Sleeping bag system with rigid frame

Abstract

A sleeping bag system includes a sleeping bag body and a plurality of poles. The sleeping bag body includes one or more sleeves along perimeter edges thereof, and the plurality of poles interconnect to form a frame. The frame is positioned within the one or more sleeves of the bag body to prevent a twisting movement of the sleeping bag body during use. Each sleeve spans a majority of the respective perimeter edge and includes a tunnel that receives a pole of the frame.

Claims

1. A sleeping bag system comprising: a sleeping bag body including an upper layer and a bottom layer opposite the upper layer, the sleeping bag body including one or more sleeves along perimeter edges of the sleeping bag body; a plurality of poles that interconnect to form a frame, wherein each pole of the plurality of poles includes a bore, wherein the frame is configured to move between a transportable, folded position and an extended, rigid position; and one or more elastic cords, wherein each of the one or more elastic cords extends through the bores of at least a subset of the plurality of poles; wherein the frame is positioned within the one or more sleeves of the sleeping bag body and configured to prevent a twisting movement of the sleeping bag body during use; wherein each sleeve spans a majority of a respective perimeter edge, each sleeve including a tunnel that receives a pole of the frame.

2. The sleeping bag system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sleeves includes first, second, and third sleeves secured to first, second, and third edges, respectively, on the bottom layer of the sleeping bag body, and wherein the frame extends through the first, second, and third sleeves.

3. The sleeping bag system of claim 2, wherein the one or more sleeves includes a fourth sleeve secured to a fourth edge of the bottom layer of the sleeping bag body, and wherein the frame extends through the first, second, third and fourth sleeves.

4. The sleeping bag system of claim 1, further comprising one or more connectors, each connector configured to connect adjacent poles of the plurality of poles forming the frame.

5. The sleeping bag system of claim 4 wherein each connector has an inner diameter sized to receive an end of a pole of the plurality of poles.

6. The sleeping bag system of claim 4, wherein the one or more connectors includes a 90 degree connector.

7. The sleeping bag system of claim 1, wherein each pole of the plurality of poles has a tubular shape.

8. The sleeping bag system of claim 1, wherein the sleeping bag body further comprises at least one storage compartment.

9. The sleeping bag system of claim 1, wherein the sleeping bag body further comprises safety features selected from the group consisting of lettering and a high visible outer shell.

10. A method of preventing twisting movement of a sleeping bag during use, the method comprising: providing a sleeping bag system comprising: a sleeping bag body including an upper layer and a bottom layer opposite the upper layer having a longitudinal shape, the sleeping bag body including one or more sleeves along perimeter edges of the sleeping bag body; and a plurality of poles that interconnect to form a frame, wherein each pole of the plurality of poles has a bore, wherein the frame is configured to move between a transportable, folded position and an extended, rigid position; and one or more elastic cords, wherein each of the one or more elastic cords extends through the bores of at least a subset of the plurality of poles; wherein each sleeve spans a majority of a respective perimeter edge, each sleeve including a tunnel that receives a pole of the frame; positioning the sleeping bag body into a flat position; positioning each pole of the plurality of poles within a sleeve of the one or more sleeves of the sleeping bag body; and interconnecting the plurality of poles to form the frame.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sleeping bag system further comprises connectors configured to connect adjacent poles of the plurality of poles, and wherein the step of interconnecting the plurality of poles includes interconnecting the plurality of poles and connectors to form the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.

(2) FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a sleeping bag system according to the present disclosure.

(3) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeping bag system of FIG. 1 taken generally along lines A-A of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an end of the sleeping bag system of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4 is a plan view of frame poles of the sleeping bag system of FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 5 is an example frame of the sleeping bag system formed from the frame poles of FIG. 4.

(7) FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the sleeping bag system of FIG. 1.

(8) FIG. 7 is a plan view of the sleeping bag system of FIG. 1.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates the use of the sleeping bag system of FIG. 1 within a tent.

