Patent Publication Number: US-2013228600-A1

Title: Backpack and sleeping bag

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/606,864, entitled “BACKPACK AND SLEEPING BAG” and filed on Mar. 5, 2012, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference as though fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The technological field generally relates to apparatuses for carrying items, and more particularly to backpacks. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Backpacks are often used to carry various objects in a convenient manner. Sometimes the objects may include a sleeping bag or such. The sleeping bag carried therein may take up a substantial amount of the space of the backpack and may reduce the space of the backpack that may be used for carrying other contents. Accordingly, it may be desirable to join the sleeping bag to the backpack in a manner that does not reduce the amount of space available for storing objects in the compartments of the backpack. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein is a backpack or an apparatus for carrying items incorporating a sleeping bag, an accessory for a backpack, and a method for using the same. 
     In some examples, a backpack may include a main body, a secondary panel and a sleeping bag. The main body may define a main compartment. The secondary panel may be selectively joined to the main body. The secondary panel may be configured to be selectively moved relative to the main body between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the secondary panel and the main body may define a substantially enclosed space. In the second position, the secondary panel and the main body may not define the substantially enclosed space. The sleeping bag may be joined to the secondary panel and may be received in the substantially enclosed space. When the secondary panel is in the second position, the sleeping bag may be selectively configurable to be positioned into an operative state. 
     In some examples, the secondary panel may be selectively detachable from the main body. 
     In some examples, the sleeping bag may be detachable from the secondary panel. 
     In some examples, the secondary panel may include an outer surface. The outer surface may be formed using the same material forming a portion of an outer surface of the main body. 
     In some examples, the secondary panel may include at least one piece of cushion material forming a portion of an outer surface of the secondary panel. 
     In some examples, the secondary panel may include a strap joined to an outer surface of the secondary panel. 
     In some examples, the backpack may further include a securing mechanism selectively joining the secondary panel to the main body when the secondary panel is in the second position. 
     In some examples, the securing mechanism may include at least one of a strap, a strap with an adjustable length, or a shoulder strap removably joined to the secondary panel. 
     In some examples, the securing mechanism may be joined adjacent to a corner of the secondary panel distal the main body of the backpack. 
     In some examples, the sleeping bag may include a top layer and a bottom layer. The secondary panel may form a portion of the bottom layer of the sleeping bag. 
     In some examples, the sleeping bag may include at least one of a cushion layer, a foam material, or an insulating material. 
     In some examples, the sleeping bag may be folded three times to be received in the substantially enclosed space defined by the secondary panel and the main body. 
     In some examples, the backpack may further include a hood joined to the sleeping bag. 
     In some examples, the sleeping bag may include a top layer and a bottom layer. The hood may be joined to an end of the top layer of the sleeping bag. 
     In some examples, the hood may be sewn to the top layer of the sleeping bag. 
     In some examples, the top layer may include an opening/closure mechanism extending between two adjacent edges of the top layer. 
     In some examples, the hood may be placed over the main body of the backpack when the secondary panel is moved to the second position. 
     In some examples, the secondary panel may be joined to the main body along a bottom edge or a side edge of the secondary panel. The secondary panel may be selectively moved by pivoting the secondary panel relative to the main body along the bottom edge or the side edge of the secondary panel. 
     In some examples, the secondary panel may be joined to the main body by a zipper or by sewing the secondary panel to the main body along at least a portion of a bottom edge or a side edge of the secondary panel. 
     In some examples, the zipper may run along at least a portion of, up to the entirety of, a perimeter of the secondary panel. 
     In some examples, the backpack may further include a securing feature. The securing feature may releasably secure a zipper pull of the zipper to the main body. 
     In some examples, an apparatus for carrying items may include a panel and a sleeping bag. The panel may be configured for selective attachment to and detachment from a backpack. The sleeping bag may be configured for operable attachment to and detachment from the panel. The panel may generally conform to an outer surface of the backpack when attached to the backpack. 
     In some examples, the panel and the backpack may be configured to define a substantially enclosed space. The sleeping bag may be received in the substantially enclosed space. 
     In some examples, the panel may be sewn to the backpack along a portion of a perimeter of the panel. 
     In some examples, the panel may be attached to the backpack through a closure mechanism along at least a portion of a perimeter of the panel. 
     In some examples, the closure mechanism may include a zipper. 
     In some examples, an accessory for a backpack may include a panel and a sleeping bag. The panel may be configured for selective attachment to and detachment from a backpack. The sleeping bag may be configured for operable attachment to and detachment from the panel. The panel may be configured to selectively pivot relative to the backpack. The backpack and the panel may be configured to define a space suitably sized for receipt of the sleeping bag therein. 
     In some examples, a method of utilizing a backpack may include the step of selectively at least partially detaching a panel from a backpack to access a sleeping bag that may be operably joined to the panel and that may be contained in a space defined by the backpack and the panel. The method may further include the step of selectively pivoting the panel relative to the backpack and the step of unfolding the sleeping bag. 
     In some examples, the method may further include a step of placing the panel and the sleeping bag on a support surface. 
     In some examples, the step of selectively at least partially detaching the panel from the backpack may include unzipping a zipper that may join the panel to the backpack. 
     In some examples, the step of selectively at least partially detaching the panel from the backpack may include unzipping a zipper along at least three quarters of a perimeter of the panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of a first example of a backpack that incorporates a sleeping bag. 
         FIG. 2  shows a rear perspective view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  shows another rear perspective view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 1  with the sleeping bag partially unfolded. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a rear perspective view of a second example of a backpack that incorporates a sleeping bag with the sleeping bag partially unfolded. 
         FIG. 3C  shows a rear perspective view of a third example of a backpack that incorporates a sleeping bag with the sleeping bag partially unfolded. 
         FIG. 4A  shows another rear perspective view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 1  with the sleeping bag unfolded and unzipped. 
         FIG. 4B  shows another rear perspective view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 4A  with the sleeping bag unfolded and zipped. 
         FIG. 4C  shows a rear perspective view of a fourth example of a backpack that incorporates a sleeping bag with the sleeping bag unfolded and zipped. 
         FIG. 4D  shows another rear perspective view of the fourth example of the backpack with the sleeping bag unfolded and partially unzipped. 
         FIG. 4E  shows an exploded view of the sleeping bag of the fourth example of the backpack with a user and a main portion of the backpack shown in dashed lines. 
         FIG. 5  shows an enlarged partial cross section view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 1 , viewed along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6A  shows an enlarged partial cross section view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 1 , viewed along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 6B  shows an enlarged partial cross section view similar to the view shown in  FIG. 6A , but differing from  FIG. 6A  in that it shows a second potential way to connect the sleeping bag to the backpack. 
         FIG. 7A  shows an enlarged partial cross section view similar to the view shown in  FIG. 6A , but differing from  FIG. 6A  in that it shows a third potential way to connect the sleeping bag to the backpack. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a rear perspective view of a fifth example of a backpack that incorporates a sleeping bag and that incorporates a connection between the sleeping bag and the backpack similar to that shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  shows an exploded view of the fifth example of the backpack shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         FIG. 8  shows a rear perspective view of a sixth example of a backpack that incorporates a sleeping bag. 
         FIG. 9  shows another rear perspective view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 8  with the sleeping bag partially unfolded. 
         FIG. 10  shows another rear perspective view of the backpack shown in  FIG. 8  with the sleeping bag unfolded and unzipped. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein is a backpack with a sleeping bag. The backpack may include one or more compartments. Each compartment may include at least one zipper or other closure mechanism (such as Velcro®). The backpack may also include other features such as side pockets, a compression mechanism, a top handle, a laptop compartment, a cell phone holder, a water bottle holder, and so forth. The rear of the backpack may be padded for comfort. The padding may be incorporated into the sleeping bag. A user may carry the backpack by suspending one or more shoulder straps on his or her shoulders. Each shoulder strap may be positioned at the rear of the backpack and joined at an upper portion of a main body of the backpack. Each shoulder strap may be tapered proximate the upper portion. Such tapering allows a relatively large surface area to contact the person&#39;s shoulder (the compression area) while minimizing the length of the strap that is joined to the upper portion of the main body. Each shoulder strap may be joined to either a lower portion or side panel of the main body. In some embodiments, the shoulder strap may be connected to the lower portion or side panel of the main body through an adjustment device, such as an adjustment strap or the like. The backpack may be formed using nylon fabric, natural or synthetic leather or any other suitable material, including, but not limited to, any material used to make soft or hard sided luggage. In some embodiments, the surface of the backpack may be coated with water repellent or water proof material, such as a polyurethane coating and the like. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 A, a backpack  100  that incorporates a sleeping bag  102  may include a main body  104 . The main body  104  may define a main compartment that can be opened or closed with a main zipper  106 , a pair of main zippers, or any other closure mechanism (such as a hook and loop fastener). Front, rear, and side panels  108 ,  110 ,  112  may define the main compartment. The backpack  100  may also include one or more accessory compartments that are defined by the main body  104  and/or joined to the main body  104 . Each accessory compartment may be accessed by opening and closing one or more secondary zippers  114  or other closure mechanisms. The backpack  100  may also include one or more side pockets  116  for additional storage. The side pockets  116  may be defined by the main body  104  and/or joined to the main body  104 . The side pockets  116  may be formed of a mesh material, or may be formed from material similar to the material used to form the main body  104  of the backpack  100 . The side pockets  116  may either be accessed via a closure mechanism, such as a zipper, or may include an opening that can be selectively opened and closed. 
     In some embodiments, the backpack  100  may have compression mechanisms on the left and right sides of the backpack  100  that allow the user to selectively compress the backpack  100  when the compartments are not full. The compression mechanisms may also provide support to the sides of the backpack  100  when the compartments are full. Each compression mechanism may be configured as two straps. Each strap may be joined to a buckle element on one end and be joined to the main body  104  on the other end. For example, a first strap may be joined to a side panel of the main compartment and a first buckle element. A second strap may be joined to the front panel of the main body  104  and a second buckle element. The second buckle element may be selectively coupled to the first buckle element to join the first strap to the second strap. One or both of the buckle elements may allow the strap to be adjusted, thereby allowing a user to selectively compress or decompress one or more of the main body&#39;s compartments by selectively shortening or lengthening the distance between the connection point of a strap to the main body  104  and the respective buckle element of the strap. The straps of the compression mechanism may be joined to the main body  104  in other areas as well. For example, one strap could be joined to the seam between the rear and side panels of the main compartment, with the other strap joined to a side panel of an accessory compartment. Also, the straps may be connected by something other than a buckle element, such as a slider element. The foregoing examples are merely illustrative of some ways to form and/or join a compression element for a backpack and are not intended to be limiting. As such, the backpack  100  may use any suitable compression mechanism that allows for a user to selectively compress and decompress the backpack  100 . In some embodiments, the backpack  100  may have more than one compression mechanism on each side of the main body  104 , or no compression mechanisms at all. 
