WO2007096670A1

WO2007096670A1 - Sleeping bag

Info

Publication number: WO2007096670A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/050076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jennie Catherine Pepper
Original assignee: Jennie Catherine Pepper
Priority date: 2006-02-21
Filing date: 2007-02-21
Publication date: 2007-08-30
Also published as: GB2430145B; GB2430145A; GB0603419D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to sleeping bags. A sleeping bag comprises first and second panels which together form a bag (10) portion having top (110) and bottom (120) layers; a mouth (170) adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap (160) operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap (160) and the bag portion; a head flap (180) operable to protect a surface underlying the bag from soiling due to contact with a user's head; and at least one tuck panel (190, 385, 495) extending from an edge portion thereof , the tuck panel (190,385,495) comprising a length of material adapted to be tucked under a mattress (200) of a bed so as to attach the bag to the mattress; wherein the at least one tuck panel is provided on up to three edges (121,122,123,124) of the sleeping bag, said edges being selected from amongst a head edge (122) , a foot edge (121) and a side edge (123,124) of the sleeping bag.

Description

SLEEPING BAG

The present invention relates to sleeping bags. In particular but not exclusively the present invention relates to sleeping bags for use in a bed, to prevent soiling of bedding by a person lying in the bed.

The problem of soiling of a bed by a user of the bed is well known in hospitals and other public health institutions. It is also well known amongst users of fake tan/self-tanning lotions.

It is common practice, and recommended by certain manufacturers of tanning preparations such as creams and lotions, to apply the preparation before bedtime. The user sleeps with preparation applied to their skin overnight, and then washes the preparation from his or her body the following morning. The preparations contain dyes that stain the skin. An example of a tanning preparation is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with skin proteins to develop a natural tan.

Users of the preparations encounter several problems. One problem is that their bedding becomes stained with dye, which is difficult to remove by washing. Alternatively, solutions containing DHA may not actually stain the bedding but still produce soiling of the bedding that requires washing for removal. Additionally, the use of DHA generates a strong aroma which many users find unpleasant. The additional washing of bedding results in shortening the fabric's lifespan and inconvenience both in terms of time and labour in stripping, washing and remaking the bed.

In order to address these problems, many users place towels or spare sheets over their bedding in order to provide protection. The fact that these towels or spare sheets are not fixed to the bed means that this solution is unsatisfactory since movement of the person during the night often results in contact between the skin of the person and the bedding. Therefore the need of the user to keep still so as not to disturb the towels or spare sheets reduces the effectiveness of a night's sleep. There is also the added disadvantage of not only having to wash the towels/sheets used as protection, but also the main bedding.

Another solution includes the wearing of clothing in order to prevent such contact. However, lotion applied to exposed areas of skin such as the hands, feet and face still cause staining of the bedding. Furthermore, not all users are comfortable wearing clothing in bed.

US4680821 (MAGUIRE) discloses an improved sheet bedding construction for institutional use. The construction comprises a fitted bedding article having a bag-like portion for a user's feet, a head portion, a foot portion, and straps to secure the article to a mattress. The article is intended to replace standard bedding arrangements, and fits over the entire mattress area and is secured to the mattress along four sides. The article is complex and costly to manufacture.

US4128908 (KERBS) discloses a sleeping bag liner for use with a sleeping bag which can be easily removed from the sleeping bag for washing. However, users of the sleeping bag liner that are wearing tanning lotion are still at risk of soiling the sleeping bag, for example due to contact with their face, arms or hands.

US2525713 (NORTH) discloses a twin sheet sleeping garment having a lower sheet in the form of a fitted sheet for fitting over a mattress. The garment fits over the entire mattress area and wraps around the mattress on four sides.

US2498055 (VEIT) discloses bedclothes in the form of a sleeping bag, the bedclothes being held in place on a mattress by blankets placed over the bedclothes.

In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleeping bag comprising: first and second panels which together form a bag portion having top and bottom layers; a mouth adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap and the bag portion; a head flap operable to protect a surface underlying the bag from soiling due to contact with a user's head; and at least one tuck panel extending from an edge portion thereof, the tuck panel comprising a length of material adapted to be tucked under a mattress of a bed so as to attach the bag to the mattress; wherein the at least one tuck panel is provided on up to three edges of the sleeping bag, said edges being selected from amongst a head edge, a foot edge and a side edge of the sleeping bag. The sleeping bag has the advantage over prior art articles such as those disclosed in MAGUIRE and NORTH that it is not required to be fitted over the entire surface of a mattress. Rather, the sleeping bag is secured to a mattress by one or more tuck panels provided along up to three edges of the sleeping bag. For example, a tuck panel may be provided along the head edge for tucking under the head of a mattress. Alternatively or in addition a tuck panel may be provided along a foot edge of the sleeping bag. Thus, the sleeping bag may be secured to the foot of a mattress by tucking this tuck panel under the foot of the mattress. The sleeping bag may be secured to a mattress at any position across the width of the mattress, the mattress being oriented to lie along a length of the mattress perpendicular to the width of the mattress.

Alternatively, a tuck panel may be provided only along one side edge of the sleeping bag. As a still further alternative, a tuck panel may be provided on one side edge of the sleeping bag, and on one or both of the head edge and foot edge of the sleeping bag. In this way, the sleeping bag may be secured proximate one side of a mattress. For example, if a tuck panel is provided along the left hand side edge of the sleeping bag, the tuck panel may be tucked under the left hand side edge of the mattress, with the sleeping bag lying above the mattress on the left hand side of the mattress. Alternatively, the tuck panel may be provided along the right hand side edge of the sleeping bag in a complimentary manner, allowing the sleeping bag to be secured along the right hand side edge of the mattress. Thus, in the case that that sleeping bag is used with a mattress wide enough to allow two people to lie side by side in the bed, the sleeping bag may be secured along one side edge of the mattress, covering for example one half only of the mattress. Thus, the other half of the mattress is available for use by another person who does not wish to lie within sleeping bag. Consequently, two people may occupy the same bed, one inside the sleeping bag and one not inside the sleeping bag. A risk of the person not inside the sleeping bag becoming soiled by tanning cream worn by the person inside the sleeping bag is therefore substantially reduced. At the same time, the presence of the one or more tuck panels of the sleeping bag enables the bag to be secured to the mattress such that its movement with respect to the mattress is restricted.

An advantage of the invention is that a user of tanning preparation such as a lotion or cream may sleep within the bag without risk of soiling the bedding. Furthermore, the bag is of a relatively simple construction and is therefore of relatively low cost to manufacture. The bag can be installed to underlie bedding quickly and easily. In addition, the bag may be readily removed from the bed environment for washing. Since a user of the bag only contacts the bag during sleep, washing of items that may overlie the bag whilst a user is sleeping, such as blankets, sheets, a duvet cover, etc, may be washed less frequently.

The bag is suitable for use by users of tanning preparations both at home and when travelling. It is also suitable for persons not using tanning preparations but wishing not to soil bedding through contact with the bedding, or for users not wishing to have contact with soiled bedding. For example, persons temporarily sleeping in a bed, such as when visiting friends or relatives. Furthermore, persons suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis and applying preparations such as lotions or creams to their skin for those conditions may also use the sleeping bag to prevent soiling of bedding by the preparation.

Preferably the first panel includes the head flap and the second panel includes the cover flap.

The first and second panels may be made from a single length of material.

Preferably the mouth is provided between said flaps and the bag portion.

Preferably the head flap and the first panel are formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably the cover flap and the second panel are formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably the head flap is provided with a pillow pocket, the pillow pocket being adapted to receive a pillow, the pillow pocket being further adapted to cover the pillow so that contact between a user's head and the pillow is preve wnted when the pillow is located within the pocket.

The tuck panel may be a panel of material adapted to be tucked under the mattress of the bed. A weight of the mattress overlying the tuck panel when the tuck panel is tucked under the mattress restrains movement of the tuck panel, and therefore the sleeping bag to which the tuck panel is attached.

Additionally the means for attaching the bag to a bed may comprise a clip. Thus the sleeping bag may be secured to a surface even when a tuck panel may not be tucked under a mattress.

Preferably the means for attaching the bag to a bed includes a loop of material, the clip being attached to said loop of material.

