap overlaps the front face of the bag body 12, with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the bag body. When the respective flap is in its underlapping configuration, the flap underlaps the rear face of the bag body 12, with the front face of the flap facing forward to provide cushioning and/or insulation under the bag body. The flaps 13, 14 are sized and shaped to substantially cover the front face of the bag body 12 in the overlapping configurations and to substantially cover the rear face of the bag body in the underlapping configurations. As used herein, “substantially cover” means the flap covers at least 60% of the respective face of the bag body. However, other amounts of covering, such as 70%, 80%, or more, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The left flap 13 and right flap 14 are configurable to be in: 1) the respective left and right flap overlapping configurations at the same time (e.g., for maximum insulation), 2) the respective left and right flap underlapping configurations at the same time (e.g., for maximum cushioning), 3) the left flap overlapping and right flap underlapping configurations at the same time (for some insulation and cushioning), or 4) the left flap underlapping and right flap overlapping configurations at the same time (for some insulation and cushioning). In other examples, one flap 13, 14 may be used and the other flap not used (e.g., disconnected). In such examples, the single connected flap 13, 14 may be arranged to underlie or overlie the bag body 12. In yet other examples, both flaps 13, 14 are disconnected such that neither flap is used. For example, the flaps may be both disconnected to decrease weight of the sleeping bag. The flaps might not be needed if the sleeping bag will be used in moderate or warm temperatures.

It will be appreciated that the configurations of the flaps 13, 14, and how many of the flaps are used, can be selected by the user before a trip (e.g., while packing) and each time the user uses the sleeping bag 10. For example, if the user is traveling to a warm climate, one or both flaps 13, 14 may be disconnected from the bag body 12 and left at home. On the other hand, if the user is not concerned about carrying extra weight, the user may desire to bring one or both flaps 13, 14 and arrange the flap(s) to underlie the bag body 12 to provide cushioning under the bag body for increased comfort. If the trip involves sleeping in cold (e.g., outdoors) and warm (e.g., indoors) conditions, the user can reconfigure the sleeping bag 10 by re-arranging and/or disconnecting flaps 13, 14 from the bag body 12 to meet their desired sleeping comfort each time they use the sleeping bag based on the current conditions.

It will be appreciated that the closures 16 are fully closeable when the left and right flaps 13, 14 are releasably connected to the bag body and in the overlapping, underlapping, or open configurations.

The left flap 13 is selectively removable from the bag body 12 without removing the right flap 14 from the bag body, and the right flap is selectively removable from the bag body without removing the left flap from the bag body. In the illustrated embodiment, the left flap 13 and right flap 14 are connected to the bag body outside of the human receiving interior 18, and in particular outside the exterior surface of the bag body 12.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the flaps 13, 14 and bag body 12 could be configured to form additional releasable connections to secure the flaps in the desired overlapping or underlapping configurations. For example, additional connectors may be provided on sides of the flaps opposite the illustrated connectors. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the left side of the left flap 13 and the right side of the right flap 14 may include connectors similar to the other sides of the flaps. Such additional connectors may be connectable to connectors of the bag body 12 (the illustrated connectors or additional connectors) along the left and/or right sides of the bag body to secure the flaps in the desired configuration (e.g., overlapping or underlapping the bag body). Thus, when a user is using the sleeping bag, the flaps 13, 14 will be less likely to move out of their overlapping or underlapping configurations. Examples of such additional connectors are described below with respect to the second embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2-13, a second embodiment of a sleeping bag is shown, indicated by 110. The sleeping bag 110 is similar to the sleeping bag 10, and like features are indicated by like reference numbers, plus 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the sleeping bag 110 includes a bag body 112 sized and shaped for receiving a human in an interior 118 thereof, and includes flaps 113, 114.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bag body 112 includes an upper end, where the human's head would be located, and a lower end, where the human's feet would be located. The bag body 112 includes a forward face (facing out of the page in FIG. 3 and into the page in FIG. 4) and a rearward face (facing into the page in FIG. 3 and out of the page in FIG. 4). The bag body 112 includes left and right sides extending between the upper and lower ends.

