Abstract:
A sleeping bag with variable magnetic closure positions includes an inner shell and an outer shell enclosing a filler material, forming a sleeping space. An opening for accessing the sleeping space is adjacent a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge are overlapping and having aligning magnetic bodies. The sleeping bag also has magnetic bodies arranged to attach to the first edge and to the second edge. When the first edge and the second edge are coupled together, an enlarged sleeping space is created. When the first edge and the second edge are overlapping so that magnetic bodies on the first edge and the second edge are coupled to magnetic bodies on the sleeping bag, a reduced sleeping space is created.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Sleeping bags are known in the art and traditionally include a sheet of insulating material folded over to form a bag structure suitable for holding a person. Usually a zipper-type slide mechanism is sewn along two edges of the sheet, allowing the sheet to be fully opened up, or to partially open one side of the sleeping bag for ingress and egress. More modern body-shaped “mummy” type sleeping bags are sewn into a bag-like form, but also customarily use slide mechanisms near the opening to enlarge it for ingress and egress. 
         [0002]    Traditional rectangular and modern mummy-type sleeping bags are usually made of a lightweight shell material, such as nylon, around a thick, but lightweight insulation material. These materials result in a reduced weight and allow a sleeping bag to compress into a holding bag or backpack for transport. But due to the thin and flexible nature of the material comprising the shell, it frequently folds over or otherwise encroaches on the path of the slide mechanism. Material taken up by the slide mechanism causes it to jam the mechanism, usually in such a way that prevents any further forward or reverse movement. Considerable time and effort is required to clear the slide mechanism, which remains prone to re-jamming when cleared of shell material. 
         [0003]    There is therefore a need for a sleeping bag closure mechanism that resists interfering with the sleeping bag shell material. There is also a need for a sleeping bag closure mechanism that is at least as easy to open and close as a traditional slide mechanism. There is also a need for a sleeping bag closure that allows the sleeping bag to close in various positions, thereby rendering the sleeping bag tighter or looser around a user when in the sleeping bag, and which may be used in place of, or in addition to a traditional slide mechanism or other appropriate closures. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A magnetically closed sleeping bag has multiple closure settings. The sleeping bag includes an inner shell and an outer shell, which encloses a filler material. The inner shell and the outer shell together create a sleeping space within the sleeping bag for a user. The sleeping bag also includes an opening for accessing the sleeping space, with the opening adjacent portions of the sleeping bag having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge may also be characterized by flaps adjacent the opening. 
         [0005]    The first edge and the second edge each having aligning first magnetic bodies, and the body of the sleeping bag, inward of the first magnetic bodies, incorporating second magnetic bodies that align with the first magnetic bodies of the first edge and the second edge in one or more positions. In one embodiment, the first magnetic bodies may be arranged in rows on the first edge and the second edge, and the second magnetic bodies may be in complimentary rows on the sleeping bag. When the first edge and the second edge are coupled together by the first magnetic bodies, an enlarged sleeping space is created. Conversely, when the first magnetic bodies are coupled to the second magnetic bodies, a reduced sleeping space is created. 
         [0006]    The first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies may be enclosed by the inner shell and the outer shell, and preferably, the filler material may separate the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies from the sleeping space for user comfort. To prevent intrusion and being felt within the sleeping space, the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies may be located between the outer shell and the filler material. 
         [0007]    Because the first edge and the second edge overlap, a baffle is created when the first magnetic bodies are coupled to the second magnetic bodies. To help avoid strain and tearing of the inner shell or the outer shell, a gusset is coupled to the first edge and the second edge. The gusset is preferably located opposite the opening, and may be positioned at a point where the first edge and the second edge come together. 
         [0008]    When multiple rows of second magnetic bodies are provided on the sleeping bag, the second magnetic bodies provide multiple complimentary positions, allowing the first magnetic bodies to couple to the second magnetic bodies and create multiple sizes of sleeping spaces. The second magnetic bodies may be arranged in a variety of positions, including rows or other configurations, to allow a user to close the sleeping bag in different arrangements, such as across rows. 
         [0009]    The sleeping bag may include a sleeping pad adjacent the sleeping space for supporting a user. Also, the sleeping bag may be configured as a mummy-type sleeping bag. In a mummy-type sleeping bag, a closure flap may be incorporated adjacent the opening. In such instances, magnetic bodies incorporated into the closure flap and on the sleeping bag maintain the opening in a tightly closed configuration. The sleeping bag may also be configured traditionally, i.e., rectangular in plan view, in which case a closure flap is usually omitted. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a first embodiment sleeping bag having a variable magnetic closure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the sleeping bag holding a user; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the sleeping bag holding user atop a sleeping pad; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the sleeping bag having a closure flap; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of a the sleeping bag having a magnetic closure with multiple settings; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of a second embodiment rectangular sleeping bag holding a user; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of the second embodiment rectangular sleeping bag having a variable magnetic closure in a first closed position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of the second embodiment sleeping bag in a second closed position with a larger sleeping area; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of a magnetic fastener; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the magnetic fastener; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the magnetic fastener incorporating a releasable housing. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mummy-type sleeping bag  10  is shown. The sleeping bag includes a series of high powered magnetic fasteners (“magnets”)  12 . The magnets  12  are disposed within a baffle  14 , which is an overlapping area of the sleeping bag  10 . The baffle  14  opens, allowing a user  24  ( FIG. 2 ) to enter and exit the sleeping bag  10 . The baffle  14  is defined by a first edge  16  and a second edge  18  that overlap. 
         [0022]    In preferred embodiments, the first edge  16  and the second edge  18  may be interchangeable (i.e., either one may overlap the other). Magnets  12  are located near the first edge  16  and second edge  18 , and are evenly spaced to provide an even and effective closure. Complimentary magnets  12  are installed in the sleeping bag  10  to align with those near the edges  16 ,  18 , thereby holding the baffle  14  closed when aligned. The magnets  12  located near the first edge  16  and the second edge  18  may be referred to as ‘first magnetic bodies’. The complimentary magnets  12  installed in the sleeping bag  10  may be referred to as ‘second magnetic bodies’. The baffle  14  is open near the opening  20  of the sleeping bag  10 , but forms a closed gusset  22  distal to the opening  20 . 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , magnets  12  adjacent the first edge  16  and the second edge  18  are shown in side view, connected to complimentary magnets  12  in the sleeping bag  10 . In this configuration, the sleeping bag  10  is held tightly against the user  24  by two rows of connected magnets  12 , which is advantageous in cold weather. Also in this configuration, the magnets  12  are located adjacent the outer shell  26  of the sleeping bag to avoid the user  24  sensing them. The inner shell  28  and filler material  30  are disposed between the user  24  and the magnets  12 . Because the outer shell  26  is relatively thin, high powered magnets  12  (for example, rare-earth magnets such as neodymium in one embodiment), are able to hold the baffle  14  closed even if the user  24  puts pressure against the sleeping bag  10  through customary movement. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the sleeping bag  10  may incorporate a sleeping pad  32 , allowing the user  30  to be elevated above the ground when in the sleeping bag  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bag material forms a baffle  14  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but does not extend all the way around the user  30 . In various embodiments, the sleeping pad  32  may be integrated into the sleeping bag  10 , or the sleeping bag  10  may include a slot (not shown) for inserting the sleeping pad  32 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in addition to the magnets  12  forming the baffle  14 , the sleeping bag  10  may include a closure flap  34  near the opening  20 . A magnet  12  placed in the closure flap  34  and corresponding to a complimentary magnet  12  adjacent the opening, allows a user  24  ( FIG. 2 ) to tightly close the opening  20  in cold weather. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the sleeping bag  10  is shown with the first edge  16  and the second edge  18  connected with magnets  12 , permitting the sleeping bag  10  to be widened for a very loose fit. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeping bag  10  is shown in its loosest configuration, where magnets  12  at the first edge  16  are connected to magnets  12  at the second edge  18 , effectively eliminating the baffle  14  (not shown). The baffle  14  would be present if the magnets  12  at the edges  16 ,  18  were connected to magnets  12  away from the edges  16 ,  18 , on the outer shell  26  of the sleeping bag  10 . In this embodiment, the gusset  22  is still present where the first edge  16  and second edge  18  meet, opposite the opening  20 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment rectangular sleeping bag  100  is shown in its most open configuration with a user  124  resting loosely therein. Due to the overlapping magnets  112  in this and the primary embodiment, when the sleeping bag  100  is in its most open configuration, some magnets  112  will be on the inner shell  128  of the sleeping bag  100  adjacent the user  124 . The outer shell  126  and filler material  130  of the second embodiment sleeping bag  100  are substantially the same as the primary embodiment sleeping bag. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the alternative embodiment sleeping bag  100  is shown overlapping. In this configuration, the alternative embodiment sleeping bag  100  forms a more conventional, rectangular shape when the magnets  112  are aligned to create the baffle  114 . In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets  112  at the first edge  116  and the second edge  118  have considerable overlap to accommodate a very broad opening  120 , typical of conventional rectangular sleeping bags  100 . The gusset  122  is disposed at a greater distance to make entering and exiting the sleeping bag  100  as easy as possible. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the alternative embodiment sleeping bag  100  is shown in its loosest configuration. The sleeping bag  100  incorporates magnets  112  along three or more rows permitting the sleeping bag  100  to be loosened or tightened in multiple positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeping bag  100  is shown in its loosest configuration, where magnets  112  at the first edge  116  are connected to magnets  112  at the second edge  118 , effectively eliminating the baffle  114  (not shown). The baffle  114  would be present if the magnets  112  at the edges  116 ,  118  were connected to magnets  112  away from the edges  116 ,  118 , on the outer shell  126  of the sleeping bag  100 . In this embodiment, the gusset  122  is still present where the first edge  116  and second edge  118  meet, opposite the opening  120 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , while the magnets  12  of the sleeping bag may comprise a variety of structures with magnetic properties, one contemplated embodiment is a magnetic fastener  300  having a magnetic body  310  surrounded by a resilient housing  312 . The housing protects the magnetic body  310  against damage and provides a rounded surface to avoid a user  24  (not shown) feeling sharp surfaces on the magnetic body  310  in the sleeping bag  10 . To allow access to the magnetic body  310  for removal or replacement, a fastener  314 , such as hook and latch material may be incorporated into the housing  312 . To facilitate opening the housing  312 , a pull tab  316  may be incorporated into the housing  312 . The pull tabs  316  may also be used to pull apart the magnetic fasteners  300  in some embodiments. 
         [0031]    The structure of the magnetic sleeping bag  10  having been described, its method of use will now be discussed. 
         [0032]    To use the magnetic sleeping bag  10 , a user  24  unrolls or unpacks the sleeping bag in the conventional manner. Starting from the opening  20 , the user  24  pulls apart the first edge  16  and the second edge  18 , separating the magnets  12  along them, and opening the baffle  14  to allowing ingress into the sleeping bag  10 . Once inside the sleeping bag  10 , the user  24  places the first edge  16  in a preferred position on the user&#39;s  24  body, and aligns the second edge  18  in a desired position. 
         [0033]    If the first edge  16  and second edge  18  are aligned, the sleeping bag  10  will be loosely closed. If the edges  16 ,  18  are in an overlapping configuration, create the baffle  14 , the sleeping bag will have a tighter fit for a colder environment. If a closure flap  34  is present, the user has the option of attaching it to a magnet  12  at the opening  20  to render the opening  20  smaller for more heat retention. The user then remains in the sleeping bag  10  as long as desired. 
         [0034]    To exit the sleeping bag  10 , the user simply urges the first edge  16  away from the second edge  18 , thereby separating the magnets  12  and opening the sleeping bag  10 . Once the user is out of the sleeping bag  10 , the magnets  12  may be replaced, in the tightest sleeping bag  10  closure position if desired, and the sleeping bag  10  rolled and stored conventionally. 
         [0035]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the Invention is sufficient in detail to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is understood, however, that the detail of the preferred embodiment presented is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, in as much as equivalents thereof and other modifications which come within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification.