SLEEPING BAG STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS

Abstract

A sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus (10; 110) includes a sack (12; 112), a sleeping bag (28; 128) and a connection arrangement (30; 130) configured to connect the sleeping bag (28; 128) and the sack (12; 112). The sack (12; 112) has an internal pocket therein for stowing the sleeping bag (28; 128) and one or more carry strap (36) to facilitate carrying of the apparatus (10; 110) by a user. The apparatus (10; 110) is configurable between a stowed configuration in which the sleeping bag (28; 128) is stowed within the internal pocket of the sack (12; 112), and a deployed configuration in which the sleeping bag (28; 128) is removed from the internal pocket while still connected to the sack (12; 112) by the connection arrangement (30; 130).

Claims

1. A sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus comprising: a sack comprising an internal pocket therein for stowing a sleeping bag; at least one carry strap attachable to or forming part of the sack, the at least one carry strap configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus by a user; a sleeping bag for location in the internal pocket; and a connection arrangement configured to connect the sleeping bag and the sack, wherein the apparatus is configurable between a stowed configuration in which the sleeping bag is stowed within the internal pocket of the sack, and a deployed configuration in which the sleeping bag is removed from the internal pocket while connected to the sack by the connection arrangement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration, the sack forms a pillow for the user's head.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection arrangement comprises a panel of material attached to the sack and the sleeping bag.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the panel is attached to the sleeping bag.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the panel is integrally formed with the sleeping bag.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection arrangement is attached to an open end of the sleeping bag or to an internal surface of the internal pocket.

7. (canceled)

8. The apparatus of any claim 3, wherein the connection arrangement comprises a releasable connection for releasably connecting the sack and the sleeping bag.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: (i) the releasable connection is located at an end or intermediate the panel; or (ii) the releasable connection comprises or takes the form of at least one of a zip; one of more buttons; one or more poppers.

10. (canceled)

11. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a releasable fastening for forming a closure to, and facilitating access to, the internal pocket.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the releasable fastening comprises or takes the form of a zip.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sack comprises a second internal pocket separated from the first internal pocket by a divider portion of the sack.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, comprising a releasable fastening for forming a closure to, and facilitating access to, the second internal pocket.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the releasable fastening comprises or takes the form of a zip.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a reinforced portion.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the reinforced portion comprises a plurality of slits.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a pair of the carry straps.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a hood for covering a user's head when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: (i) the sleeping bag or the connection arrangement comprises a storing arrangement for retaining the hood in a stored configuration; or (ii) the open end of the sleeping bag or the panel comprises the storing arrangement.

21. (canceled)

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the hood is releasably connectable to the sleeping bag.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the open end of the sleeping bag and the hood comprise complementary releasable fastenings for releasably connecting the hood to the open end of the sleeping bag when the apparatus is in the deployed configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] These and other aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 10, in a stowed configuration;

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the sleeping bag and connection arrangement of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a deployed configuration;

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 10, in a stowed configuration;

[0046] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the sleeping bag and connection arrangement of the apparatus of FIG. 3, in a deployed configuration;

[0047] FIG. 5 shows a detailed perspective view of the apparatus, showing a hood of the apparatus in a stored configuration; and

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a detailed perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, showing the hood in a deployed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings show a sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is particularly suitable for use by homeless people, displaced people, refugees, migrants, those escaping natural disasters, or the like.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 10 in a stowed configuration, suitable for transportation. FIGS. 2 shows the apparatus 10 in a deployed configuration, suitable for use by a user.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 comprises a sack 12. The sack 12 takes the general form of a rectangular prism comprising a back portion 14, a front portion 16, a top portion 18, a bottom portion 20, a first side portion 22 and a second side portion 24.

[0052] It will be understood that the terms back, front, top, bottom, and side in the present disclosure refer nominally to how the apparatus 10 is used.

[0053] The sack 12 defines a first interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 26. Within the first interior pocket (shown in FIG. 2) is a sleeping bag 28 and a connection arrangement 30. The connection arrangement 30 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 28 and the sack 12 inside the first interior pocket, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0054] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the sack 12 further defines a second interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 32. The first and second interior pockets are separated by an interior divider wall (not shown) of the sack 12. The second interior pocket provides storage for other articles such as a user's belongings.