The bag body 112 includes a rear portion 112A (FIG. 4) defining the rearward face and a front portion 112B (FIG. 3) defining the forward face. Referring to FIG. 4, the rear portion 112A includes a rear portion top segment 111A, a rear portion bottom segment 111B, and left and right rear portion side segments 111C, 111D. The rear portion 112A has a length L5 extending from the rear portion top segment 111A to the rear portion bottom segment 111B, and has a width W5 extending from the rear portion left side segment 111C to the rear portion right side segment 111D. The rear portion is sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the rear portion. The front portion 112B includes a front portion top segment 115A, a front portion bottom segment 115B, and front portion left and right side segments 115C, 115D. The front portion 112B has a length L6 extending from the front portion top segment 115A to the front portion bottom segment 115B and a width W6 extending from the front portion left side segment 115C to the front portion right side segment 115D. The front portion is sized and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear portion under the front portion (e.g., cover most of the human, such as the human's body below the neck). The rear portion 112A left side segment 111C is connected to the front portion 112B left side segment 115C at the left side of the bag body, the rear portion right side segment 111D is connected to the front portion right side segment 115D at the right side of the bag body, the rear portion top segment 111A is connected to the front portion top segment 115A at the upper end of the bag body, and the rear portion bottom segment 111B is connected to the front portion bottom segment 115B at the lower end of the bag body, to define the human-receiving interior 118 of the bag body between the front and rear portions. The human-receiving interior 118 is sized to receive the human to permit the human to lie on the rear portion 112A when the human is in the human-receiving interior. It will be understood that the front and rear portions 112B, 112A can be formed separately from each other and then attached to each other (e.g., by sewing) along seams between the portions. Alternatively, the front and rear portions of the bag body or segments thereof could be formed integrally such that there are no seams at the connections of the front and rear portions.

The front portion 112B and rear portion 112A of the bag body 112 can include respective inner and outer shells (e.g., at least partially forming the respective front and rear faces) and insulation material therebetween.

In the illustrated embodiment, an openable closure 116 is provided along the front face of the bag body 112. For example, the openable closure 116 may comprise a zipper. The closure 116 is selectively openable to permit access to the human-receiving interior 118 by the human and closeable to close the closure when the human is in the human-receiving interior.

Referring to FIG. 3, the bag body 112 includes a plurality of connectors 121B, 122B for releasably connecting the flaps 113, 114 to the bag body. A first set of connectors 121B (broadly, “primary connectors”) is provided at the left side of the bag body for connecting the left flap to the left side of the bag body. The illustrated first set of connectors includes five loop connectors spaced from each other along the length of the bag body and each comprising an opening for receiving a corresponding button connector of the left flap. A second set of connectors 122B (broadly, “secondary connectors”) is provided at the right side of the bag body for connecting the left flap to the right side of the bag body. The illustrated second set of connectors includes two snap connectors spaced from each other along the length of the bag body and each configured to make a snap connection with a corresponding snap connector of the left flap. The snap connectors may be connected to the bag body by a fabric strip. The first and second sets of connectors are configured to make different types of connections (e.g., button-type and snap-type connections) with the left flap. A third set of connectors 121B (broadly, “primary connectors”) is provided at the right side of the bag body for connecting the right flap to the right side of the bag body. The illustrated third set of connectors includes five loop connectors spaced from each other along the length of the bag body and each comprising an opening for receiving a button connector of the right flap. A fourth set of connectors 122B (broadly, “secondary connectors”) is provided at the left side of the bag body for connecting the right flap to the left side of the bag body. The illustrated fourth set of connectors includes two snap connectors spaced from each other along the length of the bag body and each configured to make a snap connection with a corresponding snap connector of the right flap. The snap connectors may be connected to the bag body by a fabric strip. The third and fourth sets of connectors are configured to make different types of connections (e.g., button-type and snap-type connections). Moreover, the first and third sets of connectors are configured to form connections of the same type (e.g., button-type connections), and the second and fourth sets of connectors are configured to form connections of the same type (e.g., snap-type connections). The bag body also includes a loop connector 121B between the left and right side segments toward the bottom end of the bag body for further connecting the flaps 113, 114 to the bag body (e.g., FIG. 10).

