GB2473613A

GB2473613A - A sleeping bag incorporating inflatable tubes

Info

Publication number: GB2473613A
Application number: GB0916225A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Stephen Joyce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-16
Filing date: 2009-09-16
Publication date: 2011-03-23
Also published as: GB0916225D0

Abstract

A sleeping bag comprises an integral inflatable framework of inflatable tubes UT and OT. Tubes UT are situated in the base of the sleeping bag with Tubes OT forming hoops over the top of the sleeping bag attached by fabric A to the outer skin D of the original bag. A weather proof outer skill (OS, figure 5) is added over the top of the tubes OT and under tubes UT to form a new outer skin. Ventilation through material A is improved and condensation is reduced.

Description

Inflatable Sleeping Bag System

Background

Current sleeping bag designs have a number of major faults: * Sleeping bag Insulation under the body is squashed by a person's weight, reducing insulation from below.

* Some form of mat must be used under the sleeping bag to provide comfort from the ground, and reinstate the lost insulation below.

* Due to a lack of ventilation between the bag and mat, condensation often forms.

* Sleeping bags for colder environments rely on Goose down for trapping air to produce an insulating effect. If the down is not dry its ability to insulate is reduced.

* Sleeping bags currently rely on an outer water resistant bag to provide water proofing, which again forms condensation between the two bags, usually under the sleeping body.

Statement of Invention

Incorporate an inflatable frame of Air impermeable tubes, (similar to a bike inner-tube) into the construction of the sleeping bag. Enabling better ventilation, comfort, increased insulation, more effective waterproofmg, and reduced equipment weight.

Advantages * Tube running within the base of the sleeping bag will lift the body off the ground, allowing air to circulate under the body through the insulation compartments previously squashed, whilst also providing comfort to the body.

* Tube running around the sleeping bag, (like a hoop) will pull the outer skin of the bag away from the inner skin maximizing the size of the insulating compartments.

* The void created between the inflatable tube and the insulating outer skin of the sleeping bag can be used for further insulation in a more ventilated way, retaining heat that would of otherwise have been lost, whilst avoiding condensation.

* An exterior water proof skin can be applied to the sleeping bag using the hoops and under tubing to create a ventilation gap between the water proofing layer and the insulating bag inside, avoiding condensation.

* Users will not be required to carry a sleeping mat which is usually carried on the outside of a backpack due to cumbersome shape.

Introduction to Drawings

An example will now be described by referring to the following drawings.

Figure 1 -Shows a normal sleeping bag with a body inside from the head end.

Figure 2 -Shows the integral tubing under the body and one ioop over the body.

Figure 3 -Shows the frame work of the tubing.

Figure 4 -Shows the frame work of the tubing with an overlay of the sleeping bag.

Figure 5 -Shows a cross section of the sleeping bag from the side.

Figure 6 -Shows a further application for an external waterproofmg layer.

Detailed description

Figures 1 & 2 compare the difference in the body's effect on the insulating material of the old designed sleeping bags verses this new design with an integral tube system.

F compares the effectiveness of the insulation under the body; Figure 1 displays the current sleeping bag's poor insulating qualities due to compression of the insulating compartments at F. Figure 2 shows how the tubing is taking the weight of the body and allowing the insulating compartment to remain uncompressed and effective. As there is now air flow through the insulating compartments condensation will no longer occur under the body at F. H is comparing the compression of insulating compartments under they're own weight.

Figure 1 displays a slight sagging of the insulating compartment walls at B. Figure 2 shows the hoop o. inflated tubing OT pulling the outer skiti P by material A which is attached to the tubing, maintaining the compartment walls at B and trapping the most air possible. Thus providing the maximum height H or maximum insulation.

E is the inner skin and is elasticated to hug the body.

Figure 3 shows an example of the structure of the integral tubing however does not limit the layout specifically to this order or layout. This could be one complete loop of tube similar to a large bicycle inner-tube, or one complete length of tube with some form of valve for inflating and deflating or a number of separate tubes. The bag will be designed such that this integral tubing can be removed for repair or replacement.

The position of Pump P will be situated anywhere within the sleeping bag and its current proposed position is somewhere within the Sleeping bag opening. Means of inflation are proposed to be by mouth, by normal bicycle valve and pump, or by compressed C02 canisters.

Figure 4 Shows the tubing integrated within the sleeping bag, and better displays the function of material A, pulling the top layer of the sleeping bag upward by the pressure within the tubing OT. It displays the compartments I, which will be formed between the materials A when the final outer Skin is displayed.

Figure 5 Shows a cross section of the complete sleeping bag. With outer skLn OS attached to the tubing OT forming compartments I. Material A acts like a baffle allowing air to pass through it at a controlled rate, providing insulation whilst avoiding condensation. OS can be made of a fully waterproof breathable material.

Figure 6 Shows an all weather proof application. The Outer skin OS extended to provide total weatherproofing to the sleeping bag as an alternative to the use of a tent.

This application would be used instead of a bivouac or water proof outer bag, for super light weight application such as for cyclists or survival, where a tent would not be carried.