     The backpack  100  may also include a top handle  118  that allows the backpack  100  to be lifted. The top handle  118  may be joined to the main body  104  at the seam between the rear panel  110  and the upper portion of the main compartment, or at any other suitable location. In some embodiments, the top handle  118  may be joined to the main body  104  at the same location as the shoulder straps  120 . In some embodiments, the backpack  100  may include a side handle that is joined to the main body  104  at the seam between the rear panel  110  and the side panel  112  of the main compartment, or at any other suitable location. 
     In continuing reference to  FIG. 2 , one or more shoulder straps  120  may be configured as two straps  122 ,  124  and incorporate one or more shoulder strap adjustment mechanisms  126 . Each strap  122 ,  124  of the shoulder strap  120  may be joined to the shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126  on one end and be joined to the main body  104  of the backpack  100  on the other end. For example, a first strap  122  may be joined to the upper portion of the main body  104  and the shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126 . A second strap  124  may be joined to the lower portion of the main body  104  and the shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126 . The shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126  may be joined to the first and/or second straps  122 ,  124  at the end portions of the first and/or second straps  122 ,  124 . The shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126  may be joined to the first and/or second straps  122 ,  124  at any suitable portion of the first and/or second straps  122 ,  124 . The shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126  may be joined to the strap  122 ,  124  by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, sewing, bonding, adhering, snapping, and so on. 
     The shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126  may be configured as a slider. The slider may allow a user to selectively increase or decrease the overall length of one or more shoulder straps  120  by selectively shortening or lengthening the distance between the connection point of a strap  122 ,  124  to the main body  104  and the connection point of a strap  122 ,  124  to the slider. The shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126  may include a buckle element that allows the user to selectively connect or disconnect the two straps  122 ,  124 . In some embodiments, one or more straps  122 ,  124  of the shoulder strap  120  may be connected to the upper and/or lower portion or side panel  112  of the main body  104  through a connecting device, such as a buckle element, a carabiner or the like, that allows the user to selectively connect or disconnect the shoulder strap  120  from the backpack  100 . The foregoing examples are merely illustrative of some ways to form and/or join a shoulder strap adjustment mechanism  126  for a shoulder strap  120  and are not intended to be limiting. As such, the backpack  100  may use one or more shoulder straps  120  with any suitable adjustment mechanism  126  that allows for a user to selectively increase and decrease the length of a shoulder strap  120 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 2 , the backpack  100  may include a secondary panel  128 . This secondary panel  128  and the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  may be joined through any suitable attaching mechanism and define a space in which a sleeping bag  102  may be positioned. In some embodiments, the attaching mechanism may take the form of, for example, but not limited to, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, straps and so on. In some embodiments, the secondary panel  128  and the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  may be attached along one or more edge portions of the secondary panel  128  by sewing, bonding, adhering, snapping, and so on. 
     The secondary panel  128  may be formed using nylon fabric, natural or synthetic leather or any other suitable material, including, but not limited to, any material used to make soft or hard sided luggage. The material for the secondary panel  128  may be selected to be a material that is flexible and durable. In some embodiments, the material for the secondary panel  128  may be the same as the material used for the main body  104  of the backpack  100  to keep the look and feel of the secondary panel  128  consistent with the look and feel of the backpack  100 . In some embodiments, the material for the secondary panel  128  may be selected to match the material used for an outer shell of a bottom layer of the sleeping bag  102 . In some examples, the secondary panel  128  may be made of, or supplemented with, a cushioning material  130  (see  FIG. 6B ) to increase the comfort for a user wearing the backpack  100 . A mesh-like material  132  (see also  FIG. 6B ) may cover the cushioning  130  to improve breathability. The cushioning material  130  may also serve as a cushion when a user sleeps in the sleeping bag  102 . In some examples, the entire secondary panel  128  may be made of, or supplemented with, a cushioning material  130 . In some examples, the secondary panel  128  may be supplemented with one or more pieces of a cushioning material  130  over selected areas of the secondary panel  128 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , one or more pieces of a cushioning material  130  may be placed over the top left region and/or the top right region  134  of the secondary panel  128  where a user&#39;s shoulder blades may engage the backpack  100  when the user carries the backpack  100  on his or her back using the shoulder straps  120 . One or more pieces of a cushioning material  130  may also be placed over the lower region  136  of the secondary panel  128  (see also  FIG. 6B ) where a user&#39;s lower back may engage the backpack  100  when the user carries the backpack  100  on his or her back using the shoulder straps  120 . At one or more of the cushioned regions  134 ,  136  (i.e., the top left corner region, the top right corner region, or the lower region) of the secondary panel  128 , one or more pieces of a mesh-like material  132  may cover the cushioning. 
     The one or more pieces of the mesh-like covering materials  132  may be joined to the secondary panel  128  by sewing, bonding, adhering, using a zipper, and any suitable connection method. For example, one or more portions of the perimeter edge of one piece of the mesh-like covering material  132  may be joined to portions of the perimeter edge  138  of the secondary panel  128 , and other portions of the perimeter edge of the one piece of the mesh-like covering material  132  may be joined to the outer surface  140  of the secondary panel  128 . Thus, the one or more pieces of the mesh-like covering material  132  and the secondary panel  128  may form one or more pockets for containing the cushioning material  130 . In some examples, each piece of the cushioning material  130  may also be joined to the secondary panel  128  by joining the perimeter edge thereof to the secondary panel  128  by sewing, bonding, adhering, using a zipper, or any suitable connection method to reduce movement of the cushioning material  130  contained between the mesh-like covering material  132  and the secondary panel  128 . In some examples, one or more additional stitches  142  crossing a surface area of the mesh-like material  132  may be used to join the mesh-like covering material  132  and the cushioning material  130  under to the secondary panel  128  to further reduce movement of the cushioning material  130 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the secondary panel  128  may further include a strap  144  positioned at a central region of the secondary panel  128 . Each end of the strap  144  may be positioned under a cushioning material  130  at one of the top and/or right corner regions  134  of the secondary panel  128 . The strap  144  may be joined to the secondary panel  128  using the same connection method that joins the perimeter edge of the cushioning material  130  to the secondary panel  128 . The strap  144  may be configured with a length substantially the same as the span of the strap  144  such that the strap  144  may substantially rest against the secondary panel  128 . The strap  144  may be made of a single layer of thin and flexible or elastic material such that when a user carries the backpack  100  on his or her back, the user may not feel any discomfort that may be caused by the strap  144 . Given the flexibility of the strap  144  and the secondary panel  128 , a user may tuck his or her fingers under the strap  144  and hold the strap  144  when attaching and/or detaching the secondary panel  128  to and/or from the main body  104  of the backpack  100 . 
     The secondary panel  128  may be generally rectangular shaped or any other suitable shape. The width of the secondary panel  128  may be substantially the same as, or narrower than, the width of the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . The height of the secondary panel  128  may be the same as or less than that of the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  so that the top edge of the secondary panel  128  may fit below the top ends of the shoulder straps  120 . The bottom ends of the shoulder straps  120  may be coupled to the secondary panel  128  or may be coupled to the rear panel  110 , bottom panel, side panel  112  or any other suitable location of the backpack  100 . 
     A zipper may be provided along one or more edges of the secondary panel  128  as an attaching mechanism to attach the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . In some examples, a zipper may be provided along top, left, and right edges of the secondary panel  128  to attach the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . The secondary panel  128  may be sewn or connected through any other suitable connection method along its bottom edge portion to the lower portion of the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . This way the secondary panel  128  may be permanently attached to the backpack  100 . In some examples, a zipper may be provided along the entire perimeter edge of the secondary panel  128  to removably join the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  4 A,  4 B,  4 C,  4 D, and  4 E, uses of the backpack  100  and the sleeping bag  102  will be described. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , when a user unzips the zipper  146  along the top, left, and right edges  148 ,  150 ,  152  of the secondary panel  128 , the secondary panel  128  and a folded or rolled up sleeping bag  102  may be placed in a position generally perpendicular to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  by pivoting the secondary panel  128  about its bottom edge  154 . The secondary panel  128  and the sleeping bag  102  may be tilted at any angle with respect to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  as the user may desire. In this configuration, the backpack  100  and the sleeping bag  102  may function as a chair. The folded sleeping bag  102  may serve as a cushion for added comfort, and the main body  104  of the backpack  100  may serve as a back support for the user. 
     In some examples, a securing mechanism may be provided on one or both sides of the backpack  100  to maintain the angle between the secondary panel  128  and the main body  104  of the backpack  100  as the user leans against the main body  104  of the backpack  100 . With reference to  FIG. 3B , the securing mechanism may take the form of one or more straps  156 . Each strap  156  may be positioned at the left or right sides of the backpack  100 . One end of the first strap  156  may be joined to the upper left corner of the main body  104  by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, sewing, bonding, adhering, snapping, and so on, and the other end of the first strap  156  may be joined adjacent to the front left corner of the secondary panel  128  distal the main body  104  of the backpack  100  using a similar or any suitable connection method. The second strap  156  may be similar to the first strap  156  and may be provided at the right side of the backpack  100 . The length of each strap  156  may be selected to allow the secondary panel  128  to pivot away from the main body  104  of the backpack  100  for at least 90 degrees before the strap  156  straightens. The tension within the strap  156  may maintain the angle between the secondary panel  128  and the main body  104  of the backpack  100 . Any suitable length of the strap  156  may be selected to allow for a different angle between the secondary panel  128  and the main body  104  of the backpack  100 . 
     In some examples, each strap  156  may be configured as an adjustable strap. Each strap  156  may include a first or upper segment  158  and a second or lower segment  160 . The upper end of the upper segment  158  may be joined to the top left/right corner of the main body  104 , and the lower end of the lower segment  160  may be joined to the front left/right corner of the secondary panel  128 . The lower end of the upper segment  158  and the upper end of the lower segment  160  may be operably coupled to a buckle element or a slider  162 . The buckle element  162  may allow the length of at least one of the first and/or second segments  158 ,  160  between the buckle element  162  and the end joined to the main body  104  or the secondary panel  128  to be adjustable, thereby allowing the angle between the main body  104  and the secondary panel  128  to be adjusted. In some examples, the buckle element  162  may be a releasable buckle that may allow the lower end of the upper segment  158  and the upper end of the lower segment  160  to be disconnected. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3C , the angle between the main body  104  and the secondary panel  128  may be maintained by temporarily joining the lower end of the shoulder strap  120  to the front left/right corner of the secondary panel  128 . In this example, the lower end of one or both of the shoulder straps  120  may be provided with a clasp  164 , such as a lobster clasp. A loop or ring structure  166 , such as a D ring, may be provided at the lower left/right corner of the main body  104  at one of the side surfaces of the main body  104 . Another loop or ring structure  168 , such as another D ring, may be provided at the front left/right corner of the secondary panel  128 . When the user desires to carry the backpack  100  and the sleeping bag  102  on his or her back using the shoulder straps  120 , the lobster clasp  164  provided at the lower end of each shoulder strap  120  may engage the D ring positioned at the lower left/right corner of the main body  104 . When the user desires to use the backpack  100  and the sleeping bag  102  as a chair, the user may disengage the lower end of each shoulder strap  120  from the lower left/right corner of the main body  104  by disengaging the lobster clasp  164  from the D ring  166  at the lower left/right corner of the main body  104 , and engage one or both of lobster clasps  164  at the lower ends of the shoulder straps  120  with the D rings  168  located at the front left/right corners of the secondary panel  128 . In some examples, it is sufficient to engage only one of the shoulder straps  120  with the secondary panel  128  while the other shoulder strap  120  may be used as a dog leash, or such. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C,  4 D, and  4 E, when the user unzips the zipper  146  along the top, left, and right edges  148 ,  150 ,  152  of the secondary panel  128 , pivots the secondary panel  128  about the bottom edge  154  thereof to the ground, and unfolds the sleeping bag  102 , the user may use the sleeping bag  102  like any other sleeping bag. The main body  104  of the backpack  100  joined to the sleeping bag  102  may be used as a head rest (see  FIGS. 4B ,  4 C,  4 D, and  4 E). To provide added comfort to the user, a cushioning layer  170  may be added to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  (see  FIG. 6B ). The outer surface of the rear panel  110  of the main body  104  may also be formed using a relatively soft material, such as silk, nylon, polyester, cotton, fleece, silk, velvet, and so on. When using the main body  104  of the backpack  100  as a head rest, the user may also use one of the securing mechanisms described above for positioning the main body  104  of the backpack  100  and the sleeping bag  102  at any angle relative to each other. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A ,  5 ,  6 A,  6 B, and  7 A, the sleeping bag  102  may include a top layer  172  and a bottom layer  174 . The top layer  172  and the bottom layer  174  may be formed by folding one piece of material in half. Alternatively, the top layer  172  and bottom layer  174  may be formed separately and joined together along one or more of their sides by, for example, but not limited to, sewing, bonding, adhering, using a zipper, and any suitable connection method. The width of the sleeping bag  102  may be consistent from one end of the sleeping bag  102  to the other end or may vary along its length to accommodate different body shapes of a user. In some examples, the sleeping bag  102  may be tapered along its length, with one end (for example, the foot end) narrower than the other (for example, the head end), or vice versa. In some examples, the width of the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  may be substantially the same as the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . In some examples, the width of the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  may be different, such as wider than, the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . The bottom layer  174  may be configured with a width similar to, or slightly narrower than, the width of the secondary panel  128 . The top layer  172  may be configured with a greater width so as to create enough space between the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  for a user (see  FIGS. 4B ,  4 C,  4 D, and  4 E). 
     The top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  may include an opening/closure mechanism  176 . The opening/closure mechanism  176  may take the form of, for example, but not limited to, a zipper. The zipper or other opening/closure mechanism  176  may be incorporated into the top layer  172  along its center, off center, along one or more sides of the top layer  172 , or any other suitable location that allows for a user to selectively create an enclosed space between the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102  so that a user may position at least a portion of the user&#39;s body therein. The zipper or other opening/closure mechanism  176  may extend from one end of the top layer  172  to the other end along the length of the sleeping bag  102 . The zipper or other mechanism  176  may only extend partially along the length of the sleeping bag  102 . In the case where the opening/closure mechanism  176  may be incorporated along one or more sides of the top layer  172 , the opening/closure mechanism  176  may also serve to connect the top layer  172  to the bottom layer  174  along one or more sides of the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102  or serve to connect the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102  to the respective top and bottom layers of another sleeping bag. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4C ,  4 D, and  4 E, the sleeping bag  102  may further include a hood  178  joined to the head end of the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102 . With reference to  4 E, the hood  178  may include a generally arched body  180  and an end panel  182  joined to the arched body  180 . The arched body  180  may include two opposing arched edges  184  following the arch shape of the arched body  180  and two opposing bottom edges  186  each joining one end of one of the arched edges  184  to an adjacent end of the other one of the arched edges  184 . One of the arched edges  184  of the arched body  180  may be joined to an arch-shaped portion  188  of the perimeter edge of the end panel  182  of the hood  178 . The end panel  182  may include a bottom edge  190  joined between the two opposing bottom edges  186  of the arched body  180 . The other one of the arched edges  184  of the arched body  180  may be joined to the head end  192  of the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  so as to join the hood  178  to the sleeping bag  102 . The hood  178  may be permanently joined to the sleeping bag  102  by sewing, bonding, adhering, and so on. The hood  178  may be releasably joined to the sleeping bag  102  by using a zipper, snap button, Velcro® tapes, and so on (see  FIG. 4E ). In some examples, the hood  178  may be formed as an integral part of the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102 . 
     The distance between the opposing bottom edges  186  of the arched body  180  may delineate a width dimension of the arched body  180  or the hood  178 . The two arched edges  184  of the arched body  180  may delineate a depth dimension of the arched body  180  or the hood  178 . The distance from the apex of the arched body  180  to a support surface that the hood  178  may rest upon may be referred to as the height of the arched body  180  or the hood  178 . The hood  178  may be configured with width, depth, and height dimensions greater than respective width, depth, and height dimensions of the main body  104  of the backpack  100 . This way the user may place the hood  178  over the main body  104  of the backpack  100  (see  FIGS. 4C and 4D ). In some examples, the bottom edges of the hood  178  may be temporarily or releasably joined to the bottom periphery of the main body  104  and portions of the side edges of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  using a zipper mechanism, snap buttons, Velcro® tapes, and so on for added protection. 
     To allow a user to move into or get out of the sleeping bag  102  without removing the hood  178  from the main body  104  of the backpack  100 , the opening/closure mechanism  176 ′ of the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  may terminate at the side edge of the top layer  172  (see  FIGS. 4C ,  4 D, and  4 E) instead of terminating at a middle portion of the head end  192  of the top layer  172  (see  FIG. 4B ). Accordingly, the opening/closure mechanism  176 ′ of the top layer  172  may extend between two adjacent edges (e.g., the bottom edge  194  and the side edge  196 ) of the top layer  172 . 
     The hood  178  may be made of any suitable material, preferably a relatively flexible material so that the hood  178  may be folded when not in use. In some examples, the hood  178  may be made of a plastic material to keep out dirt, moisture, and so on. The hood  178  may also be made of a fabric material that is waterproof and breathable. In some examples, the hood  178  material may be transparent for visibility. In some examples, the hood  178  material may be tinted or may have a one-way mirror reflective effect to provide privacy to the user and to hide the bag from view. The hood  178  not only protects the head of the user inside the sleeping bag  102  and the bag from nature (e.g., dirt, rain, insects, and so on), it also adds theft security by covering outside pockets of the backpack  100 . Furthermore, because the hood  178  is supported by the main body  104  of the backpack  100 , the hood  178  and the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  joined thereto may be lifted off the body of the user. This way, the hood  178  and the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  may effectively serve as a tent for the user, giving the user more space for movement and added comfort. Furthermore, due to this increased space, the user may use additional blankets for added warmth and comfort, and the top layer  172  of the sleeping bag  102  may be made of a relatively thin material or even a single layer material (see  FIG. 6B ), such as a material for making tents, for enhanced compactness. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , one exemplary way of constructing the sleeping bag  102  will be described. One or both of the top and/or bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102  may be formed by providing fill materials  198  between an outer shell  200  and an inner lining  202  of each layer  172 ,  174 . The outer shell  200  may be formed using, for example, but not limited to, nylon, polyester or any other suitable materials for durability. The outer shell  200  of the top and/or bottom layers  172 ,  174  may be formed using the same material as the backpack  100  or a different material. In some embodiments, the secondary panel  128  may form a portion of the outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174 . In such embodiments, the remaining portion of the outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174  may be formed using either the same or a different material than the material used for the secondary panel  128 . The outer shell  200  may be optionally treated with a coating material to provide desirable water repellent or waterproof properties. The inner lining  202  for the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  may be formed using, for example, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, cotton, fleece, silk or any other suitable material that provides for breathability, warmth and/or comfort. 
     For each of the bottom and top layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102 , a fill material  198  may be optionally provided between the respective outer shell  200  and inner lining  202  of each layer to provide insulation. The fill material  198  may include synthetic fill (for example, but not limited to, Lite Loft™, PrimaLoft™, Polarguard™, MicroLoft™) or natural fill (for example, but not limited to, down) or a combination thereof. The top and/or bottom layers  172 ,  174  may be divided into multiple compartments by selectively joining the outer shell  200  and the inner lining  202  of the respective layers  172 ,  174  at predetermined locations to promote uniform distribution of the fill material  198  by, for example, but not limited to, sewing. In some embodiments, the bottom layer  174  may optionally include a cushioning layer  204  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) that is positioned between the outer shell  200  and the inner lining  202  of the bottom layer  174  to provide additional comfort and insulation for a user. The cushioning layer  204  may be confined to the portion of the bottom layer  174  that coincides with the area of the secondary panel  128 , may substantially coincide with the area of the bottom layer  174  that contacts the ground, or may be positioned within any other desired area or space, partial or entire, defined by the inner lining  202  and outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174 . In some embodiments, the cushioning layer  204  may be formed using a foam, such as an open or closed cell foam, or other suitable material. In other embodiments, air may be utilized to form the cushioning layer  204 . In such embodiments, a valve may be provided in fluid communication with the space defined by the inner lining  202  and outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174  to allow air to be selectively added and removed from the space defined by the inner lining  202  and outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C, and  5 , the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping may be folded into three folds to fit inside the compartment or other enclosed, or substantially enclosed, space defined by the secondary panel  128  and the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . More or less folds may be possible to accommodate longer or shorter sleeping bags. In some embodiments, one or more straps may be incorporated into the secondary panel  128  and looped around the folded sleeping bag  102 . One or more of the straps may include a buckle and/or a slider that allow a user to selectively adjust the length of the straps thereby selectively compressing the sleeping bag volume and/or holding the folded sleeping bag  102  against the secondary panel  128 . One or more of the straps may be formed of an elastic band, nylon fabric, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the fill material  198  and/or the cushioning layer  204  may be omitted to reduce the thickness of the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . In such embodiments, reducing the thickness of these layers  172 ,  174  may reduce the volume that is required for storing the sleeping bag  102  in the compartment or other enclosed space. Such a volume reduction may be particularly advantageous when the required volume is reduced by reducing the depth of the compartment as measured from the rear panel  110  to the secondary panel  128 . To further enhance the minimization of the thickness of the top and bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102 , the outer shell  200  and/or inner lining  202  of the top and/or bottom layers  172 ,  174  of the sleeping bag  102  may be formed from relatively thin materials. 
