US3380087A - Electrically heated sleeping bag - Google Patents

Description

April 30, 1968 F. M. PETTY ET Al- ELECTRICALLY HEATED SLEEPING BAG 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. 30, 1965 l z www INVENTORS.

WAYLAND D. KEITH FRANCES M. PETTY 2 i. Nmzmz 4 3 PHI f 4 nu A April 30, 1968 F. M. PETTY ETAL 3,380,087

ELECTRICALLY HEATED SLEEPING BAG Filed Aug. 30, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS. FRANCES M. PETTY BY WAYLAND D. KEITH United States Patent O 3,380,087 ELECTRICALLY HEATED SLEEPING BAG Frances M. Petty, Wichita Falls, Tex. (360g Meadowbrook, llort Worth, Tex. 76103), and Wayland D. Keith, 2208 Piedmont, Wichita lFalls, Tex. 76308 Filed Aug. 30, 1965, Ser. No. 483,716 3 Claims. (Cl. 5--34-3) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE of paralleling the heating element conductors within the sleeping bag enables the maximum stretch of the elements to be had and allows for rough usage without breaking the heating elements.

This invention relates to sleeping bags and more particularly to electrically heated sleeping bags, and specifically to battery operated, electrically heated sleeping bags.

Various sleeping bags have been proposed heretofore, as well as electrically heated blankets and the like, however, the present sleeping bag is so constructed and so insulated as to require a minimum drain on a battery, so as to enable the use of dry cell batteries, and `more particularly light weight, rechargeable dry cell batteries, which makes it possible for the sleeping bag and a battery power pack to be readily carried into remote areas to be used where there is no other source of electricity, and without the use of auxiliary blankets and the like. The present sleeping bag is also so constructed and so insulated as to be safe for outdoor use under all weather conditions.

An object of this invention is to provide an electrically heated sleeping bag which will require a minimum of current to maintain the sleeping bag heated to a comfortable temperature.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated, battery powered sleeping bag, which will enable the sleeping bag and the battery power pack to be readily carried to remote areas.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated, battery powered, multiple heat sleeping bag to provide various gradations of heat for the sleeping bag.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated, battery powered, multiple heat sleeping bag, the heat to which may be selectively controlled manually or thermostatically controlled automatically to maintain the heat of the bag at the desired temperature.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated, battery powered sleeping bag, the covering thereof being impervious to moisture to prevent normal encroachment of moisture into the bag, either while it is in use or while it is rolled for transportation and storage.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated sleeping bag, the heating elements of which are associated therewith in such manner that the rolling of the bag will exert a minimum of strain on the heating elements, consequently damage to the heating ele- 'ice ments will be prevented, when the bag is rolled for transportation or storage.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a water-seal type slide fastener or zipper, which will enable sheets of plastic or other water impervious material to be secured together, so as to present a sleeping bag which is substantially water resistant.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated sleeping bag, the top portion of which opens longitudinally, medially of the sides, to provide maximum convenience in getting into or out of the bag, especially if it is used by more than one individual.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a water impervious cover for a sleeping bag, which cover may be of plastic or other water repellent material t0 form' a normally weather-tight encasement for the sleeping bag on the bottom, top, sides and lone end, and for which bag a canopy is provided to protect the head of the individual using the bag.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sleeping bag7 having a water impervious covering thereon of sheet plastic or the like, so that, when the bag is rolled for transportation or storage, it will be completely protectcd from the elements, and which covering is provided with carrying straps and a handle, arranged thereon in such manner that the terminal end of the bag covering will be at the lower side thereof to obviate the encroachment of moisture thereinto.

Another object of the invention is to provide, at the opening of the sleeping bag, a longitudinal Hy to cover the slide fastener thereof, when the fastener is closed, to provide further protection against the elements, both t0 the interior of the bag and to the fastener thereof.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated, battery powered sleeping bag, which is simple in construction, low in current consumption, eficient in operation, and low in the cost of manufacture.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated, battery powered sleeping bag which is so constructed and so insulated that it may be readily and safety used outdoors, indoors, or in vehicles, such as a station wagon, camper or the like, and it may be readily connected to the current supply of an automotive vehicle.

With these objects in mind and others which will become manifest as the description proceeds, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts in the several views thereof; in which:

FIG. l is a perspective view of one form of the invention showing the canopy erected, and with the sleeping bag being partially open, an electrical conductor cord being shown as leading from the sleeping bag, through a selector switch and to a portable battery;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sleeping bag rolled for transportation or storage, showing the straps and carrying handle thereon;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal view through the sleeping bag in position for use, showing the canopy erected thereabove, showing the interior of the sleeping bag;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a plastic, slide type fastener showing the elements in sealing relation, and showing a portion of the edge of the plastic or waterproof covering with a longitudinal fly positioned thereover;

FIG. 5 is a modified form of sleeping bag, such as may be used to accommodate a single individual, showing the slide fastener on the side thereof, and showing a corner portion of the sleeping bag turned back to show the details of construction and showing a multiple heat control switch and a portable power packed battery attached to the sleeping bag by an electrical conductor cord, with the wiring diagram being shown in dotted outline, and with a portion of the canopy being broken away and shortened;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, to show the details of construction of the sleeping bag, showing the insulation and the filler elements therein, and showing the electric heating element wires therein;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical wiring system, particularly for the form of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, with the top portion of the sleeping bag being shown in dashed outline, and showing a three-heat, four-position switch connected thereto and the battery associated therewith;

FIG. 8 is a -diagrammatic view of a -conventional fourposition, three-heat switch in the rst position, which produces low heat;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a conventional fourposition three-heat switch in the second position, which produces an intermediate heat;

FIG. IO is a diagrammatic view of a conventional fourposition, three-heat switch which connects the rst and second heating units in parallel to give a third or high heat position of the switch;

FIG. 11 shows the off-position of the conventional fourposition, three-heat switch; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the four-prong plug and socket.

With more detailed reference to the drawing, the numeral 1 designates generally a substantially weather-tight envelope, which is preferably sealed along each side, at the end, and which is capable of being sealed substantially weather tight longitudinally of the upper portion along the slide fastening thereof, which slide fastener is designated generally at 2, and which has a y 4 thereover to provide further protection to the opening from the elements.

The envelope 1 is composed of-a plastic sheet 6, which plastic sheet covers the top portion of the sleeping bag, extends around the lower end and therebelow and extends beyond the head end of the bag sufficiently to form a wind break 8 and a cover or canopy 10, when the sleeping bag is in one position. This extended end of the plastic sheet forms a covering to protect the bag when it is rolled for transportation or storage, as is best seen in FIG. 6.

The lower portion of the sleeping bag is preferably formed with a cushion which utilizes a lower fabric por-` tion 12 and an upper fabric portion 14, with the cushion or insulating material 16 being positioned intermediate the fabric portions 12 and 14. The fabric portions 12 and 14 are held together by conventional through stitching 18. It is preferable to have the waterproof covering, such as plastic sheet, bonded to the fabric on the lower portion of the sleeping bag, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 6, which may either be thermo-bonded or cemented, depending upon the type of plastic used. This plastic material may also extend around the foot end of the sleeping bag and over the top portion thereof and be bonded to a fabric covering 20 on the upper surface of the sleeping bag.

The upper portion of the sleeping bag, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 6, has fabric sheets 22 and 24 between which electric heating elements, as designated at 26, are positioned. Insulation material 28 is provided intermediate fabric covering 20 and the fabric sheeting 24, so as to provide proper insulation to prevent cold being transmitted into the bag and to retain heat from the heating elements. Through stitching 30 extends through fabric covering 20, through fabric sheeting 22 and fabric sheeting 24 to hold the insulation material 28 and the electrical heating elements 26 in proper relation.

The form of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 may be utilized to accommodate either one or two persons, and the slide fastener 2 is preferably of conventional bulb 32 and recess 34 type sealing element as will best be seen in FIG. 4, with the tang portions 36 and 38 being secured to adjacent edges of the opening in plastic sheet portion 6, either by thermo-seal, cementing, or stitching, so when the slide fastener is closed in the manner shown in FIG. 4, it will be substantially weather tight. The form of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 shows the plastic sheet portions 6 opening longitudinally, medially of this portion of the sleeping bag, with the slide fastener being secured to the edges of the opening as set out above, which opening and slide fastener are covered by a y 4, to further protect the opening and the fastening against the elements.

If the bag is prepared for use of a single occupant, however, the same type opening and slide fastener arrangement is utilized, but this is positioned along the side of the bag, with the ily 4 in position to direct water downward. The bulb and recess elements 32-34 are opened and closed by a sliding element, as indicated at 40, which is conventional.