[0055] The sack 12 comprises first and second exterior pockets 34a,34b. The first and second exterior pockets 34a, 34b are formed of material attached to the exterior of the sack 12. The first exterior pocket 34a is located on the front portion 16 of the sack 12. The second exterior pocket 34b is located on the first side portion 22 of the sack 12. The first and second exterior pockets 34a,b provide additional storage for other articles such as a user's belongings. In particular, the first and second exterior pockets 34a,b provide convenient and easily accessible storage for small articles such as electronic devices or documentation that, in use, may need to be retrieved quickly and/or may otherwise be difficult to retrieve from the relatively larger second interior pocket.

[0056] The apparatus 10 comprises a pair of shoulder carry straps 36 attached to the sack 12. The shoulder carry straps 36 are attached to the back portion 14 of the sack 12. Each shoulder carry strap 36 has a first end 38 attached to the back portion 14 of the sack 12 ata location proximate the top portion 18 of the sack 12, and a second end 40 attached to the back portion 14 of the sack 12 at a location proximate the bottom portion 20 of the sack 12, thereby forming loops suitable for being located around a user's shoulders which facilitate the apparatus 10 being carried on a user's back.

[0057] Carrying items on one's back has benefits such as the ability to carry a greater load and the ability to carry a load for a longer duration because the load is evenly distributed over a large area of the body.

[0058] The apparatus 10 further comprises a hand carry strap 42 connected to the sack 12. The hand carry strap 42 is attached to the top portion 18 of the sack 12. The hand carry strap 42 is attached to the top portion 18 of the sack at a position proximate the back portion 14 of the sack 12. The hand carry strap 42 comprises first and second ends that are attached to the sack 12, thereby the hand carry strap 42 forms a loop suitable for being grasped by a user's hand.

[0059] While in the illustrated apparatus 10, the hand carry strap 42 is attached to the top portion 18, the hand carry strap 42may alternatively be attached to any other portion of the sack 12.

[0060] The shoulder carry straps 36, and hand carry strap 42 beneficially provides flexibility in the means of carrying the apparatus 10, and therefore convenience for use of the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 may comprise fewer or more carry straps for carrying the apparatus in the stowed configuration.

[0061] The sack 12 further comprises a reinforced portion 44. The reinforced portion 44 is located on the front portion 16 of the sack 12. The reinforced portion 44 comprises slits 46. In use of the apparatus in the stowed configuration, other articles can be attached to the reinforced portion 44 via the slits 46 for transportation, for example by threading shoe laces through the slits 46 to transport shoes.

[0062] FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the apparatus 10 in the deployed configuration, with the sleeping bag 28 removed from the first interior pocket of the sack 12 while still connected via the connection arrangement 30.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the sleeping bag 28 comprises an elongate fabric tube 47 having a closed end 48 and an open end 50. The elongate tube 47 is sized such that at least the feet to shoulders of a user fit within the elongate tube 47. In use, the user's head is positioned at and may protrude from the open end 50. The elongate tube 47 comprises a slit 51 extending from the open end 50. The slit 51 is releasably closable via a zip 52.

[0064] In use, the slit 51 provides ease of ingress to and egress from the sleeping bag 28 for a user. By closing the zip 52, the user's body from their shoulders to their feet will be surrounded by the sleeping bag 28, thereby providing warmth and comfort to the user.

[0065] The sleeping bag 28 further comprises an interior pocket 54 (shown in hidden detail in FIG. 2). The interior pocket 54 takes the form of a pouch attached to the inside of the tube 47. The interior pocket 54 is sized to be suitable for holding a user's essential items such as a mobile phone, a passport, or other documentation. The interior pocket 54 provides a security mechanism for such items whilst the apparatus 10 is in the deployed configuration.

[0066] As described above, the connection arrangement 30 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 28 and the sack 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection arrangement 30 comprises a panel of material 56 extending between the sack 12 and the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28. The connection arrangement 30 is located at the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28, allowing a user sleeping in the sleeping bag 12 when the apparatus 10 is in the deployed configuration to utilise the sack 12 as a pillow.

[0067] As well as providing comfort to the user, this provides a security mechanism for other articles stored within the second interior pocket of the sack 12, as the articles could not be retrieved from the second interior pocket without disturbing the user of the apparatus 10 from their sleep.

[0068] The panel 56 is fixedly attached to the sack 12 inside the first interior pocket and releasably attached to the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28 via a zip 58. The zip 58 permits separation of the sleeping bag 28 and the sack 12 to facilitate, for example, cleaning of the sleeping bag 28, or replacement of either the sack 12 or the sleeping bag 28 if one has become worn beyond the point of use but the other is still in a usable condition.