     In some examples, the secondary panel  128  may be joined to the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  by sewing or otherwise connecting perimeter edges of the secondary panel  128  to the bottom layer  174 . With reference to  FIG. 5 , the top edge portion  150  of the secondary panel  128  may be connected to the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  by sewing the top edge portion  150  of the secondary panel  128  to the outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . The top edge portion  150  of the secondary panel  128  may also be sewn to the bottom layer  174  throughout the outer shell  200 , the cushioning layer  204 , the insulating or other fill material  198 , and the inner lining  202  of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . The zipper  146  for connecting the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  may also be attached to the secondary panel  128  through the same sewing operation. For example, the zipper tape may be sewn between the secondary panel  128  and the outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . Although described herein as being sewn together, the secondary panel  128  and the sleeping bag  102  may be connected by any suitable connecting method including, but not limited to, bonding, adhering, and so on. 
     In some examples, the sleeping bag  102  may be releasably joined to the secondary panel  128 . With reference to  FIG. 7C , the secondary panel  128  may include a portion of a zipper  206   a  positioned at the inner surface thereof. A mating portion of the zipper  206   b  may be provided at the outer shell  200  of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  adjacent to the head end of the sleeping bag  102 . By zipping or unzipping the mating portions  206   a ,  206   b  of the zipper, the sleeping bag  102  may be attached to or detached from the inner surface of the secondary panel  128 . Although one zipper is shown at the inner surface of the secondary panel  128  forming in general a rectangular shape, multiple zippers may be used to define any suitable shapes or configurations. The multiple zippers may be parallel to each other or may form an angle with each other. In some examples, the sleeping bag  102  and the secondary panel  128  may also be joined using hook and loop fasteners, snap buttons, or the like, instead of or in addition to zipper mechanisms. When the sleeping bag  102  is releasably joined to the secondary panel  128 , the sleeping bag  102  may be stored away when not in use to reduce the weight and volume of the backpack  100 . Furthermore, a releasable connection between the sleeping bag  102  and the secondary panel  128  may allow use of different types of sleeping bags with the same backpack  100  for different purposes. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6A , the bottom edge portion of the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 , the rear edge portion of the bottom panel  208  of the backpack  100 , the bottom edge portion  154  of the secondary panel  128 , and an end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  may be sewn together. In some examples, a binding  210  may be utilized to cover the edge portions of the different panels  110 ,  128 ,  208  and the end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . In some examples, the edge portions of the different panels  110 ,  128 ,  208  and the end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  may point toward the inside of the compartment formed by the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  and the secondary panel  128  of the backpack  100 , and the binding  210  may be contained within this compartment. In some examples, the edge portions of the different panels  110 ,  128 ,  208  and the end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  may point toward the outside of the compartment formed by the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  and the secondary panel  128 , and the binding  210  may prevent the wear and tear of the edge portions and the end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  from happening. Although sewing is described herein as an exemplary connecting method, any other suitable connecting methods including, but not limited to, bonding, adhering, snapping, and so on may be used. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6B , a hinge element  212  may be used to join the sleeping bag  102  and the secondary panel  128  to the main body  104  of the backpack  100  for improved flexibility. One longitudinal edge of the hinge element  212 , the bottom edge portion of the secondary panel  128 , and the end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  may be sewn together. A binding may be utilized to cover the edge portions of the hinge element  212 , the secondary panel  128 , and the end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . The other longitudinal edge of the hinge element  212 , the bottom edge portion of the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 , the rear edge portion of the bottom panel of the backpack  100 , and/or an edge piping may be sewn together. In some examples, the edge portions of the different panels, the hinge element  212  and/or the edge piping may point toward the inside compartment of the backpack  100 . One of the inner linings  202  of the rear panel  110  or the bottom panel of the backpack  100  may be positioned over the edge portions. Although sewing is described herein as an exemplary connecting method, any other suitable connecting method including, but not limited to, bonding, adhering, snapping, and so on may be used. 
     The hinge element  212  may be made of any suitable flexible material. The hinge element  212  may include an outer layer  214  and an inner layer  216 . The outer layer  214  may be formed using, for example, but not limited to, nylon, polyester or any other suitable material for flexibility and durability. The inner layer  216  may be formed using, for example, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, cotton, fleece, silk or any other suitable material that provides for flexibility and comfort. In some examples, the hinge element  212  may include only one layer. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7A , the bottom edge  154  of the secondary panel  128  may be releasably joined to the backpack  100  using a bottom zipper  218 . The bottom zipper  218  may extend along the length of the bottom edge  154  of the secondary panel  128 . A zipper tape of the bottom zipper  218  may be connected to the bottom edge portion  154  of the secondary panel  128  and the end portion of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . Another zipper tape of the bottom zipper  218  may be connected to the bottom edge portion of the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  and the rear edge portion of the bottom panel  208  of the backpack  100 . The zipper tapes and the respective edge portions of different panels  110 ,  128 ,  208  and/or the end of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102  may be connected by sewing, bonding, adhering, snapping, and or any other suitable connecting method. Bindings  210  may be used to cover the edges portions of the different panels  110 ,  128 ,  208  and/or the end portion of the bottom layer  174  of the sleeping bag  102 . When the zipper teeth joining the respective zipper tapes engage, the bottom edge of the sleeping bag  102  and the secondary panel  128  may be connected to the backpack  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7B and 7C , the bottom zipper  218  may be the same zipper  146  that is used along the top, left, and right edge portions  148 ,  150 ,  152  of the secondary panel  128  for attaching the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . This way, the entire sleeping bag  102  and/or the secondary panel  128  may be removed from the rear panel  110  of backpack  100  by selectively disconnecting all of the zipper teeth of the zipper  146 ,  218 . This feature provides a user with the capability to completely disconnect the secondary panel  128  and the sleeping bag  102  from the backpack  100  when it is not desired to have the sleeping bag  102  joined to the backpack  100 . As described earlier, the sleeping bag  102  may be further disconnected from the secondary panel  128  if the user desires ( FIG. 7C ). The capability of disconnecting the sleeping bag  102  and/or the secondary panel  128  from the backpack  100  may allow the user to hang the sleeping bag  102  from another object or store the sleeping bag  102  in a large sack during long periods of storage to maintain the insulation properties of the sleeping bag  102 . The capability to disconnect the sleeping bag  102  entirely from the secondary panel  128  and/or the backpack  100  may also allow a user to attach a different sleeping bag to the secondary panel  128  and/or the backpack  100  or to sleep in the sleeping bag  102  without the sleeping bag  102  remaining attached to the secondary panel  128  and/or the backpack  100 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 7B and 7C , when the zipper  146 ,  218  used for attaching the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100  extends along all four edges portions  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  of the secondary panel  128 , the zipper  146 ,  218  may be configured to start from one bottom corner of the secondary panel  128 , such as the bottom right corner of the secondary panel  128 . The zipper  146 ,  218  may extend and zip along the bottom, left, top, and right edge portions  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  of the secondary panel  128  for attaching the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . In some examples, a securing feature  220  may be provided at the side panel  112  of the backpack  100  adjacent to the bottom left corner of the secondary panel  128  (see  FIG. 7B  where the lower halves of the shoulder straps  120  are removed to show the securing feature  220 ). The securing feature  220  may include a strap, one end of which may be joined to the side panel and the other end of which may be releasably joined to the first end using a snap button to form a loop. When the zipper  218  for attaching the secondary panel  128  to the backpack  100  is zipped along the bottom edge portion  154  of the secondary panel  128 , the strap may be positioned through an opening formed in the pull tab  222  of the zipper  146  to secure the pull tab  222  thereto. This way, a user may use the backpack  100  and the sleeping bag  102  as a chair (such as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C) or as a sleeping bag  102  (such as shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C,  4 D, and  4 E) without worrying that the secondary panel  128  and/or the sleeping bag  102  may be accidentally detached from the backpack  100 . Other securing features  220  may be used to releasably secure the zipper pull  222  to the backpack  100 , including hook and loop fasteners, buttons, slots and straps, or any other suitable securing mechanism. 
     In some examples, the zipper  146 ,  218  may be configured to start from the bottom left corner of the secondary panel  128 . The zipper  146 ,  218  may extend and zip along the left, top, right, and bottom edge portions  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  of the secondary panel  128  for attaching the secondary panel  128  to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . The securing feature  220  may be provided at the side panel  112  of the backpack  100  adjacent to the top left corner of the secondary panel  128 . Other suitable locations of the zipper starting point and the securing feature  220  may be contemplated. 
       FIGS. 8-10  show another embodiment of a backpack  100  that incorporates a sleeping bag  102 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 , a zipper  224  may be provided along the top, right, and bottom edge portions  148 ,  150 ,  152  of the secondary panel  128  for attaching the secondary panel  128  and the sleeping bag  102  included therein to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . The left edge portion  148  of the secondary panel  128  may be permanently connected to the backpack  100 , and the sleeping bag  102  may unfold along the width direction of the backpack  100  instead of unfolding along the depth direction of the backpack  100 . This may allow for the creation of a wider sleeping bag  102  without changing the dimensions of the backpack  100  since the height of a backpack  100  is often greater than its width. In some of these embodiments, the right edge portion  152 , rather than the left edge portion  148 , of the backpack  100  may be permanently joined to the rear panel  110  of the backpack  100 . When being unfolded, the sleeping bag  102  may be laid over one of the shoulder straps  120  or below both of the shoulder straps  120 . In some embodiments, one or more ends of the shoulder straps  120  may include a connecting device, such as a buckle element, clasp, carabiner or the like, that allows the user to easily and quickly disconnect the shoulder straps  120  from the backpack  100  when using the sleeping bag  102  and reconnect the shoulder strap  120  to the backpack  100  to carry the backpack  100 . 
     There are many advantages/uses of the configuration of the backpack as described herein. Carrying a sleeping bag in a space defined by a secondary panel and the rear panel of a backpack may increase the amount of space available in the main compartment of the backpack for carrying other contents. Providing the backpack with a secondary panel and a sleeping bag allows the entire assembly to be used as a chair, a sleeping bag with a head rest, or any other use a user may see appropriate. Moreover, the backpack and/or the sleeping bag may be camouflaged for military use or for hunting purpose. Furthermore, the backpack as described herein may be used as an emergency backpack. The main compartment of the backpack may be used for storing water, food, medicines, and such, and the sleeping bag may provide temporary shelter to homeless disaster victims. The compactness of the configuration of the backpack and the sleeping bag as described herein allows for easy transportation and storage. 
     A variety of embodiments and variations of structures and methods are disclosed herein. Where appropriate, common reference numbers and words were used for common structural and method features. However, unique reference numbers and words were sometimes used for similar or the same structural or method elements for descriptive purposes. As such, the use of common or different reference numbers or words for similar or the same structural or method elements is not intended to imply a similarity or difference beyond that described herein. 
     References to “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back”, “lower,” and “upper,” as well as any other relative positional or directional descriptor are given by way of example to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the particular embodiment(s) described. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g. attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims. In some instances, components are described with reference to “edges” or “ends” having a particular characteristic or being connected with another part. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. 
     The apparatus and associated method in accordance with the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. Therefore, the above description is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alterations, variations, and modifications of the embodiments are within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.