The term 'bed' is intended to include reference to both a mattress and/or a bedframe.

Preferably there is further provided means for enlarging the mouth of the bag.

Preferably the means for enlarging the mouth of the bag comprises releasable fastening means.

Preferably the releasable fastening means is provided along a side edge of the first or second panel.

Preferably the releasable fastening means is provided along each of a pair of opposed side edges of the first or second panels.

Preferably the releasable fastening means comprises a zipper.

Preferably the releasable fastening means comprises at least one selected from amongst a press-stud; a button; or hook and loop fastening material. The hook and loop fastening material may be Velcro (RTM).

Preferably the bag is further provided with at least one pocket adapted to receive a scented article.

This feature has the advantage that the odour associated with tanning preparations may be masked by the use of a scented article.

The mouth may be defined by an opening of the second panel proximate an end of the bag.

This feature has the advantage that a pillow may be inserted between the second panel and the first panel, between the mouth and an end of the bag. A flat piece of material may be provided, to be secured to a pillow along at least one side. The piece of material may be attached to the head flap of the sleeping bag.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a sleeping bag comprising: first and second panels which together form a bag portion having top and bottom layers; a mouth adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap and the bag portion; a head flap operable to protect a surface underlying the bag from soiling due to contact with a user's head; and at least one tuck panel extending from an edge portion thereof, the tuck panel comprising a length of material adapted to be tucked under a mattress of a bed so as to attach the bag to the mattress; wherein the at least one tuck panel is provided at a head edge only of the sleeping bag, or at a foot edge only of the sleeping bag, or at both the head edge and the foot edge only of the sleeping bag, and/or on one side edge only of the sleeping bag.

In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a sleeping bag comprising first and second side walls which together form a bag portion having front and rear faces; a mouth adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap and the bag portion; and a head flap operable to protect a surface underlying the bag from soiling due to contact with a user's head.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference shall now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a sleeping bag according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sleeping bag according to a first embodiment of the invention installed on a mattress; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sleeping bag according to a first embodiment of the invention installed on a mattress to underlie a blanket;

FIGURE 4 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a net of material from which a bag according to the first embodiment may be made;

FIGURE 5 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a second embodiment of the invention and of a net of material from which the bag may be made;

FIGURE 6 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a third embodiment of the invention and of a net of material from which the bag may be made;

FIGURE 7 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 8 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 9 is a plan-view schematic diagram of a bag according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

In a first embodiment of the present invention a sleeping bag 10 comprises a bag portion 150 comprising a front panel or sidewall 110 and a rear panel or sidewall 120. The front and rear panels 110, 120 are joined along first edges 130 by a seam, and along second edges 140 by a zipper 145. Zipper 145 allows front and rear panels 110, 120 to be releasably joined. This feature allows mouth 170 of the bag 10 to be enlarged, facilitating entry to and exit from the bag 10 by a user.

In alternate embodiments, other suitable fastening means may be provided along one or both of edges 130, 140 including press-studs, buttons, etc. Any suitable combination of fastening means may be provided along edges 130,140 including a permanent join such as stitching along both edges 130, 140.

A cover flap 160 is provided, joined to the bag 10 at the mouth 170 of the bag 10. According to the first embodiment of the invention the cover flap 160 is formed integrally with the front panel 110, ie from a single length of material. The cover flap 160 may be folded over bedding 220 (Figure 3) overlying the front panel 110 of the bag. Thus, soiling of the bedding 220 by contact with a user of the bag may be substantially eliminated.

At the head of the sleeping bag 10 a head panel 180 is provided. According to the first embodiment of the invention the head panel 180 is formed integrally with the rear panel 120 of the bag 10. The head panel 180 is adapted to lie over the head portion of a bed, to protect the head portion of the bed from the head of a user. An integral pillow pocket 185 is formed in the head panel 180 in which a pillow 210 may be received. The pillow pocket 185 protects the pillow 210 from soiling by the user's head. In alternate embodiments the pillow pocket 185 is not integral to the sleeping bag. Rather, a separate bag is provided into which a pillow may be inserted.

At the foot of the sleeping bag 10 a lower tuck panel 190 is provided. The lower tuck panel 190 is adapted to be folded under the foot portion 202 of a mattress 200 over which the bag 10 may be placed (Figure 3). According to the first embodiment the lower tuck panel 190 is formed integrally with the front and rear panels 110, 120. In alternate embodiments the lower tuck panel 190 is attached to the sleeping bag 10, either permanently or removably. The lower tuck panel 190 may therefore be used to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the bag during use.

The dimensions of the head panel 180 and the cover flap 160 are similar. Thus, if the bag is flipped such that rear panel 120 is uppermost, cover flap 160 may function as a head portion 180, and head portion 180 may function as the cover flap 160.

A suitable net of material from which a sleeping bag 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention may be made is shown in Figure 4. According to the first embodiment of the invention the material is a sheet of fabric. In alternate embodiments the material may be any other suitable material.

The fabric is cut and folded about a lateral axis 192 to form a bag portion 150. According to the first embodiment a seam 194 is then formed across the bag, a short distance from fold 192, preferably by stitching, in order to limit the longitudinal extent of the bag portion 150, thereby forming a discrete lower tuck panel 190. In alternate embodiments seam 194 is not provided. Instead, the bag portion 15 extends to the fold 192 of the sleeping bag 10. The side seam is then formed along side 130 of the bag 10, thereby joining the front and rear panels 110, 120 along the side 130.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cover flap 160 is provided with a strip of material along a lateral free edge 165 of the cover flap. In some embodiments the material is a weighted material, provided in a pocket along the edge 165, or at another suitable location of the cover flap 160. The weighted material assists in keeping the cover flap 160 in place whilst a user is sleeping. In other embodiments a rubberised strip of material is provided on an underside 162 of the cover flap 160. The rubberised strip reduces the amount of slippage between the underside 162 of the coverflap 160 and bedding 220 underlying the blanket (Figure 3). This also helps to keep the coverflap 160 in position whilst a user is sleeping. In still other embodiments of the invention a Velcro (RTM) strip is provided on the coverflap at or along a longitudinal side 162, 164 of the coverflap 160. A corresponding Velcro (RTM) strip is provided at or along a longitudinal edge 130, 140 of the bag 10. The Velcro (RTM) strips may be joined in order to keep the coverflap 160 in place. Alternatively, small loops of material may be attached to an end of the cover flap through which clips (such as suspender clips or any other suitable clips) may be placed, to attach the coverflap 160 to a duvet or other bedding.

In some embodiments of the invention, a pouch is provided on the coverflap 160 into which scented inserts may be placed. In further embodiments of the invention a pouch is provided on the head panel 180 either side of the pillow pocket 185. In further embodiments the material used for the bag is impregnated with scent.

In a second embodiment of the invention (Figure 5), a sleeping bag 10 is provided having an upper tuck panel 385 instead of the lower tuck panel 190 of the first embodiment of the invention. The upper tuck panel 385 may be tucked under the head portion 204 of a mattress 200. In some embodiments of the invention the sleeping bag 10 is provided with a lower tuck panel 190 in addition to an upper tuck panel 385.

In a third embodiment of the invention (Figure 6), a sleeping bag 10 is provided having a side panel 495 instead of an upper tuck panel 385 or a lower tuck panel 190. In other embodiments, any suitable combination of an upper tuck panel 385, a side panel 495 and a lower tuck panel 190 may be provided. For example, some embodiments of the sleeping bag 10 are provided with a side panel 495 and either an upper tuck panel 385 or a lower tuck panel 190.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention (Figure 7), a sleeping bag 10 is provided with a side panel 495, an upper tuck panel 385 and a lower tuck panel 190. In other words, some embodiments have panels provided on at least three edges of the sleeping bag 10, ie a lower edge 121 (corresponding to the location of lower tuck panel 190), an upper edge 122 (corresponding to the location of upper tuck panel 385) and a side edge 123 (corresponding to the location of side panel 495).

It can be seen that the first, second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention have a side edge 124 that does not have a side panel 495 provided therealong. This feature enables the sleeping bag 10 to be located on only one side of a bed. Sleeping bags that have side panels 495 provided on both of two opposed side edges 123, 124 of the bag 10 are clearly unsuitable for use with beds wider than the width of the sleeping bag. This is because in this case the bag is not wide enough to allow side panels 495 attached to respective side edges 123, 124 of the sleeping bag 10 to fit under both opposed side edges of the bed simultaneously.

The provision of a sleeping bag with a side panel 495 along only one side edge of the sleeping bag 10 allows the sleeping bag 10 to be fixed along one side of a bed that is wider than the sleeping bag 10. Thus, in the case of a sleeping bag 10 of a size to fit one person only, the sleeping bag 10 can be fitted along one side of a double bed (a double bed being a bed that is wider than a single bed, and of a sufficient size to accommodate two or more persons lying in side-by-side relationship).

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, a double sleeping bag 20 is provided (Figure 8) suitable for occupancy by two persons. The double sleeping bag 20 is provided with zippers 535, 545 along both sides of the bag 20. The double sleeping bag 20 is also provided with tuck panels along three edges of the bag 20, ie a side edge, a foot edge and a head edge. In alternative embodiments, the double sleeping bag 20 is provided with a tuck panel along one side edge only of the bag 20. In further alternative embodiments, the double sleeping bag 20 is provided with tuck panels along a foot edge and/or a head edge of the sleeping bag.

In some embodiments of the invention, a sleeping bag 10 may be made to different dimensions depending upon the desired manner of use. For example, the bag may be made wide enough such that an edge 140 may be positioned to overhang an edge of the mattress 200, such that a user of the bag is less likely to come into contact with the zipper 145 or other fastener. Furthermore, in such an arrangement, panels 110, 120 of the bag are less likely to become taut around the body of the user as the user moves within the bag 10.

In alternate embodiments of the invention, the foot tuck panel 190 (which may also be referred to as a 'lower panel' and/or head tuck panel 385 (which may also be referred to as an 'upper panel') are replaced by alternate means for holding the bag in position on the bed.

In a sixth embodiment of the invention (Figure 9), loops of material 695 are attached to the bag at opposed longitudinal ends of the bag. Clips 697 are connected to the loops 695, the clips being suitable for gripping bedding. Thus, the bag may be secured to the bedding to prevent lateral or longitudinal movement of the bag.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sleeping bag comprising: first and second panels which together form a bag portion having top and bottom layers; a mouth adapted to provide access to an interior of the bag; a cover flap operable to sandwich bedding overlying the bag portion between the cover flap and the bag portion; a head flap operable to protect a surface underlying the bag from soiling due to contact with a user's head; and at least one tuck panel extending from an edge portion thereof, the tuck panel comprising a length of material adapted to be tucked under a mattress of a bed so as to attach the bag to the mattress; wherein the at least one tuck panel is provided on up to three edges of the sleeping bag, said edges being selected from amongst a head edge, a foot edge and a side edge of the sleeping bag.

2. The bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first panel includes the head flap; and the second panel includes the cover flap.

3. The bag as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mouth is provided between said flaps and the bag portion.

4. The bag as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the head flap and the first panel are formed from a single piece of material.

5. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the cover flap and the second panel are formed from a single piece of material.

6. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the head flap is provided with a pillow pocket, and wherein the pillow pocket is adapted to receive a pillow, the pillow pocket being further adapted to cover the pillow so that contact between a user's head and the pillow is prevented when the pillow is located within the pocket.

7. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bag is further provided with means for attaching the bag to a bed or a mattress.

8. The bag as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means for attaching the bag to a bed comprises a clip.

9. The bag as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for attaching the bag to a bed includes a loop of material, the clip being attached to said loop of material.

10. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is further provided means for enlarging the mouth of the bag.

11. The bag as claimed in claim 10 wherein the means for enlarging the mouth of the bag comprises releasable fastening means.

12. The bag as claimed in of claim 11 wherein the releasable fastening means is provided along a side edge of the first and second panels.

13. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the releasable fastening means comprises a zipper.

14. The bag as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the releasable fastening means comprises at least one selected from amongst a press-stud; a button; or hook and loop fastening material.

15. The bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bag is further provided with at least one pocket adapted to receive a scented article.

16. A bag substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.