Other configurations of bag bodies can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, other types and arrangements of connectors can be used.

Referring to FIG. 5, the left flap has a front face (facing into the page) and an opposite rear face (facing out of the page). The left flap includes a top segment 113A, a bottom segment 113B, and left and right side segments 113C, 113D. The flap 113 has a length L7 extending from the top segment to the bottom segment, and a width W7 extending from the left side segment to the right side segment. Desirably, the left flap comprises an inner shell (e.g., forming the rear face) and an outer shell (e.g., forming the front face) and insulation material therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 5, the left flap 113 includes a first set of connectors 121A (broadly, “primary connectors”) configured to connect to the first set of connectors 121B at the left side of the bag body 112 for forming primary connections 121 of the left flap with the bag body outside the human-receiving interior 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of connectors 121A includes a plurality of button connectors (e.g., elongate “toggle-type” buttons) for forming button-type connections with the connectors 121B at the left side of the bag body. The flap also includes a second set of connectors 122A (broadly, “secondary connectors”) configured to connect to the second set of connectors 122B at the right side of the bag body for forming secondary connections 122 of the left flap with the bag body. In the illustrated embodiment, the second set of connectors 122A includes a plurality of snap connectors for forming snap-type connections with the connectors 122B. For example, when the snap connectors 122A, 122B are pressed together, the snap connectors “snap” together to form an interference fit connection 122 that can be overcome by the user applying sufficient force to dislodge the connectors from each other. The flap 113 may also include a connector 121A (e.g., button) configured to form a connection with the connector 121B between the sides of the bag body toward the bottom end (e.g., as seen in FIG. 10) when the flap is in the overlapping configuration. Desirably, the connectors 121A are incompatible with the connectors 122B of the bag body (i.e., incapable of forming a connection therewith), and the connectors 122A are incompatible with the connectors 121B of the bag body, to promote formation of the intended connections between the flap 113 and bag body 112. It will be appreciated that male connectors could be provided on the flap and female connectors could be provided on the bag body, vice versa, or male and female connectors on both the flap and bag body, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The flap 113, when releasably connected to the bag body 112 via the primary connections 121, is movable with respect to the bag body to be arranged in an overlapping configuration (e.g., FIG. 9) or an underlapping configuration (e.g., FIGS. 11-13), and in both configurations the secondary connections can be formed to maintain the left flap in the configuration. When the flap 113 is in the overlapping configuration, the flap overlaps the front face of the bag body 112 (and optionally overlaps the flap 114), with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior 118. When the flap 113 is in the underlapping configuration, the flap underlaps the rear face of the bag body 112 (and optionally the flap 114), with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior 118. The flap 113 is sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body 112 in the overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the underlapping configuration.