[0069] While in the illustrated apparatus 10, the panel 56 is fixedly attached to the sack 12 inside the first interior pocket and releasably attached to the open end 50 of the sleeping bag 28 via a zip 58, the connection panel 56 may alternatively be releasably attached to the sack 12 and fixedly attached to the sleeping bag 28. In further alternative, the connection panel 56 may be fixedly connected to both the sack 12 and the sleeping bag 28. The connection panel 56 may comprise a releasable connection such as a zip.

[0070] The apparatus 10 further comprises a hood (not visible in FIG. 2). The hood has a stored configuration (shown in FIG. 2) and a deployed configuration. In the stored configuration, the hood is stowed in a pouch 60. The pouch 60 is attached to the panel 56. The pouch 60 comprises two closed sides two open sides, the open sides for entry and exit of the hood to and from the pouch 60. The pouch 60 is formed of a panel of material attached to the panel 56 along two sides. In other embodiments, the pouch may be formed to have three closed sides and one open side.

[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an alternative sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus 110.

[0072] The apparatus 110 is similar to the apparatus 10 described above, with the exception of the form of the pouch 160 for the hood. The reference numerals used in respect of the apparatus 110 correspond to those used for corresponding features of the apparatus 10 incremented by 100.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows the apparatus 110 in a stowed configuration, suitable for transportation. FIGS. 4 shows the apparatus 110 in a deployed configuration, suitable for use by a user.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 110 comprises a sack 112. The sack 112 takes the general form of a rectangular prism comprising a back portion 114, a front portion 116, a top portion 118, a bottom portion 120, a first side portion 122 and a second side portion 124.

[0075] It will be understood that the terms back, front, top, bottom, and side in the present disclosure refer nominally to how the apparatus 110 is used.

[0076] The sack 112 defines a first interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 126. Within the first interior pocket (shown in FIG. 4) is a sleeping bag 128 and a connection arrangement 130. The connection arrangement 130 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 128 and the sack 112 inside the first interior pocket, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0077] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the sack 112 further defines a second interior pocket having an opening that is releasably closable via a zip 132. The first and second interior pockets are separated by an interior divider wall (not shown) of the sack 112. The second interior pocket provides storage for other articles such as a user's belongings.

[0078] The sack 112 comprises first and second exterior pockets 134a, 134b. The first and second exterior pockets 134a, 134b are formed of material attached to the exterior of the sack 112. The first exterior pocket 134a is located on the front portion 116 of the sack 112. The second exterior pocket 134b is located on the first side portion 122 of the sack 112. The first and second exterior pockets 134a,b provide additional storage for other articles such as a user's belongings. In particular, the first and second exterior pockets 134a,b provide convenient and easily accessible storage for small articles such as electronic devices or documentation that, in use, may need to be retrieved quickly and/or may otherwise be difficult to retrieve from the relatively larger second interior pocket.

[0079] The apparatus 110 comprises a pair of shoulder carry straps 136 attached to the sack 112. The shoulder carry straps 136 are attached to the back portion 114 of the sack 112. Each shoulder carry strap 136 has a first end 138 attached to the back portion 114 of the sack 112 ata location proximate the top portion 118 of the sack 112, and a second end 140 attached to the back portion 114 of the sack 112 at a location proximate the bottom portion 120 of the sack 112, thereby forming loops suitable for being located around a user's shoulders which facilitate the apparatus 110 being carried on a user's back.

[0080] Carrying items on one's back has benefits such as the ability to carry a greater load and the ability to carry a load for a longer duration because the load is evenly distributed over a large area of the body.

[0081] The apparatus 110 further comprises a hand carry strap 142 connected to the sack 112. The hand carry strap 142 is attached to the top portion 118 of the sack 112. The hand carry strap 142 is attached to the top portion 118 of the sack at a position proximate the back portion 114 of the sack 112. The hand carry strap 142 comprises first and second ends that are attached to the sack 112; thereby the hand carry strap 142 forms a loop suitable for being grasped by a user's hand.

[0082] While in the illustrated apparatus 110, the hand carry strap 142 is attached to the top portion 118, the hand carry strap 142 may alternatively be attached to any other portion of the sack 112.