In the form of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the sleeping bag may be folded longitudinally along a medial line 90, the bag may then be rolled, starting at the foot portion, to assume the position, substantially as shown in FIG. 2, with straps 42 passing therearound to enable buckles 44 to be secured in such manner that the handle 46 will be positioned on the side of the rolled bag opposite the terminal end 43 of plastic sheet 6.

The canopy 10 may have grommets or eyelets 50 near the terminal end 48 of sheet 6, which will enable the wind break portion 8 and canopy 10 to be erected on a framework made from a pair of forked sticks 52, a cross bar 54 and a pair of upright standards 56, each of which standards has a reduced portion S8 on the upper end to pass through the respective grommets or eyelets 50 to support the canopy l0. Each of the upright standards 52 and 56 may be sharpened on the respective lower ends thereof, as indicated respectively at 60 and 62, FIG. 1, to enable these standards to be driven or pushed into the earth to provide supports for the canopy 10. The upright standards 52 and S6 and the cross bar 54 may be obtained locally, each time the sleeping bag is used, or if desired, these may be included within the roll, and in the case of the sleeping bag being of extra width, the cross bar 54 may be jointed or telescoped so the length may be adjusted to conveniently lit within the roll 2.

Electrical system A diagrammatic view of the electrical system is shown in FIG. 7, which shows two sets of dual heating elements 64 and 66, with the respective sets 64-64 of the dual heating elements being connected in parallel and with sets 66-66 of the dual heating elements being connected in parallel and being connected to a separable four-prong plug 68 and a complementary socket 7 0*, thence through conductors 72-74 and 76-78 to a four-position selector switch S0, through conductors 82 and 84 to a source of electricity, such as a dry cell 4battery 86. The switch has a selector element, such as a knob or lever 81 thereon to enable the switch to be moved to the correct position to obtain the desired heat, n accordance with the diagrams shown in FIGS. 8 through 11. Various switches of this type are commercially available, and no claim is made to the switch per se.

The wiring diagram, as shown in FIG. 5, is substantially the same as shown in FIG. 7, except, only one set of dual heating elements is shown. The battery 86 is preferably of the rechargeable, dry cell type, however, it is to be understood that any suitable source of electricity, of the desired voltage, may be used, whether it is direct current or alternating current, or whether the battery be a wet cell or a dry cell battery. It is preferable for the battery 86 to have a carrying handle 88.

Within the circuit of each of the heating elements 64 and 66 are thermostats 65 and 67 respectively, which are pre-set to open at a given temperature, and which have conventional bi-metallic elements and contact points therein. It is preferable to have one set of heating elements, such as heating elements 64 to have a very low drain of amperage, preferably as low as two amperes, which, on a tweleve-volt battery, would give only 24 watt per hour drain, with the switch in the position as shown in FIG. 8. However, a second heating element 66, preferably has a higher amperage drain, which could be in the range of four amperes per hour, and with the switch knob 81 of the switch 80 moved to the position to connect heating elements 66 through conductor wires 76-78 to conductor wires 82 and 84, the higher amperage drain will cause the heating elements to bring the temperature within the sleeping bag to a higher temperature.

By moving the knob 81 to the third position, the heating elements 64-64 and 66--66 will be connected in parallel relation, as indicated in FIG. 10, which will draw the combined amperage of both heating elements, and if one is drawing two amperes per hour and the other is drawing four amperes per hour, substantially six amperes will be dissipated in the form of heat through elements 64-64 and 66-66, however, thermostats 65 and 67 are in the respective heating element circuits and are so located as to be effected by the temperature and to open and close at a predetermined temperature, each in an independent circuit.

It is to be pointed out that the heating elements 64-66 are carried substantially in parallel relation transversely, in so far as possible, with respect to the portion of the heating pad to which they are attached, which presents two favorable functions; first, Vby having both the heating elements of a closed loop and parallel to each other, it obviates the necessity for a long single return Wire to complete the circuit. Secondly, by having the elements arranged in parallel relation transversely, the sleeping bag may be folded along a longitudinal line 90, FIG. 7, and then rolled into the form as shown in FIG. 2., the wires of the heating elements will be substantially in parallel, aligned relation with the length of the roll, as shown in FIG. 2. This will give a greater opportunity for the elements to yield, since they are running longitudinally with respect to the rolled sleeping bag, as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, a minimum of stress is accorded by the rolling and unrolling of the sleeping bag. Furthermore, the use of spaced apart parallel heating element conductors with closed loops in the terminal portions with respect to four-prong plug l68, FIG. 7, will enable a more uniform distribution of heat, for the respective sets of heating elements or with the combined sets of heating elements. The same holds true with respect to the arrangement of heating elements as shown in FIG. 5, which is substantially the same form of wiring as shown in FIG. 7, except only one set of dual heating elements is used and are numbered correspondingly to the numbering as shown in FIG. 7.