(10) FIGS. 9A and 9B are a plan view and an aerial view of the sleeping bag of FIG. 1 demonstrating optional lettering used in emergencies.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates carrier bags for use with the sleeping bag system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example sleeping bag system 100 of the present application. The sleeping bag system 100 includes a sleeping bag body 102 with one or more outer sleeves 104 configured to receive a plurality of frame poles 106. The frame poles 106 are assembled together during use to form a rigid frame 108. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the rigid frame 108 maintains the positioning of the sleeping bag body 102 in a relatively flat, extended position.

(13) The sleeping bag body 102 of the sleeping bag system 100 may be any type of sleeping bag. For example, the sleeping bag body 102 may include a rectangular planar fabric or quilted layers of fabric folded along a centerline with a zip fastener along a first end edge 110a and one of the side edges 110b, 110d. The zippered side edge is opposite the folded centerline of the rectangular fabric, and a second end edge 110c of the folded material remains open for the user's head. In the zipped configuration, the sleeping bag body 102 has a longitudinal shape in which the user's body is positioned. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, the sleeping bag body 102 includes an upper surface 102a (see FIG. 7) and a lower surface 102b (see FIG. 1) opposite the upper surface 102a. In some embodiments, the side edge comprising the folded centerline of the fabric may also include a zippered portion of about 12 to 18 inches in length adjacent to the second end edge 110c so that the user can fold an end of the upper layer down during use.

(14) In another embodiment, the sleeping bag body 102 may taper in width from the second end toward the first end such that the open second end 110d is wider than the zippered first end 110a. In this embodiment, the sleeping bag body 102 has a shape that more closely approximates the user's body shape. In still further embodiments, the sleeping bag body 102 may be sized for two people, having a width approximately 1.5 to 2 times the width of a standard sleeping bag. The sleeping bag system may also use sleeping bag bodies having other shapes and sizes as needed or desired.

(15) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the bottom layer 102b of the sleeping bag body 102 includes one or more outer sleeves 104 positioned along the perimeter thereof. First through fourth sleeves 104a-104d are positioned along the first end edge 110a, the first side edge 110b, the second end edge 110c, and the second end edge 110d, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, each sleeve 104 extends along a majority of the associated edge 110. In another embodiment, each side edge 110 includes two or more spaced sleeves in lieu of a singular sleeve extending along the full edge. In other embodiments, each sleeve 104 may comprise a plurality of tabs spaced along the associated edge.

(16) In the example embodiment, each sleeve 104 comprises a rectangular fabric folded along a centerline so that the side edges 112a, 112b are aligned together, forming a tunnel 114 opposite of the side edges 112a, 112b.

(17) As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 102a of the sleeping bag body 102 includes a cut line 116 spaced from the side edges 110 thereof through which the aligned side edges 112a, 112b of the sleeve 104 are positioned. The aligned side edges 112a, 112b are secured to an inner surface of the bottom layer 102a of the sleeping bag body 102 as part of an inner portion 118 of the sleeve 104. The sleeve 104 extends through the cut line 116 so that the tunnel 114 is positioned along an outer surface of the bottom layer 102a, forming the outer portion 120 of the sleeve 104.

(18) The sleeve 104 may have an overall width of between about two and five inches, with the outer portion 120 having a width of between two to three inches, and a length corresponding to the associated side edge 110 of the sleeping bag body 102. For example, the sleeping bag body 102 has a length of approximately 73 inches and a width of approximately 32 inches. Sleeves 104b, 104d are attached to the first and second side edges 110b, 110d of the sleeping bag body 102, and sleeves 104a, 104c are attached to the first and second end edges 110a, 110c of the sleeping bag body 102.

(19) The sleeve 104 may be secured to the bottom layer 102a through one or more lines of stitching 122. In one embodiment, the inner portion 118 of the sleeve 104 is stitched to the sleeping bag body 102 along two spaced lines 122a, 12b spanning a width of the inner portion 118, and the outer portion 120 of the sleeve 104 is stitched to the sleeping bag body 102 adjacent to the cut line 116, allowing the tunnel 114 to be open for receiving the frame poles 106.

(20) In another embodiment, the sleeves 104 attach to the sleeping bag body 102 through a zip fastener. For example, a first row of zipper teeth is sewn to the outer surface of the bottom layer of the sleeping bag body along each side edge. A corresponding second row of zipper teeth is secured along the length of the sleeve 104. Other means for attaching the sleeves 104 to the sleeping bag body 102 may also be used as needed or desired.

(21) The rectangular planar quilted layers of the sleeping bag body 102 and the sleeves 104 may be made of fabrics such as nylon, polyester, taffeta, polycotton, flannel, DryLoft®, ripstop, or any other suitable material. The sleeping bag body 100 may include one or more zip fasteners along one or more side edges 110 thereof.

(22) Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sleeping bag system 100 also includes a plurality of frame poles 106 that are assembled to form the rigid frame 108. In the illustrated embodiment, each pole 106 is tubular, including a cylindrical side wall with first and second opposing open ends. Each frame pole 106 may be any suitable diameter. For example, each pole 106 may be tubular fiberglass with a ⅜-in outer diameter. The frame poles 106 are made of a lightweight and structurally sound material such as fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, or any other suitable material that is weather resistant and durable.

(23) In one embodiment, the plurality of poles 106 may include poles corresponding to the length of each side of the sleeping bag body 102. For example, the plurality of poles 106 may include first and second long poles 106 that are positioned along the first and second side edges 110, respectively, of the sleeping bag body 102. Ninety degree connectors 124 may be used to connect adjacent poles 106 at the corners, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.

(24) In another embodiment, the plurality of poles 106 may include individual poles, a set of 90 degree connectors 124, and a set of linear connectors 126. Three individual poles 106 may be connected through two linear connectors 126 to form a longer interconnected pole with a length corresponding to a side edge 110 of the sleeping bag body 102.

(25) In some embodiments, an elastic or bungee cord 128 may be positioned within the poles 106 forming the interconnected pole. The length of the elastic cord 128 is slightly less than the length of the interconnected poles 106 so that the elastic force urges the poles 106 into the linear configuration. The rigid frame 108 may be formed with two interconnected poles 106 and two end poles 106, connected together through the 90 degree connectors 124 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Use of a plurality of shorter individual poles 106 enables the poles 106 to be disassembled into a transportable stack of poles for packing and/or carrying.

(26) Each connector has an inner diameter sized to receive an end of a pole of the plurality of poles. A connector connects adjacent poles when the plurality of poles are interconnected to form the frame. The 90 degree connectors 124 and the linear connectors 126 may be made of copper or any other suitable or compatible material configured to withstand wear and tear from use.

(27) In some embodiments, each the 90 degree connector 124 is permanently secured to the ends of the first and second long poles 106 or subset of shorter poles forming each long pole 106. In other embodiments, the 90 degree connectors are removably secured to the poles 106 so that the connectors 124, 126 can be attached or removed as needed to easily construct the rigid frame 108.

(28) In another embodiment, the ends of the poles are dimension to mate together. Each pole of the plurality of poles has a tubular shape including a first end and a second end, and an inner diameter of the second end is sized to receive an outer diameter of the first end such that the plurality of poles are configured to press fit together to form the frame. Connectors may optionally be used for reinforcement.

(29) During use, the user lays the sleeping bag body 102 flat on the ground with the bottom layer 102b facing up. The user positions the pole 106 of the correct length into the appropriate sleeve 104 of the side edge 110 of the sleeping bag body 102 having the same length. If needed, the user connects poles 106 using linear connectors 126 to form a singular long pole for the side edges 110b, 110d. The user then uses 90 degree connectors 124 to secure adjacent poles 106 together and form the rigid frame 108.

(30) When the user is ready to roll up the sleeping bag system 100, the user first disconnects the poles 106 from one another at the connectors 124, 126. The user may place the poles 106 and connectors 124, 126 into a carrier bag, and positions the poles 106 and carrier bag at an end side edge 110a, 110c of the sleeping bag body 102. The user then rolls the poles 106 up with the sleeping bag body 102 and held together in the rolled configuration using one or more elastic bands, cords, or any other suitable retention means.