Referring to FIG. 6, the right flap 114 has a front face (facing into the page) and an opposite rear face (facing out of the page). The right flap 114 has a top segment 114A, a bottom segment 114B, and left and right side segments 114C, 114D. The second flap 114 has a length L8 extending from the top segment to the bottom segment and a width W8 extending between the left and right side segments. Desirably, the right flap comprises an inner shell (e.g., forming the rear face) and an outer shell (e.g., forming the front face) and insulation material therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 6, the right flap 114 includes a first set of connectors 121A (broadly, “primary connectors”) configured to connect to the first set of connectors 121B at the right side of the bag body 112 for forming primary connections 121 of the right flap with the bag body outside the human-receiving interior 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of connectors 121A includes a plurality of button connectors (e.g., elongate “toggle-type” buttons) for forming button-type connections with the connectors 121B at the right side of the bag body. The flap 114 also includes a second set of connectors 122A (broadly, “secondary connectors”) configured to connect to the second set of connectors 122B at the left side of the bag body for forming secondary connections 122 of the right flap with the bag body. In the illustrated embodiment, the second set of connectors 122A includes a plurality of snap connectors for forming snap-type connections with the connectors 122B. For example, when the snap connectors 122A, 122B are pressed together, the snap connectors “snap” together to form an interference fit connection 122 that can be overcome by the user applying sufficient force to dislodge the connectors from each other. The flap 114 may also include a connector 121A (e.g., button) configured to form a connection with the connector 121B between the sides of the bag body toward the bottom end (e.g., as seen in FIG. 10) when the flap is in the overlapping configuration. Desirably, the connectors 121A are incompatible with the connectors 122B of the bag body (i.e., incapable of forming a connection therewith), and the connectors 122A are incompatible with the connectors 121B of the bag body, to promote formation of the intended connections between the flap 114 and bag body 112. It will be appreciated that male connectors could be provided on the flap and female connectors could be provided on the bag body, vice versa, or male and female connectors on both the flap and bag body, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The right flap 114, when releasably connected to the bag body 112 via the primary connections 121, is movable with respect to the bag body 112 to be arranged in an overlapping configuration (e.g., FIGS. 8, 9) or an underlapping configuration (e.g., FIGS. 12, 13), and in both configurations the secondary connections can be formed to maintain the right flap in the configuration. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when both flaps are in the underlapping configurations, the connections 121 and 122 are formed (just like when both flaps are in the overlapping configurations). When in the overlapping configuration, the right flap 114 overlaps the forward face of the bag body 112 (and optionally overlaps the flap 113), with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior 118. When the right flap 114 is in the underlapping configuration, the right flap underlaps the rearward face of the bag body 112 (and optionally underlaps the flap 112), with the front face of the second flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior 118. The right flap 114 is sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the underlapping configuration.

It will be appreciated that the primary connections 121 being a different type than the secondary connections 122 facilitates use of the sleeping bag 110 by the user. For example, when both flaps 113, 114 are being used in the overlapping configurations, the user may want to open the flaps to permit the user to enter or exit the sleeping bag, in a configuration such as shown in FIG. 10. In the dark or otherwise, when flaps 113, 114 are in the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the user knows to feel for the secondary connections 122 and can distinguish them from the primary connections 121 because they are different connection types. Thus, without paying particular attention to the connections 121, 122, the user can determine which connections 122 to disconnect to open the flaps 113, 114 to arrange the flaps as shown in FIG. 10. The primary connections 121 are maintained to generally hold the flaps 113, 114 in position with respect to the main body 112, so the flaps can resume their overlapping configurations with minimal effort by the user.

Other types of bag bodies and other types of flaps can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, other types of connections (e.g., hook and loop fabric, magnetic, zipper, etc.) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As is now apparent, the left flap 113 and right flap 114 are configurable to be in: 1) the respective overlapping configurations at the same time (e.g., FIG. 9), with either the left or right flap overlapping the other flap; 2) the respective underlapping configurations at the same time (e.g., FIGS. 12 and 13), with either the left flap or right flap underlapping the other flap; 3) the left flap overlapping configuration and the right flap underlapping configuration at the same time; or 4) the left flap underlapping configuration and right flap overlapping configuration at the same time. In other examples, one flap 113, 114 may be used and the other flap not used (e.g., disconnected). In such examples, the single connected flap 113, 114 may be arranged to underlie or overlie the bag body 112. In yet other examples, both flaps 113, 114 are disconnected such that neither flap is used (e.g., FIG. 3).

It will be appreciated that the configurations of the flaps 113, 114, and how many of the flaps are used, can be selected by the user before a trip (e.g., while packing) and each time the user uses the sleeping bag 110. For example, if the user is traveling to a warm climate, one or both flaps 113, 114 may be disconnected from the bag body 112 and left at home. On the other hand, if the user is not concerned about carrying extra weight, the user may desire to bring one or both flaps 113, 114 and arrange the flap(s) to underlie the bag body 112 to provide cushioning under the bag body for increased comfort. If the trip involves sleeping in cold (e.g., outdoors) and warm (e.g., indoors) conditions, the user can reconfigure the sleeping bag 110 by re-arranging and/or disconnecting flaps 113, 114 from the bag body 112 to meet their desired sleeping comfort each time they use the sleeping bag based on the current conditions.

In one example, when both flaps 113, 114 are used in the overlapping configurations, the sleeping bag has a temperature rating of about 17 degrees F. (broadly, at least as low as 20 degrees F.), when one flap is used in the overlapping configuration, the sleeping bag has a temperature rating of about 24 degrees F. (broadly, at least as low as 30 degrees F.), and when neither flap is used in the overlapping configuration, the sleeping bag has a temperature rating of about 37 degrees F. (broadly, at least as low as 40 degrees F.). The flaps can be configured to provide the same insulating rating, such that when one flap is used in the overlapping configuration, the temperature rating does not depend on whether the left flap or right flap is used. It will be appreciated that “temperature rating” as used herein means a temperature in which the user can maintain comfort in the sleeping bag or can safely occupy the sleeping bag without health risk due to cold temperature exposure.

In one example, the top end and bottom end of the bag body 112 are more heavily insulated (broadly, have lower temperature rating) than the remainder of the front portion of the bag body (i.e., the section intended to be covered by the flaps).

It will be appreciated that the left flap 113 is selectively removable from the bag body 112 without removing the right flap 114 from the bag body, and the right flap is selectively removable from the bag body without removing the left flap from the bag body. The left flap 113 and right flap 114 can be connected to the bag body 112 outside of the human receiving interior 118, such as to the exterior surface of the bag body 112 (FIG. 10).

It will be appreciated that the closure 116 is fully closeable when the left flap 113 and right flap 114 are releasably connected to the bag body 112 and in the overlapping, underlapping, or open configurations.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, optionally, either or both of the flaps 113, 114 can include a pocket 130 sized for receiving a majority portion of the respective flap when the flap is disconnected from the bag body 112. When the pocket 130 stores the majority portion of the flap 113, 114 the flap is usable by the user as a pillow.

It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A sleeping bag for use by a human, said sleeping bag comprising: a bag body, the bag body having an upper end and a lower end, a forward face and a rearward face, and left and right sides, the bag body including a rear portion defining the rearward face and a front portion defining the forward face, the rear portion including a rear portion top segment, a rear portion bottom segment, and rear portion left and right side segments, the rear portion having a length extending from the rear portion top segment to the rear portion bottom segment and a width extending from the rear portion left side segment to the rear portion right side segment, the rear portion being sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the rear portion, the front portion including a front portion top segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and right side segments, the front portion having a length extending from the front portion top segment to the front portion bottom segment and a width extending from the front portion left side segment to the front portion right side segment, the front portion being sized and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear portion under the front portion, the bag body including a human-receiving interior between the front and rear portions, the human-receiving interior being sized to receive the human to permit the human to lie on the rear portion when the human is in the human-receiving interior;a left flap releasably connected to the bag body, the left flap having opposite front and rear faces, the left flap having a left flap top segment, a left flap bottom segment, and left flap left and right side segments, the left flap having a length extending from the left flap top segment to the left flap bottom segment and a width extending from the left flap left side segment to the left flap right side segment;wherein the left flap, when releasably connected to the bag body, is movable with respect to the bag body to a left flap overlapping configuration and to a left flap underlapping configuration, the left flap when in the left flap overlapping configuration overlapping the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the left flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior, the left flap when in the left flap underlapping configuration underlapping the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the left flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior, the left flap being sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the left flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the left flap underlapping configuration; anda right flap releasably connected to the bag body, the right flap having opposite front and rear faces, the right flap having a right flap top segment, a right flap bottom segment, and right flap left and right side segments, the right flap having a length extending from the right flap top segment to the right flap bottom segment and a width extending from the right flap left side segment to the right flap right side segment,wherein the right flap, when releasably connected to the bag body, is movable with respect to the bag body to a right flap overlapping configuration and to a right flap underlapping configuration, the right flap when in the right flap overlapping configuration overlapping the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior, the right flap when in the right flap underlapping configuration underlapping the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the right flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior, the right flap being sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the right flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the right flap underlapping configuration.

2. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left and right flaps, when releasably connected to the bag body, are configurable to be in the respective left and right flap overlapping configurations at the same time, are configurable to be in the respective left and right flap underlapping configurations at the same time, are configurable to be in the left flap overlapping and right flap underlapping configurations at the same time, and are configurable to be in the left flap underlapping and right flap overlapping configurations at the same time.

3. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap is selectively disconnectable from the bag body without disconnecting the right flap from the bag body, and the right flap is selectively disconnectable from the bag body without disconnecting the left flap from the bag body.

4. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap is releasably connected to the left side of the bag body and the right flap is releasably connected to the right side of the bag body.

5. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 4, wherein the left and right flaps are releasably connected to the bag body outside the human-receiving interior.

6. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bag body includes a closure that is selectively openable to permit access to the human-receiving interior by the human and closeable to close the closure when the human is in the human-receiving interior, the closure being fully closeable when the left and right flaps are releasably connected to the bag body and in the left flap and right flap underlapping configurations.

7. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap includes a pocket, the pocket being configured to store a majority portion of the left flap when the left flap is disconnected from the bag body, wherein when the pocket stores the majority portion of left flap the left flap is usable by the user as a pillow.

8. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 7, wherein the right flap includes a pocket, the pocket being configured to store a majority portion of the right flap when the right flap is disconnected from the bag body, wherein when the pocket stores the majority portion of the right flap the right flap is usable by the user as a pillow.

9. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left flap is releasably connectable to the left and right sides of the bag body, the left flap being configured to form at least one connection of a first connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the left flap to the left side of the bag body and being configured to form at least one connection of a second connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the left flap to the right side of the bag body, the first connection type being different from the second connection type.

10. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 9, wherein the right flap is releasably connectable to the right and left sides of the bag body, the right flap being configured to form at least one connection of a third connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the right flap to the right side of the bag body and being configured to form at least one connection of a fourth connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the right flap to the left side of the bag body, the third connection type being different from the fourth connection type.

11. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 10, wherein the first and third connection types are the same connection type, and the second and fourth connection types are the same connection type.

12. A sleeping bag for use by a human, said sleeping bag comprising: a bag body, the bag body having an upper end and a lower end, a forward face and a rearward face, and left and right sides, the bag body including a rear portion defining the rearward face and a front portion defining the forward face, the rear portion including a rear portion top segment, a rear portion bottom segment, and rear portion left and right side segments, the rear portion having a length extending from the rear portion top segment to the rear portion bottom segment and a width extending from the rear portion left side segment to the rear portion right side segment, the rear portion being sized and shaped to receive the human lying down on the rear portion, the front portion including a front portion top segment, a front portion bottom segment, and front portion left and right side segments, the front portion having a length extending from the front portion top segment to the front portion bottom segment and a width extending from the front portion left side segment to the front portion right side segment, the front portion being sized and shaped to substantially cover a human lying down on the rear portion under the front portion, wherein to the bag body defines a human-receiving interior between the front and rear portions, the human-receiving interior being sized to receive the human to permit the human to lie on the rear portion when the human is in the human-receiving interior;a flap releasably connectable to the bag body outside the human-receiving interior, the flap having opposite front and rear faces, the flap having a flap top segment, a flap bottom segment, and flap left and right side segments, the flap having a length extending from the flap top segment to the flap bottom segment and a width extending from the flap left side segment to the flap right side segment,wherein the flap is releasably connectable to the left and right sides of the bag body, the flap being configured to form at least one connection of a first connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the flap to the left side of the bag body and being configured to form at least one connection of a second connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the flap to the right side of the bag body, the first connection type being different from the second connection type,wherein when the flap is releasably connected to the left or right side of the bag body, the flap is movable with respect to the bag body to a flap overlapping configuration and to a flap underlapping configuration, the flap when in the flap overlapping configuration overlapping the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior, the flap when in the flap underlapping configuration underlapping the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the flap facing forward, to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior, the flap being sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the flap underlapping configuration.

13. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 12, wherein the bag body includes at least one first bag body connector at the left side of the bag body, the flap including at least one first flap connector at the left side segment of the flap, the at least one first bag body connector and at least one first flap connector being releasably connectable to each other to form the at least one connection of the first connection type, and wherein the bag body includes a least one second bag body connector at the right side of the bag body, the flap including at least one second flap connector at the right side segment of the flap, the at least one second bag body connector and at least one second flap connector being releasably connectable to each other to form the at least one connection of the second connection type

14. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein the at least one first bag body connector and at least one first flap connector, and the at least one second bag body connector and at least one second flap connector, are arranged to form the respective first and second connections when the flap is in the overlapping configuration and when the flap is in the underlapping configuration.

15. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein the first connection type comprises a button-type connection.

16. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 15, wherein the second connection type comprises a snap-type connection.

17. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein the flap is a first flap, and the sleeping bag further comprises a second flap releasably connectable to the bag body, the second flap having opposite front and rear faces, the second flap having a second flap top segment, a second flap bottom segment, and second flap left and right side segments, the second flap having a length extending from the second flap top segment to the second flap bottom segment and a width extending from the second flap left side segment to the second flap right side segment, the second flap being releasably connectable to the left and right sides of the bag body, the second flap being configured to form at least one connection of a third connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the second flap to the right side of the of the bag body and being configured to form at least one connection of a fourth connection type with the bag body for releasably connecting the second flap to the left side of the bag body, the third connection type being different from the fourth connection type, wherein when the second flap is releasably connected to the right side of the bag body the second flap is movable with respect to the bag body to a second flap overlapping configuration and to a second flap underlapping configuration, the second flap when in the second flap overlapping configuration overlapping the forward face of the bag body, with the front face of the second flap facing forward, to provide insulation over the human-receiving interior, the second flap when in the second flap underlapping configuration underlapping the rearward face of the bag body, with the front face of the second flap facing forward to provide cushioning or insulation under the human-receiving interior, the second flap being sized and shaped to substantially cover the forward face of the bag body in the second flap overlapping configuration and to substantially cover the rearward face of the bag body in the second flap underlapping configuration.

18. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 17, wherein the bag body includes at least one third bag body connector at the right side of the bag body, the second flap including at least one third flap connector at the right side segment of the second flap, the at least one third bag body connector and at least one third flap connector being releasably connectable to each other to form the at least one connection of the third connection type, and wherein the bag body includes at least one fourth bag body connector at the left side of the bag body, the flap including at least one fourth flap connector at the left side segment of the second flap, the at least one fourth bag body connector and at least one fourth flap connector being releasably connectable to each other to form the at least one connection of the fourth connection type..

19. A sleeping bag as set forth in claim 18, wherein the at least one third bag body connector and at least one third flap connector, and the at least one fourth bag body connector and at least one fourth flap connector, are arranged to form the respective third and fourth connections when the second flap is in the overlapping configuration and when the second flap is in the underlapping configuration.

20. A sleeping bag as set forth claim 18, wherein the first connection type and the third connection type are the same connection type.

21. A sleeping bag as set forth claim 20, wherein the second connection type and the fourth connection type are the same connection type.