Beds – Sleeping bag – Including inflatable portion or attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-16
2001-01-23
Melius, Terry Lee (Department: 3628)
Beds
Sleeping bag
Including inflatable portion or attachment
C002S069500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175976
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to sleeping bags, and more specifically to a sleeping bag that is selectively convertible between a compact foot space configuration and an expanded foot space configuration.
Consumers face a difficult task in finding a sleeping bag that meets their needs over a wide variety of ambient temperatures in which the bag is intended to be used. Mummy-type sleeping bags are well suited for use in outdoor, cold ambient temperatures. Mummy bags generally minimize internal volume, being shaped with a lateral taper to approximately contour the body of a person. These bags are effective in conserving heat by decreasing air movement within the bag. A drawback to mummy bags is that some people feel discomfort in the relatively snug space of these bags. Their freedom of motion is reduced, especially at their feet, and they are too warm when the bag is used in warmer ambient temperatures. Rectangular-type sleeping bags are well suited for use indoors or in milder outdoor temperatures. These bags are shaped with a generally constant lateral dimension, providing generally good knee and foot room and freedom of motion. Although rectangular bags are generally more spacious than mummy bags, a drawback is that their larger internal volumes make them thermally inefficient. When used in colder environments, persons using rectangular bags can more easily become chilled, especially toward their feet.
Unfortunately, sleeping bag designs typically incorporate a one-type-fits-all approach, having volume and taper that are fixed. People who want to use bags in both colder and milder temperature environments must either purchase two bags (i.e., a mummy bag and a rectangular bag) at considerable expense, or get by with one bag designed for one environment but which is less than ideal in the other environment. Some users may have a personal preference for a snugger, warmer bag regardless of foot space. Other users prefer a roomier bag, regardless of its thermal characteristics. Unfortunately, no single type of sleeping bag is available that will please both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a sleeping bag for insulated and personal bedding that is adapted for use both indoors and outdoors over a wide range of ambient temperatures; the provision of such a sleeping bag that is selectively adjustable in lateral contour to accommodate personal preference; the provision of such a sleeping bag that is convertible between a compact foot space configuration and an expanded foot space configuration; and the provision of such a sleeping bag that is easy to use.
In general, a sleeping bag of the present invention has a compact foot space configuration for user warmth in cold ambient temperatures and an expanded foot space configuration for user comfort in mild to warm ambient temperatures. The sleeping bag comprises an elongate shell defining a volume sized and shaped to receive a user therein. The shell has an outer surface, a head end portion, a foot end portion and left and right lateral sides, and an opening extending generally along at least one of the lateral sides generally in the foot end portion. A pocket made of limp material and associated with the shell is generally in the opening. In the expanded configuration of the sleeping bag the pocket and shell define a first foot space volume of the sleeping bag extending through the opening in the shell to a location spaced from the outer surface of the shell, and in the compact configuration of the sleeping bag the shell defines a second foot space volume and the pocket defines no volume outwardly of the shell opening, the first foot space volume being greater than the second foot space volume. A fastener is associated with the shell for closing the shell opening in the compact configuration of the sleeping bag.
Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
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American Recreation Products, Inc.
Melius Terry Lee
Santos Robert G.
Senniger Powers Leavitt & Roedel
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