Beds – Sleeping bag – Including inflatable portion or attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-14
2001-06-12
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3628)
Beds
Sleeping bag
Including inflatable portion or attachment
C005S417000, C005S420000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243892
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for use in sleeping, and more specifically to methods and apparatuses for a sleeping apparatus that is convertible between a sleeping configuration and a backpack configuration.
2. Description of the Related Art
Sleeping bags are well known in the art. Typically, sleeping bags are folded or rolled up and then fastened into the rolled up condition when not being used to sleep in. Such known sleeping bags are generally effective for sleeping purposes but are difficult to carry. It is also known to use a pad with a sleeping bag. Typically, such pads are effective but they become just one more individual component for the user to carry. Thus, sleeping bags individually or with separate pads are generally cumbersome to transport. What is needed is a sleeping apparatus that combines a pad and a sleeping bag into an integral unit that can be converted into a backpack for easy and light portability.
DeMars, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,600, discloses a combination sleeping/carry bag. However, DeMars provides very little protection for the sleeping bag while it is being carried from one place to another. When sleeping bags are transported outside they are exposed to various weather conditions including wind, rain, snow and the like. In addition, side shoulder straps, such as provided by DeMars, can easily slide off of a walking user's shoulder. Thus, side shoulder straps are not conducive to travelers, such as many hikers/campers, who travel relatively long distances while carrying their sleeping bag. What is needed is a sleeping apparatus that can easily be carried long distances and that is well protected from the elements.
It is also known in the art to combine bed frames and/or cots with backpacks. Murdock, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,825 discloses a backpack with a convertible frame. Such bed frames are believed to be effective for their intended use and are more conducive to carry long distances. However, such bed frames are heavy and thus require a relatively high level of fitness for users who carry them long distances. In addition, such bed frames require complex folding and unfolding when used. What is needed is a frameless sleeping apparatus that is light to carry and easy to fold and unfold.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,124, Kirkham, Jr. discloses a backpack and sleeping bag system. However, the sleeping bag is a separate item that is attached to the backpack. Also, as is common in the art, Kirkham Jr.'s system includes a frame and numerous pockets for holding various items. This greatly increases the weight of the system. What is need is a backpack that is convertible into a sleeping bag and yet is readily able to transport other articles such as clothing, cameras, toiletries, etc. In this way, travel can be simplified and light traveling can be encouraged.
The present invention provides a sleeping apparatus that is easily converted between a lightweight backpack and a sleeping bag with a pad. Thus, the difficulties inherent in the prior art are overcome in a way that is simple and efficient, while providing better and more advantageous overall results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sleeping apparatus that includes a sleeping bag and a pad. The sleeping bag has front and back sides and is selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad is operatively attached to the back side of the sleeping bag and is also selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad serves as padding for the sleeping bag when both are in the sleeping configuration. The pad also serves as a backpack shell for holding the sleeping bag within when both are in the backpack configuration. When in the backpack configuration, the pad provides structural integrity for the backpack.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of converting the sleeping apparatus from the sleeping configuration to the backpack configuration. The method includes the following steps. First, the sleeping bag is folded into the backpack configuration. Next, the pad is folded into the backpack configuration around the folded sleeping bag. Thus, the pad forms a backpack shell that holds the folded sleeping bag within and protects and secures any other contents. Finally, the pad is secured into the folded backpack configuration by means such as connectable straps.
One advantage of the present invention is that the sleeping bag and pad form a single unit that is easily convertible between a backpack and a sleeping bag and yet provides room for additional items to be carried by the user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the pad has dual purposes. When in the sleeping configuration, the pad serves as padding under the sleeping bag, thereby providing comfort for the sleeper. When in the backpack configuration, on the other hand, the pad serves as a backpack shell that holds and protects the folded sleeping bag and any other items stored within the shell. In this way the pad provides the required structural support for the backpack.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the sleeping apparatus is lightweight and easy to carry, even for long distances, because it reduces the amount of extra materials required when a pad, backpack, and sleeping bag are carried separately.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
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Browne Lynne H.
Conely Fredrick
Emerson Roger D.
Emerson & Skeriotis
Thomson Daniel A.
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