Description:
As is known, it is desirable to have a sleeping bag which is compact in a transporting position and which is readily erected for use. Previous approaches to sleeping bags were heavy and/or cumbersome, failing to provide self-contained features for safety, comfort and ease in erection.
The invention satisfies all of the aforesaid requirements. Briefly, the present sleeping bag is readily rolled for transporting, being light in weight and easy to handle, and, subsequently, is readily erected for use. The sleeping bag includes a stowage compartment for mosquito netting and a protective covering, each being self-contained and secured at a portion thereof to the sleeping bag. Collapsible framework members are provided over which the aforesaid mosquito netting and protective covering are disposed. Slide fastener means on the mosquito netting and on the protective covering effectively mesh with corresponding structure disposed on the sleeping bag. A cushioning layer is provided over an inflatable air mattress, the latter being readily replaced in the event of wear or damage. Assembly of the sleeping bag of the invention is easily accomplished through simple action.
A better understanding of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly fragmentary and partly in section, showing the sleeping bag of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view in vertical section, also partly fragmentary, showing certain details of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the collapsible framework feature;
FIG. 4 is a view in side elevation, partly fragmentary and partly in vertical section, showing details of the stowage compartment of the present sleeping bag, where certain overall fastening details are omitted for drawing clarity; and,
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view in side elevation showing the access end of the sleeping bag after assembly for use.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Referring now to the figures, the sleeping bag of the invention comprises a layer 12 of cushioning material, the latter typically being kapok or the like, encased within a waterproof covering 14. Covering 14 has another waterproof lower covering 16 secured thereto, as by stitching, along the lower portion of one side wall thereof. As particularly evident from FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower covering 16 is adapted to receive an inflatable air mattress 17, where the free end of the lower covering 16 is secured to the opposite side wall of covering 14 through the means of snap fasteners 19 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
When the air mattress 17 is initially positioned within the lower covering 16, the lower covering 16 assumes a loose condition. When the air mattress 17 is inflated, however, the lower covering 16 assumes the condition of FIG. 2. The snap fasteners 19 provide for the ready removal of the air mattress 17 in the event of damage, as by puncturing, or the like. Conventional means (not shown) are provided for inflating the air mattress 17.
One end of the covering 14, as well as the lower covering 16, is extended to provide a stowage compartment 20, where the access to such stowage compartment 20 is typically provided through slide fastener 22. The stowage compartment 20 receives an outer covering 24, as well as mosquito netting 25, where one end of each is secured, as by stitching, to a portion inside of the stowage compartment 20. In other words, the outer covering 24 and the mosquito netting 25 may be folded and/or stored within the stowage compartment 20 to provide a self-contained arrangement (see FIG. 4).
A slide fastener assembly 24a and a slide fastener assembly 25a extend around the sleeping bag, beginning at a corner thereof proximate to the aforesaid stowage compartment 20. As should be evident from FIG. 2, the slide fastener assemblies 24a and 25a are secured to the vertical walls defining the sides and the access end of the covering 14. In this connection, it should be understood that the side edges and the front end edges of the outer covering 24 and the mosquito netting 25 contain slide fastener teeth, so that slide fastening can be readily achieved with slide fastener assemblies 24a and 25a.
In order to accomplish the erection of the sleeping bag for use, a series of pockets 27 are provided along the side walls of the covering 14. The aforesaid pockets 27 receive the ends of telescopic framework members 29, the latter being defined by sections 29a and 29b. The framework members 29 are made from a resilient material and are arced to assume the positioning evident in FIG. 1 and in the detail of FIG. 3. The framework members 29 are readily flexed for use and are easily carried, in a rolled condition, when the sleeping bag is being transported.
With reference to FIG. 5, the end of the sleeping bag opposite the stowage compartment 20 is the access opening, where a slide fastener 30 is provided for ready entry. While not shown, the outer covering 24 and the mosquito netting 25 also include slide fastening means proximate the slide fastener 30 to permit access. The sleeping bag further includes ring-like members 32 for purposes of staking. Additionally, and while not shown, the outer covering 24 may include flap portions to provide ventilation.
As should be evident from the preceding, the sleeping bag of the invention is readily assembled for use. In this connection, the sleeping bag is unrolled from a normally rolled transporting condition and the air mattress 17 inflated. Thereafter, the framework members 29 are flexed and the ends thereof positioned within pockets 27. The outer covering 24 and the mosquito netting 25 are removed from the stowage compartment 20 and placed over the framework members 29, where positioning is retained through the use of slide fastener assemblies 24a and 25a. As stated, entry into the sleeping bag is accomplished through slide fastener 30.
The sleeping bag is susceptible to various changes within the spirit of the invention. For example, proportioning can be changed and other approaches utilized for the selective positioning of the framework members. Aside from ease in erection, another important feature of the invention is its capability of ready rolling for transporting, being compact, light in weight, and easy to handle. Thus, the preceding description should be considered illustrative, and not as limiting the scope of the following claims: