Abstract:
Disclosed is a novelty bed covering that provides a sleeping bag environment attachable to a standard bed, comprising an upper and lower sleeping bag shell, zip fastener closure between shells and an attached bed securement sheet. A first and second strip of zip fasteners provides removable securement of the top shell to the lower shell, wherein the lower shell is securely attached to the bed. Two strips of zip fasteners allow egress and ingress from either side of the bag, while back to back zipper clasps allow the bottom of the bag to be opened if desired. A fitted sheet attaches to the lower shell and fits snugly against the bed to ensure the lower shell is secured in a static position. Over the fitted sheet is provided a decorative skirt, which covers the sheet engagement with the bed and adds a decorative appeal.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/443,445 filed on Feb. 16, 2011, entitled “BundleBag Sleeping Bag Bed.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to bed coverings and sleeping bags. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and unique novelty bed covering that provides a sleeping bag environment for use with a standard bed and in place of standard bed coverings. The sleeping bag covering is adapted for both children and adults to enjoy a traditionally outdoor sleeping enclosure while indoors, while also providing a bed covering that is easier to make in the morning and one that offers improved thermal insulation. 
         [0004]    A traditional activity in the morning once awoken and out of bed is to ‘make the bed.’ This involves organizing the bed coverings in such a fashion that their outward appearance is more organized and cleanly. The sheets are smoothed of all undesirable wrinkles and folds, and further arranged such that interior sheets below the outer covering are not readily shown or sat upon once the bed is organized or ‘made.’ This activity is commonplace in most households, and a chore that most adults are accustomed to. However, it can be difficult and time consuming to ensure small children adequately make their bed every morning, particularly if the bed coverings consist of several independent articles such as a fitted bottom sheet, a flat sheet and top cover. The present invention attempts to remedy this common chore for young adults and children, and further alleviate adult vigilance thereover, wherein making the bed is reduced to simply reapplying the top cover and securing a sleeping bag closed in the morning. This reduces time and effort required, and further improves compliance with regard to children and young adults making their bed. 
         [0005]    A further aim of the present invention is to provide a novel sleeping environment while indoors, wherein the environment is typically utilized while camping, traveling or while otherwise outdoors. Sleeping bags are enclosures that provide complete envelopment of an individual while sleeping, while providing an open upper region for the user&#39;s head or face to be exterior of the enclosure. This prevents moisture buildup within the sleeping bag as the user breathes, and provides open-air breathing and improved temperature regulation. These enclosures are generally buttoned or zipped closed along a side and one end of the bag, preventing heat from easily escaping and improving thermal efficiency of the covering. This is particularly useful while camping outdoors, wherein temperatures may be lower than indoor environments and moisture from outside of the bag must be kept from contacting the user. The present invention provides a similar sleeping enclosure incorporated into a bed covering, wherein similar elements of the outdoor sleeping bag device are provided for use with an indoor bed mattress. This combination provides children a unique sleeping environment that may be highly desirable. Children generally enjoy camping and similar outdoor activities. Therefore, the ability to provide a sleeping bag bed covering while indoors increases enjoyment and happiness of younger users. The present bed covering contemplates a sleeping bag adapted to connect to a standard bed mattress that can be secured closed and provide a single open end for a user&#39;s head. The present invention further provides the ability to enter or exit from either side of the bag, while also providing a means to open a second end for a user&#39;s feet poke through for improved air flow or ventilation. 
         [0006]    The present covering further provides a simpler sleeping structure with fewer independent elements. Replaced are the bottom fitted sheet, flat sheet and comforter, which act as independent coverings that can be strewn about while sleeping. The present bed covering provides a connectable structure that reduces the number of independent elements and prevents the coverings from being removed while asleep. Finally, sleeping bag environments are renowned for their thermal insulation, which can provide a user with increased warmth while sleeping in colder climates or in households wherein adequate heat is not available. The sleeping bag provides a shelter or shell that prevents heat loss, wherein the user&#39;s body heat is contained within the interior of the bag, moisture is kept out and the user stays warmer and dryer while sleeping. The technology in materials for such devices are much more diverse that traditional bed coverings, expanding the possibilities with regard to warmth, moisture control and comfort. Those traveling to hotels or cabins may further utilize the present sleeping cover, wherein the user would otherwise use someone else&#39;s bed coverings. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0008]    Bed coverings and similar devices have been disclosed in the prior art, including those that have been patented or disclosed in published patent applications. These devices have familiar design elements for the purpose of combining traditional bed coverings with a sleeping bag environment, or likewise for utilizing a sleeping bag in conjunction with a standard mattress. These devices, however, fail to disclose the novel features of the present invention. Most have differing structure that limits their usefulness, including those that open from only one side, those that do not allow for a ventilation opening and further those that are not adapted to join an otherwise outdoor sleeping bag to an indoor bed mattress. The foregoing prior art patents disclosed herein are considered the most relevant to the present disclosure. 
         [0009]    Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,368 to Schuetze discloses a combination bedspread and sleeping enclosure adapted to form fit to a mattress. A fastening element connects the sleeping enclosure to the bedspread to form an internal sleeping area. Fastening elements run along the oppositely disposed longitudinal ends of the bed, while a final fastening element encloses the foot area. The Schuetze device provides a sleeping enclosure that works in conjunction with a traditional bed, but fails to disclose an attachable sleeping bag enclosure that employs a fitted sheet utilized as a bed attachment and a plurality of zip fasteners closure means uniquely positioned to allow improved ingress and egress, as well as ventilation of the enclosure. 
         [0010]    Another such device is U.S. Pat. No. 7,818,833 to Ewing, which discloses a removable bed covering system for a mattress having a fitted covering adapted to overlie a mattress, which attaches to a top covering via a zippered connection. The top covering provides a second zippered connection to allow the covering to transform into a sleeping bag assembly by connecting the top covering via the second zipper assembly. While the Ewing device provides a zippered, sleeping bag bed covering, it does not provide the ability for a user to exit the covering from either side. The Ewing device folds a top covering onto itself, creating a folded edge and a removably connected edge from which to enter or exit. The construction of the present invention provides a user with the ability to enter or exit from either sides of the bed. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,783 to Herndon describes a bedding apparatus that comprises a mattress band that is removably securable to a mattress on opposing sides, which attached to a top cover along three sides thereof. This device provides a removably secured top cover to a mattress, wherein the top cover is attached to a mattress band via zipper securement. The present invention provides a bottom shell, top shell and attached mattress fitted sheet to attach the bottom shell. It further provides a novel zipper structure that facilitates entrance and exit from either side. The structure and intent of the Herndon device differs from the present invention. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,927 to Lachmar describes a bed-roll type bedding device that comprises a contoured blanket member with an attachment means along its outer periphery, a contoured top sheet member, and a bottom fitted sheet member having a pad sewn thereunder. The blanket member and top sheet attach together, which prevents a user from contacting the blanket member directly as often as one would utilizing traditionally unattached bed covering members. The top sheet and bottom fitted sheet can be easily separated from the bed and blanket member for cleaning, while the top blanket is contacted less and therefore requires less cleaning. This facilitates a hotel&#39;s or individual&#39;s need to continually wash comforters or blankets. While providing a connected top sheet and blanket member, the Lachmar device does not provide a sleeping bag enclosure similar to the present invention. 
         [0013]    U.S. Published Patent Publication Number 2008/0178386 to Thompson discloses an article of bedding comprising a bottom sheet forming a box sheet over a mattress and attaching to a top cover by means of a gusset. This provides a combined top cover and bottom sheet that allows for expansion via the side gussets. When not in use, a sliding clasp fastener is utilized to condense the gusset and secure the top sheet to the bottom sheet in a tidy fashion, facilitating ease of making one&#39;s bed. While this provides a means to create a tight connection between a top and bottom sheet, the top sheet and bottom sheet are secured together and do not allow user to unzip one side for entry or exit. The user is restricted to only entering/exiting from the open top area, above the gusset connections and at the termination of the sliding clasp fasteners. 
         [0014]    U.S. Published Patent Publication Number 2009/0044337 to McKee describes a bed sheet and blanket system having a fitted foundation and a selectively detachable connecting sheet or blanket. A zipper system provides for removable attachment between the fitted sheet and blanket, wherein the zipper is adapted to run the periphery of the blanket. The connected blanket and fitted sheet create an enclosure similar to a sleeping bag; however the structure and elements of the McKee device differ from the present invention. The present invention provides an upper shell, lower shell and a permanently attached fitted band that keeps the lower shell connected to a mattress. The two shells are separatable along their line of connection, while an attached skirt shrouds the fitted band and provides a decorative outer appearance. 
         [0015]    In light of the aforementioned prior art and their associated elements, it is submitted that the present invention is sufficiently divergent in design and intent from the prior art. Consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing sleeping bag bed covering devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sleeping bag bed covering devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new bed covering wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when providing a sleeping bag enclosure for use in connection with a traditional mattress. 
         [0017]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved sleeping bag bed covering device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a bed covering system that provides a sleeping bag type enclosure that securably connects to a mattress. The sleeping bag comprises an insulated or padded top and bottom shell, the bottom shell being attached to the mattress via a fitted band. 
         [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a bed covering system that connects a sleeping bag top and bottom shell in such a manner to provide entrance or exit from both sides of the covering, and further provide a means to create a ventilation opening along the top and bottom shell line of connection. 
         [0020]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bed covering system that is easily attachable or removably from a given mattress, and one that can be attached over an existing bed covering while traveling or resting in another individual&#39;s bed. 
         [0021]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded perspective view of the bed covering device of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows an overhead perspective view of the bed covering device of the present invention in a working state. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a cross section view of the bed covering device of the present invention, detailing its elements and its connection to a mattress. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the sleeping bag bed covering device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a sleeping bag enclosure that is attachable to a standard mattress. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exploded view of the sleeping bag bed covering of the present invention. As shown, the elements that comprise the bed covering include a sleeping bag enclosure having a top shell  11  and a bottom shell  12  removably securable to one another along a line of connection  13 . The top and bottom shell are adapted to provide stuffed blanket shells, similar to a standard sleeping bag assembly, wherein the stuffing is enclosed by an outer material that may be breathable, moisture resistant or a soft material that is comfortable to lie upon. The line of connection  13  is preferably a continuous strip of zip fastening, wherein the top and bottom shell are connected along their periphery edges. Below the line of connection  13  and affixed to the bottom shell  12  is an upstanding fitted sheet  14 , which forms a band adapted to encircle and secure against the outer sidewalls of a standard mattress  16 . The fitted sheet  14  secures the bottom shell  12  along the top of the mattress  16  and prevents any sliding thereof. Also attached to the bottom shell  12  below the line of connection  13  is a decorative bed skirt  15 , which shrouds the fitted sheet  14  once installed and adds a decorative touch to the assembly once connected to a mattress  16 . The skirt  15  is adapted to hang along the sidewalls of the mattress  16  and provide the outward appearance of a normal bedspread or bed covering system. 
         [0028]    The zip closure line of connection  13  is provided in such a manner that allows ease of entrance or exit from either side of the bedding, while also providing flexibility in the way of opening the sleeping bag enclosure while sleeping therein. Specifically, two pairs of open ended zipper clasps are provided such that a first and second zipper clasp may run along the sides of the sleeping bag and allow the user to open or close each side independently. Further, the second pair of zipper clasps is positioned at the closed end of the sleeping bag to allow the user to slide the clasps apart and create a foot opening along the end of the sleeping bag. This provides for ventilation and accommodates larger individuals, as the end of the bag may be opened to allow a user&#39;s foot to exit or air to enter therethrough. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an overhead perspective view of the sleeping bag bed covering of the present invention in a working state, wherein a user is sleeping within the enclosure created by the first  11  and second  12  sleeping bag shell. The periphery of the sleeping bag shells are connected via a zip fastener connection  13 , wherein zipper clasps  17  are provided along the length  18  and end  19  of the connection to facilitate ease of access into and out of the sleeping bag, and to further provide a means to open a length of the connection for ventilation or user comfort purposes. This allows a user to easily exit or enter either side  18  of the bedding, while also opening an access port along the end  19  thereof. Connected below the line of connection  13  is the fitted sheet  14 , which securely attaches around the sidewalls of the mattress, whereover the bed skirt  15  is draped and blocking the fitted skirt  14  from view. The bed skirt  15  is connected between the line of connection  13  and the fitted sheet  14 . In an alternative embodiment, the fitted sheet  14  is removably connected to the bottom shell  12  to allow the sleeping bag to be completely removed from the bed and used independently thereof. A similar embodiment contemplates a removable bed skirt  15  that provides for easier cleaning of this element, without requiring the entire assembly to be removed and cleaned if the skirt is dirtied. These connections may be further zip fastener connections or alternative means, such as buttons or hook and loop fastening. The preferred embodiment contemplates these elements are sewn together into a unitary assembly. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a cross section view of a corner of the sleeping bag bed covering applied to a mattress and in a working state. The construction and position of each elements of the bed covering is shown, wherein the fitted sheet band  14  is snuggly affixed over a mattress and securing the covering assembly in position such that it does not slide along the mattress or displace therefrom. The fitted sheet connects to the lower shell  12  of the sleeping bag below and under the bed skirt  15 . Just above the bed skirt is positioned the top  11  and bottom  12  shell line of connection  13 , which provides a removable connection therebetween to facilitate a sleeping bag enclosure having three closed sides and an open upper region. The device is adapted to easily conform to any mattress style or size, and provide a simple construction that facilitates ease of entering or exiting from either side, while also providing the capability of opening a ventilation hole along the line of connection for heat regulation or user comfort. Removable elements such as the bed skirt  15  and fitted sheet  14  are also contemplated for improved utility. 
         [0031]    Conventional bedding is generally comprised of a fitted sheet, a top sheet and a comforter. It is not uncommon for the comforter to slide from the bed while the user is sleeping, which exposes the user during the night and causes the bed making procedure to be more difficult in the morning. The tedious chore of making the bed can be especially inconvenient for young children who recently transitioned from the crib to a bed. The present invention provides the comfort of a zippered sleeping bag and its utility into a unique bed covering that is adapted to conform to any sized mattress and utilized in any indoor environment. An embodiment of the present invention further allows the sleeping bag to be completely removable from the fitted sheet and bed skirt, wherein the bag may be used for camping trips or used as a blanket/sleeping bag in another indoor location. Users of any age will enjoy the comfort provided by this bedding, and children will especially enjoy the ease with which they can make the bed in the morning. No longer will they have to pick blankets and sheets off the floor and spread them out across the bed. The present invention allows users to simply pull a zipper closed and the bed will be neatly made. Any user looking for a more comfortable and tidy bedding option for themselves or for their children will benefit. 
         [0032]    The structure of the sleeping bag of the present invention comprises a first and second end, a first and second side and a top and bottom shell. The first end is adapted to allow the user&#39;s head to access the open air and be free of any covering. This end is preferably not closeable via the line of connection, which runs along the first and second sides and continuously along the second end, wherein the user&#39;s feet are placed while sleeping. The shells themselves may be constructed of any blanket material or structure having an interior fill surrounded by an outer layer of material. Any type of covering or sleeping bag construction is contemplated for use with the present invention. Further, the fitted sheet band that connects the assembly to a mattress is adapted to be a bed sheet having an elastic material such that secure and firm connection is made along the sidewalls of an attached mattress. 
         [0033]    The bed covering of the present invention provides a new structure and configuration that advances the art in the area of sleeping bag bed covers. The material of the sleeping bag shells, fill material, fitted sheet and bed skirt are any contemplated material that would be appropriate in a sleeping bag or bed covering assembly known by one skilled in the art. It is therefore submitted, in light of the prior art and the given disclosure, that the present invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0034]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.