[0083] The shoulder carry straps 136, and hand carry strap 142 beneficially provides flexibility in the means of carrying the apparatus 110, and therefore convenience for use of the apparatus 110. The apparatus 110 may comprise fewer or more carry straps for carrying the apparatus in the stowed configuration.

[0084] The sack 112 further comprises a reinforced portion 144. The reinforced portion 144 is located on the front portion 116 of the sack 112. The reinforced portion 144 comprises slits 146. In use of the apparatus in the stowed configuration, other articles can be attached to the reinforced portion 144 via the slits 146 for transportation, for example by threading shoe laces through the slits 146 to transport shoes.

[0085] FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings shows the apparatus 110 in the deployed configuration, with the sleeping bag 128 removed from the first interior pocket of the sack 112 while still connected via the connection arrangement 130.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeping bag 128 comprises an elongate fabric tube 147 having a closed end 148 and an open end 150. The elongate tube 147 is sized such that at least the feet to shoulders of a user fit within the elongate tube 147. In use, the user's head is positioned at and may protrude from the open end 150. The elongate tube 147 comprises a slit 151 extending from the open end 150. The slit 151 is releasably closable via a zip 152.

[0087] In use, the slit 151 provides ease of ingress to and egress from the sleeping bag 128 for a user. By closing the zip 152, the user's body from their shoulders to their feet will be surrounded by the sleeping bag 128, thereby providing warmth and comfort to the user.

[0088] The sleeping bag 128 further comprises an interior pocket 154 (shown in hidden detail in FIG. 4). The interior pocket 154 takes the form of a pouch attached to the inside of the tube 147. The interior pocket 154 is sized to be suitable for holding a user's essential items such as a mobile phone, a passport, or other documentation. The interior pocket 154 provides a security mechanism for such items whilst the apparatus 110 is in the deployed configuration.

[0089] As described above, the connection arrangement 130 forms a connection between the sleeping bag 128 and the sack 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the connection arrangement 130 comprises a panel of material 156 extending between the sack 112 and the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128. The connection arrangement 130 is located at the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128, allowing a user sleeping in the sleeping bag 112 when the apparatus 110 is in the deployed configuration to utilise the sack 112 as a pillow.

[0090] As well as providing comfort to the user, this provides a security mechanism for other articles stored within the second interior pocket of the sack 112, as the articles could not be retrieved from the second interior pocket without disturbing the user of the apparatus 110 from their sleep.

[0091] The panel 156 is fixedly attached to the sack 112 inside the first interior pocket and releasably attached to the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 via a zip 158. The zip 158 permits separation of the sleeping bag 128 and the sack 112 to facilitate, for example, cleaning of the sleeping bag 128, or replacement of either the sack 112 or the sleeping bag 128 if one has become worn beyond the point of use but the other is still in a usable condition.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5, the pouch 160 is formed of a portion of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 that is folded back on itself and attached to the interior of the sleeping bag 128, thereby forming a tubular pouch 160 having two open ends for entry and exit of the hood 162 to and from the pouch 160.

[0093] While in the illustrated apparatus 110, the tubular pouch 160 has two open ends for entry and exit of the hood 162, the pouch may take other forms, such as having three closed sides and one open side.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5, the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 is provided with first portions of complementary fasteners 164, the first portions being in the form of panels having a dense arrangement of hooks. The first portions of the complementary fasteners 164 are provided on a first side 166 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 proximate the connection arrangement 130, and on a second side 168 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 opposite the first side166. Opposing sides of the hood 162 are provided with second portions of complementary fasteners 164 (not visible in FIGS. 5 and 6), the second portions being in the form of panels having a dense arrangement of loops that form an attachment with the hooks of the first portions when brought into contact.

[0095] In its deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the hood 162 is shown removed from the pouch 160 and the complementary fasteners 164 are releasably connected together. One of the opposing sides of the hood 162 is releasably connected to the first side 166 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128 proximate the connection means 130, and the other of the opposing sides of the hood 162 is releasably connected to the second side 168 of the open end 150 of the sleeping bag 128. In use, the hood 162 will cover the head of a user within the sleeping bag 128, thus providing privacy to the user. The hood 162, in use, may also provide additional protection and warmth to the user, in particular if the apparatus 110 is being used outside. The complimentary fasteners may take other forms, such as buttons, poppers or the like.

[0096] It will be recognised that the sleeping bag storage and transportation apparatus described above is merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.