(31) In a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the sleeping bag system also includes a sleeping bag cushion 130 that can be positioned within the fabric layering of or against the sleeping bag body 102. For example, the sleeping bag body 102 may include first and second straps 132a, 132b spanning the width of the outer surface of the bottom layer 102a between the sleeves 104b, 104d along the side edges 110b, 110d. In other embodiments, the first and second straps may span the length of the outer surface of the bottom layer 102a. In still further embodiments, the sleeping bag system 100 may include the first and second straps spanning opposite edges of the sleeping bag body 102 without the use of sleeves 104 and poles 106.

(32) In one embodiment, the cushion has a shape that is similar to the shape of the sleeping bag body 102. The cushion 130, such as an egg crate sleeping bag cushion or a thin air mattress, may positioned under the sleeping bag body 102 and snugly fit between the straps 132a, 132b and the bottom layer 102a of the sleeping bag body 102. The straps 132a, 132b may comprise an elastic or a non-elastic material.

(33) Alternatively, the sleeping bag body 102 may include a slot or zippered opening along one of the end or side edges 110a-110d for receiving the egg crate sleeping bag cushion or thin air mattress 130. The egg crate cushion 130 may be rolled up with the sleeping bag body 102 for easy transport. The sleeping bag body 102 may also be provided with an additional blanket or quilt that can be attached to the body 102 along the side edges 110b, 110d thereof through a hook and loop fastener, fabric ties, or other means of attaching. The additional blanket may also be rolled up and used as a pillow.

(34) Referring to FIG. 7, the sleeping bag body 102 may include one or more pouches or ditty bags 118, 120 secured to the outer surface of the upper layer 102a or within the sleeping bag body 102 on the inner surfaces of the upper or bottom layers 102a, 102b. The pouches 118 and/or zippered ditty bag 120 may be used to hold valuables such as rings, cell phones, and other small items. In this example, a user can hold valuables in a protected spot of the sleeping bag system 100.

(35) In an embodiment, the sleeping bag 100 may comprise a plastic sheet rolled up with the sleeping bag body 102 for storage. In such an embodiment, the plastic sheet may be used as a vapor barrier between the sleeping bag system 100 and the ground. The plastic sheet is made of polystyrene in some instances. The plastic sheet may be, for example, 30 millimeters thick. The plastic sheet may be the color hunter orange. However, other embodiments are envisioned wherein the plastic sheet may be camouflage.

(36) Referring to FIG. 8, the sleeping bag system 100 may include corner tie-downs to enable the sleeping bag body to be tied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. For example, the tie-downs enable the user to secure the sleeping bag system to a portable cot or a wall of a tent 400 or tent structure 600. In this way, floor space within the tent 400 or the tent structure 600 may be available for use when the sleeping bag 100 is not needed.

(37) In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system may also be used as a communication means in an emergency situation. For example, the sleeping bag body may include the letters “SOS” in bold black print or Morse code as shown in FIG. 9A. In some embodiments, the sleeping bag system 100 may have a high visible waterproof flexible vinyl outer shell. In such an embodiment, the sleeping bag may be easily spotted for aerial or land based recover as seen in FIG. 9B.

(38) Referring to FIG. 10, the sleeping bag system 100 may also include a carrier bag 140 with optional customized lettering. In a further embodiment, the sleeping bag system 100 may contain a detachable GPS locator 142. In an embodiment, the sleeping bag system 100 may contain a GPS locator 142 sewed into the sleeping bag 100 so that a user does not need to worry about misplacing or carrying the GPS locator. In an embodiment, one or more of the poles may contain the GPS locator.

(39) An aspect of the present invention is a method of providing a rigid sleeping bag 100. The method includes inserting a tubular frame into the sleeping bag 100. More specifically the method comprises: provide a sleeping bag with sleeves, place poles in sleeve, connect the poles using 90 degree elbows. Using the method described above, a sleeping bag 100 with a rigid frame which will not easily twist around a user is obtained.

(40) It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.