The modified form of the sleeping bag, as shown in FIG. 5, is substantially like the form as shown in FIG. 1, except the slide fastener 2 and the fly 4 are positioned on one side of the bag, with the upper portion of the fly being secured to the sheeting 6, as indicated at 3. This form of the invention enables the heating elements 64 and 66 to run transversely of the upper portion of the sleeping bag, with the four-prong plug 68 and socket 70 being looped on a side of the slee-ping bag, as shown in FIG. 5. The fold lines 92 and 94, FIG. 5, indicate the places where the sheet 6 is folded to enable the wind break 6 and the canopy 10 to be erected.

While the sleeping bag has been illustrated and described in some detail in two embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that changes may be made in the minor details of construction and adaptations made to different installations, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus clearly shown and described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A sleeping bag arrangement, which arrangement comprises;

(a) a sleeping bag having an upper portion and a lower portion,

(b) heat insulating material positioned in the lower portion of the sleeping bag and in the upper portion of the sleeping Ibag to dene a sleeping compartment therebetween,

(c) at least a rst and a second flexible, elongated, electrical heating element circuit, enclosed by a covering, between the sleeping compartment and the insulation material in the upper portion of the sleeping bag, for connection with an outside source of electricity,

(1) said rst flexible, elongated, electrical heating element circuit comprising adjacent, transverse runs, which runs are joined at the end remote from the source of electricity, which runs extend transversely only, substantially the width of the area being heated and terminating at a junction remote from the closed end of the circuit which connects with the outside source of electricity, the runs of the circuit lbeing spaced apart and parallel throughout the major portion of the length of each run,

(2) said second flexible, elongated, electrial heating element circuit comprising adjacent, transverse runs joined at the end remote from the source of electricity, which runs extend transversely only, substantially the Width of the area being heated, and terminate at a junction remote from the closed end of the circuit which connects with the outside source of electricity, the runs of the circuit being spaced apart and parallel throughout the major portion of the length of each run,

(3) said transverse runs of said first and second exible, elongated, electrical heating element circuits being spaced apart and parallel throughout the major portion of the area being heated,

(d) a manually operated switch connecting with the source of electricity and to each of said heating element circuits, so as to selectively connect each heating element circuit individually with the source of electricity or all of the heating elements with the source of electricity, and

(e) a thermostatic control switch connected within each heating element circuit and being located within the area being heated and being responsive to the heat within the sleeping bag.

2. A sleeping bag arrangement as defined in claim 1;

wherein (a) the source of electricity is a self-contained electricity generating means connected to said electrical heating element circuits.

3. A sleeping bag arrangement, as defined in claim 1;

wherein (a) the outer covering of the sleeping bag is a plastic,

moisture resistant envelope having a longitudinal portion thereof selectively openable,

(b) longitudinal closure elements on the adjacent sides of said longitudinal openable portion,

(l) said longitudinal closure element comprising male and female, deforma-ble plastic mating portions,

(2) the female mating portion including a longitudinally grooved plastic member, the groove therein having a cross-section of more than degrees curvature,

(3) the male mating portion of the longitudinal plastic closure element having a complementary bulb portion of more than 180 degrees curvature, and

(4) a slide member operatively associated with the male and female mating portions of said closure element and being movable therealong to engage said bulb portion within said groove, upon movement in one direction, so as to form a substantially weather tight joint and to disengage said bulb from said groove when the 7 slide member is moved in the opposite direction 1,859,820 to enable the longitudinal lportions of the enve- 2,376,902 lope to be separated. 2,401,230 2,993,979

References Cited 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS 750,179 1/1904 Foglesong 219-212 1,670,460 5/ 1928 Leibold 5-343 8 Baker 5--343 XR Clark 5-347 Colley 5-343 XR Hornsby 219-212 BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner.

A. CALVERT, Examiner.

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