Patent Description:
Document <CIT>, which is regarded as useful to understand the invention, discloses a sleeping bag.

A variety of conventional sleeping bags exist, including rectangular sleeping bags, semi-rectangular sleeping bags, and mummy-type sleeping bags. Larger bags are more comfortable and allow more freedom of movement, but smaller bags are more thermally efficient due to a smaller interior volume that must be heated by the user's body heat. A user is therefore forced to compromise, or to acquire multiple different bags suitable for different temperature conditions; a given conventional sleeping bag cannot be readily adapted to even a moderate range of temperature conditions. Even if a larger bag is suitable for the temperature conditions, a sleeping bag is still more restrictive and less comfortable than traditional bedding, and does not readily accommodate a full range of different sleeping positions.

A sleeping bag is typically used in conjunction with a sleeping pad. Movement of the user while sleeping can result in the user in the sleeping bag rolling or sliding off of the sleeping pad. The sleeping pad typically provides at least some degree of thermal insulation under the sleeper, which is well, because the compressible insulation of the sleeping bag loses its thermally insulating properties when compressed by the weight of the user. The weight of the sleeping bag insulation that ends up beneath the user is effectively dead weight.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a sleeping bag as defined by the claims.

Objects and advantages pertaining to sleeping bags may become apparent upon referring to the example embodiments illustrated in the drawings and disclosed in the following written description or appended claims, the latter defining the invention.

The embodiments depicted are shown only schematically; all features may not be shown in full detail or in proper proportion, certain features or structures may be exaggerated relative to others for clarity, and the drawings should not be regarded as being to scale.

For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, the terms top, bottom, up, down, above, below, and so forth are defined relative to a generally horizontal surface (e.g., the ground) on which a sleeping pad <NUM> and the inventive sleeping bag are positioned for a user to occupy the sleeping bag. For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, the terms "headward" and "footward" designate opposite longitudinal directions along the length of the inventive sleeping bag or its components, with headward indicating the direction toward which the head of a user occupying the sleeping bag typically would be positioned, and footward indicating the opposite direction, toward which the feet of the user occupying the sleeping bag typically would be positioned. For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, "transverse" indicates directions generally horizontal and generally orthogonal to the headward/footward directions. For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, "lateral" indicates a position along a structure or object that is located farther transversely from a longitudinal midline of the sleeping bag, while "medial" indicates a position along the structure or object that is located closer transversely to the longitudinal midline of the sleeping bag. For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, movement or conversion "between" a first configuration or arrangement and a second configuration or arrangement includes both (i) movement or conversion from the first configuration or arrangement to the second configuration or arrangement and (ii) movement or conversion from the second configuration or arrangement to the first configuration or arrangement.

An example of an inventive sleeping bag is shown in <FIG> and comprises a top cover <NUM> and a bottom sheet <NUM>; an inventive sleeping bag can further include a sleeping pad <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), or a sleeping pad can be provided separately. In <CIT>, published as <CIT>, the top cover <NUM> is referred to as a quilt or comforter, and the bottom sheet <NUM> is referred to simply as a sheet. The top cover <NUM> can be arranged to act as a thermal insulator or can include any suitable or desired insulating material. The bottom sheet <NUM> is structurally arranged so as to be secured to the sleeping pad <NUM>, and includes a sheet portion <NUM> and a pair of flexible opposing lateral flaps <NUM>, which are each connected along their corresponding medial edges <NUM> to the sheet portion <NUM>. In <CIT> the sleeping pad <NUM> is also referred to as a mattress, and the lateral flaps <NUM> are referred to as hinges or hinge elements. With the bottom sheet <NUM> secured to the sleeping pad <NUM> (e.g., as in <FIG> and <FIG>), the lateral flaps <NUM> are positioned along corresponding opposite lateral edges of the sleeping pad <NUM>. Attachment "along" a lateral edge of the sleeping pad <NUM> can denote attachment directly on the lateral edge (e.g., as in <FIG>), or attachment generally paralleling the lateral edge but displaced only slightly medially (e.g., as in <FIG> and <FIG>). "Generally paralleling" can include deviation up to, e.g., about <NUM>° or about <NUM>° from parallel to the lateral edge; displaced "slightly medially" can include medial displacement from the lateral edge of up to, e.g., about <NUM> inch, about <NUM> inches, about <NUM> inches, or about <NUM> inches. Attachment can be by sewing, adhering, thermal or ultrasonic bonding or welding, or any other suitable attachment method. Suitable materials for forming the lateral flaps <NUM> can include one or more of stretchable materials, non-stretchable materials, thermally insulating materials, or non-insulating materials. In some examples, the lateral flaps <NUM> and the sheet portion <NUM> can comprise the same one or more materials. In the inventive sleeping bag, the transverse distance along each lateral flap <NUM> between its medial and lateral edges <NUM> and <NUM> (i.e., the flap width) is greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, and can be greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, or even larger. In some examples the flap width is substantially constant along the length of the lateral flap <NUM> (i.e., the flap length); in other examples the flap width can vary along the flap length, e.g., monotonically increasing or decreasing with increasing footward distance along the flap length, or exhibiting some more complicated width variation along the flap length. A given flap width variation (or lack thereof) can be selected to provide desired fit characteristics for the inventive sleeping bag.

The top cover <NUM> and the pair of lateral flaps <NUM> are structurally arranged so as to enable attachment, detachment, and reattachment of each lateral flap <NUM> along its corresponding lateral edge <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>. The lateral edge <NUM> of each lateral flap <NUM> is attached to the top cover <NUM> along a corresponding curved or linear attachment path <NUM> along the outer surface <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> is the surface of the top cover <NUM> that faces generally away from a user occupying the sleeping bag, while the inner surface <NUM> is the surface of the top cover <NUM> that faces generally toward the user occupying the sleeping bag. Each attachment path <NUM> is displaced medially from a corresponding lateral edge <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>. The medial displacement of the attachment paths <NUM> in the inventive sleeping bag is greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, and can be greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, or even larger. Such large medial displacements of the attachment paths <NUM> from the lateral edges <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> are substantially larger than a displacement resulting from use of atypical zipper baffle such as might be employed with an edge zipper (e.g., typically less than about <NUM> or <NUM> inches of displacement of the edge zipper from a corresponding edge; an example of a typical zipper baffle is shown on the lower right edge <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> in <FIG>).

The relatively large medial displacement (e.g., greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches or more, as noted above) of the attachment paths <NUM> from the corresponding lateral edges <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>, and the transverse distance across each lateral flap <NUM> (e.g., flap width greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches or more, as noted above), enable the inventive sleeping bag (with the bottom sheet <NUM> secured to the sleeping pad <NUM>, and with the lateral flaps <NUM> attached to the top cover <NUM> along the attachment paths <NUM>) to assume different arrangements according to the desires of a user occupying the sleeping bag, and to be converted between those different arrangements while the user occupies the sleeping bag. A headward portion the top cover <NUM> (i.e., that portion extending in a headward direction from footward ends of the attachment paths <NUM> and the attached lateral flaps <NUM>) can assume both wrapped and expanded configurations, and can be converted between those configurations while the user occupies the sleeping bag.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic views in a footward direction from the headward end of the inventive sleeping bag occupied by a user having a head 99a and torso 99b; in <FIG> the user lies on his or her back, while in <FIG> the user lies on his or her side. In the wrapped configuration (e.g., as in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>; also referred to as the reduced-girth configuration), the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> is arranged with portions of the top cover outer surface <NUM>, that are disposed laterally relative to the attachment paths <NUM>, turned under and positioned against the sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM>; those lateral, headward portions of the top cover <NUM> can extend beneath a portion of the torso 99b of the user occupying the sleeping bag, and can even overlap one another if wrapped sufficiently tightly. The wrapped configuration might be desirable for a user having a petite or slight build, or to reduce or minimize the interior volume of the sleeping bag to keep the user warmer in colder conditions. In the expanded configuration (as in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>; also referred to as increased-girth configuration), each one of the lateral flaps <NUM>, and laterally disposed portions of the top cover <NUM>, extend upward or laterally away from the corresponding lateral edges of the sleeping pad <NUM>. In some examples, little or none of those lateral, headward portions of the top cover <NUM> remains in contact with the sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM>. In some other examples, some lateral, headward portions of the top cover <NUM> can remain in contact with the sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM> (albeit substantially less than in the wrapped arrangement). The expanded configuration might be desirable for a user having a bulkier build, or to increase or maximize the interior volume of the sleeping bag to adapt to warmer conditions or to allow more freedom of movement or more comfortable sleep for the user occupying the sleeping bag (e.g., on the user's back as in <FIG> or on the user's side as in <FIG>). In many examples, distance along the top cover <NUM> from each attachment path <NUM> to the corresponding lateral edge <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> typically is greater than, or at least about equal to, distance along each lateral flap <NUM> from its medial edge to its lateral edge <NUM>. Those relative distances result in the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> reaching the sleeping pad <NUM> and the sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM> even when in the expanded configuration, so that the user can be completely encircled by a combination of the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> and the sheet portion <NUM> and sleeping pad <NUM>, if desired, thereby maintaining thermal integrity of the sleeping bag.

By enabling conversion between wrapped and expanded configurations, the inventive sleeping bag provides the new and useful result that the sleeping bag can be used comfortably by users of various different builds (e.g., with the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> in the wrapped configuration for a user with a slender build, or in the expanded configuration for a user with a stout build) or under different temperature conditions (e.g., with the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> in the wrapped configuration for colder conditions, or in the expanded configuration for warmer conditions or to provide more freedom of movement for the user). A single inventive sleeping bag can take the place of multiple different conventional sleeping bags that are each suitable for only a relatively narrow range of temperature conditions. Conventional sleeping bags of multiple different sizes for accommodating users of different sizes can be replaced by inventive sleeping bags of relatively fewer different sizes, or even only a single size (so-called one-size-fits-all or one-size-fits-most scenarios). Weight can also be reduced relative to a conventional sleeping bag, because a portion of thermally insulating material that would necessarily end up underneath the user in a conventional sleeping bag can be omitted from the inventive sleeping bag, while still providing increased freedom of movement with the top cover in its expanded configuration. The attachment of the top cover <NUM> to the lateral flaps <NUM> also serves to prevent, in most instances, the user from sliding or rolling off of the sleeping pad <NUM>; the lateral flaps <NUM> obstruct such movements of the user.

The sleeping pad <NUM> can be of any suitable type or arrangement, including but not limited to a foam pad or an inflatable pad. Typical widths include widths from about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches; other suitable widths can be employed outside of that range. Typical lengths includes lengths from about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches, typically from about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches for adults; other lengths outside those ranges can be employed. The sleeping pad <NUM> can act as a thermal insulator or can include any suitable or desired thermally insulating material. The sleeping pad can be roughly rectangular (e.g., as in <FIG>), or can have a mummy-like shape (i.e., similar to the shape of a conventional mummy-type sleeping bag; e.g., as in <FIG>), or can have any other suitable or desired shape. The sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM> is suitably sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the sleeping pad <NUM> with which it is intended to be used. Typically, the bottom sheet <NUM> and the sleeping pad <NUM> are separate articles. In that case the sleeping pad <NUM> can be one article of a set that also includes the bottom sheet <NUM> and the top cover <NUM> of an inventive sleeping bag, or can be an item that is acquired by a user separately from acquiring the inventive sleeping bag. In some other examples, however, the bottom sheet <NUM> and the sleeping pad <NUM> can be integrally formed (i.e., the sheet portion <NUM> forms a surface of the sleeping pad <NUM>, so that the lateral flaps <NUM> are attached directly to the sleeping pad <NUM>). In that instance, the sleeping pad <NUM> is necessarily acquired by the user as a part of the inventive sleeping bag.

In examples wherein the sleeping pad <NUM> and the bottom sheet <NUM> are separate articles, the sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM> can be arranged so as to be secured to the sleeping pad <NUM> in a fitted-sheet arrangement (e.g., as in <FIG> and <FIG>). Accordingly, the sheet portion <NUM> can include corner pockets or end pockets arranged to receive corresponding portions of the sleeping pad <NUM> and hold the bottom sheet <NUM> secured to the sleeping pad <NUM>. In addition to the corner or end pockets, in some examples the sheet portion can include elastic or a draw cord arranged to maintain the sheet portion <NUM> in the fitted-sheet arrangement. In addition to the corner or end pockets, in other examples the bottom sheet <NUM> can include one or more straps <NUM> arranged to maintain the sheet portion in the fitted-sheet arrangement. Each strap <NUM> can be arranged so that, with sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM> secured to the sleeping pad <NUM> in the fitted-sheet arrangement, each strap <NUM> is connected to opposite edges of sheet portion <NUM> and passes underneath the sleeping pad <NUM>. One or more of the straps <NUM> can be positioned along the length of the sheet portion <NUM> so as to fall within the lengthwise span of the lateral flaps <NUM>; thus arranged, the straps <NUM> are advantageously positioned to prevent tension on the lateral flap <NUM> from pulling a side edge of the sheet portion <NUM> off of the sleeping pad <NUM> as a user-occupant moves around within the sleeping bag. Any suitable or desired number of straps <NUM> can be employed; two straps <NUM> are shown in the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>. Instead of (or in addition to) a fitted-sheet arrangement, the bottom sheet <NUM> can be secured to the sleeping pad <NUM> in any suitable or desired way, e.g., using zippers, sets of fasteners, or other methods of attachment.

The inventive sleeping bag can be arranged so that, with the bottom sheet <NUM> secured to the sleeping pad <NUM>, each lateral flap <NUM> extends in headward and footward directions to any suitable or desired positions along the sleeping pad <NUM>, e.g., over the entire length of the sleeping pad <NUM> or over only a portion of the length of the sleeping pad <NUM>. In some examples, the footward ends of the lateral flaps <NUM> extend no further than about a midpoint of the sleeping pad <NUM> (e.g., extend less than or about equal to <NUM> inches from the headward end of a <NUM>-inch sleeping pad). In some examples (e.g., as in <FIG> and <FIG>), neither lateral flap <NUM> extends in a headward direction as far as a headward end of the sleeping pad <NUM>. With the top cover <NUM> attached to the bottom sheet <NUM> (by attachment of the lateral edges <NUM> of the lateral flaps <NUM> to the attachment paths <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>), the headward portion of the top cover <NUM>, i.e., the portion of the top cover <NUM> that can be arranged in the wrapped versus expanded arrangements described above, typically extends only as far footward as the footward ends of the lateral flaps <NUM>, and typically extends headward beyond the headward ends of the lateral flaps <NUM>. The combination of lateral flaps <NUM> that do not reach the headward end of the sleeping pad <NUM> and a headward portion of the top cover <NUM> that extends headward beyond the lateral flaps <NUM> enables a user occupying the sleeping bag to decide whether or how much to cover the user's arms, shoulders, upper torso, or head. In the example arrangement of <FIG> (in which the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> is in the expanded configuration), a portion of the top cover <NUM> that extends beyond the lateral flaps <NUM> is folded footward, so that a headward portion of the top cover inner surface <NUM> is exposed. In the example arrangement of <FIG> (in which the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> is in the wrapped configuration), the top cover <NUM> extends headward beyond the lateral flaps <NUM>.

In some examples, the lateral edge <NUM> of each lateral flap <NUM> includes a zipper element that mates with a corresponding zipper element arranged along the corresponding attachment path <NUM> on the top cover <NUM>. Those mating zipper elements enable the attachment, detachment, and reattachment of each lateral flap <NUM> along its lateral edge <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> along the corresponding curved or linear attachment path <NUM> (typically linear). In some other examples, the top cover <NUM> and the bottom sheet <NUM> can include corresponding sets of mating fastener elements arranged along the lateral edges <NUM> of the lateral flaps <NUM> and along the attachment paths <NUM> that enable the attachment, detachment, and reattachment of each lateral flap <NUM> along its lateral edge <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> along the corresponding attachment path <NUM>. Examples of suitable fastener elements can include, e.g., snaps, clasps, hook-and-loop, buttons, ties or laces, and so forth.

As described above, a headward portion of the top cover <NUM> can be arranged in the wrapped or expanded configuration; that headward portion extends headward from the footward ends of the attachment paths <NUM> (and headward from the footward ends of the lateral flaps <NUM> when the top cover is attached to the bottom sheet <NUM>). In some examples a footward portion of the top cover <NUM> can be arranged as a closed footbox (i.e., a fixed tubular portion with a fixedly closed end). In other examples, the footward portion of the top cover <NUM> can also be structurally arranged to assume different configurations according to the needs or desires of a user occupying the sleeping bag. In some examples, the footward portion of the top cover can be structurally arranged to assume a tubular configuration (e.g., as in <FIG>); corresponding footward portions <NUM> of the opposite lateral edges <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> can be secured together to form the tubular configuration. The footward portions <NUM> of the lateral edges <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> can, but need not, extend headward as far as the footward ends of the attachment paths <NUM>, but typically no farther; in the example of <FIG> the footward portion (indicated by the presence of mating zipper elements along footward portions <NUM> the lateral edges <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>) does not extend headward as far as the attachment paths <NUM>. The footward portion of the top cover <NUM> can be further arranged to enable separation of footward portions <NUM> of the lateral edges <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>, so that the footward portion of the top cover <NUM> can assume a substantially flattened configuration (e.g., as in <FIG>). As already noted, in some examples the footward portions <NUM> of the lateral edges <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> can include mating zipper elements to enable those edges to be secured together or separated. In other examples, sets of mating fastener elements (e.g., snaps, clasps, buttons, hook-and-loop, ties or laces, and the like) can be employed for securing together those edge portions together (to assume the tubular configuration) or allowing them to separate (to assume a substantially flattened configuration). A footward end <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> can be further arranged to enable the footward end of the top cover <NUM> to be closed when it is arranged in the tubular configuration (e.g., as in <FIG>). The footward end of the top cover <NUM> can include one or more zippers, fasteners, drawstrings, or other devices or arrangements for closing the footward end <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> when it is in the tubular configuration.

The different configurations described in the preceding paragraph for the footward portion of the top cover <NUM> provide additional options for a user occupying the inventive sleeping bag. In cooler conditions, footward portions <NUM> of the top cover lateral edges <NUM> can be secured together so that the footward portion of the top cover <NUM> is arranged in the tubular configuration; the footward end <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> can also be closed, if desired. In that way the lower portions of the user's body are completely encircled by the top cover <NUM>. In conjunction with the wrapped arrangement of the headward portion of the top cover <NUM>, maximal warmth is provided to the user occupying the sleeping bag. In warmer conditions, or if greater freedom of movement is desired, the footward portions <NUM> of the top cover lateral edges <NUM> can be separated and the footward portion of the top cover <NUM> can be arranged in the flattened configuration. The lower portions of the user's body can move unconstrained by the top cover <NUM>, and can even move out from under the top cover <NUM>. In conjunction with the expanded configuration of the headward portion of the top cover <NUM>, increased freedom of movement is available to the user occupying the sleeping bag. If even more freedom of movement is desired, or if a given temperature is too warm for the user's comfort beneath the top cover <NUM>, the top cover <NUM> can be detached from one or both lateral flaps <NUM> while the user occupies the sleeping bag. Detachment of the top cover <NUM> from one or both lateral flaps <NUM> enables the user to arrange the top cover <NUM> to cover, or leave uncovered, any desired portions of the user's body for achieving comfort under the given temperature conditions, in a manner similar to use of traditional bedding.

In some examples, the bottom sheet <NUM> of the inventive sleeping bag includes a hood <NUM> comprising a transverse hood segment and a pair of lateral hood segments. The hood <NUM> is attached to the sheet portion <NUM> of the bottom sheet <NUM> so that, with the bottom sheet <NUM> secured to the sleeping pad <NUM>, (i) the transverse hood segment is positioned across a headward end of the sleeping pad <NUM>, and (ii) the lateral hood segments are positioned along corresponding headward portions of corresponding opposite lateral edges of the sleeping pad <NUM>. In some examples, the hood <NUM> can act as a thermal insulator or include thermally insulating material. In cooler conditions, the hood <NUM> can be arranged to surround the user's head and shoulders while occupying the sleeping bag (e.g., in conjunction with the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> being arranged in the wrapped configuration, and with the footward portion of the top cover <NUM> being arranged in the tubular configuration with the footward end closed; optionally part of the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> can be tucked into the hood <NUM>, e.g., as in <FIG>). In warmer conditions, the hood <NUM> can be folded down to act as a pillow for the user's head (e.g., in conjunction with the headward portion of the top cover <NUM> being arranged in the expanded configuration and optionally folded down over the lateral flaps <NUM> as in <FIG>, or partly or wholly detached from the bottom sheet <NUM>, or with the footward portion of the top cover <NUM> in the flattened configuration). A separate pillow <NUM> can be positioned within the hood <NUM> on the bottom sheet <NUM>, if desired (e.g., as in <FIG>).

In some examples (e.g., as in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>), each lateral flap <NUM> can be integrally formed with a corresponding one of the lateral hood segments; one advantage of such an arrangement is a headward portion of the top cover <NUM> can be readily tucked into the hood <NUM> in cooler conditions. In other examples (e.g., as in <FIG>), the hood <NUM> and the lateral flaps <NUM> are separate portions of the bottom sheet <NUM>. In such examples, each lateral flap <NUM> can extend in a footward direction from a corresponding footward end of the corresponding lateral hood segment. In some examples, a headward portion of each lateral flap <NUM> and a corresponding footward portion of the corresponding lateral hood segment overlap one another; in some of those examples, the overlapping portions of the lateral hood segments are positioned medially relative to the corresponding overlapping portions of the lateral flaps <NUM>, to maintain thermal integrity of the sleeping bag when the lateral flaps <NUM> are secured to the top cover <NUM>.

If needed or desired, one or more of the hood <NUM>, the bottom sheet <NUM>, or the top cover <NUM> can be provided with a storage pocket formed therein or thereon. Such a storage pocket can include a zipper, fastener, or other closure if needed or desired.

Any one or more materials (e.g., fabrics or insulators) suitable for constructing a conventional sleeping bag can be employed for constructing an inventive sleeping bag. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to: nylon, polyester, silk, cotton, taffeta, ripstop, pongee, flannel, microfiber, Gore-Tex, or fleece; natural down, synthetic insulation, or other insulating material; or metal-coated polymer film or other thermally shielding or thermally reflective material. If needed or desired, one or more of the sleeping pad, bottom sheet, or top cover can include heating elements, e.g., electrical or chemical heating elements.

Example <NUM>. A sleeping bag comprising a top cover and a bottom sheet, wherein: (a) the bottom sheet is structurally arranged so as to be secured to a sleeping pad; (b) the bottom sheet includes a sheet portion and a pair of flexible opposing lateral flaps connected along corresponding medial edges thereof to the sheet portion so that, with the bottom sheet secured to the sleeping pad, the lateral flaps are positioned along corresponding opposite lateral edges of the sleeping pad; and (c) the top cover and the pair of lateral flaps are structurally arranged so as to enable attachment, detachment, and reattachment of each lateral flap along a corresponding lateral edge thereof to an outer surface of the top cover along a corresponding curved or linear attachment path displaced medially from a corresponding lateral edge of the top cover.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of Example <NUM> wherein, with the bottom sheet secured to the sleeping pad and with the lateral flaps attached to the top cover, the top cover and the bottom sheet are structurally arranged so as to enable a headward portion of the top cover, which extends in a headward direction from footward ends of the lateral flaps, (i) to assume a wrapped configuration with portions of the top cover outer surface, that are disposed laterally relative to the attachment paths, being positioned against the sheet portion of the bottom sheet; (ii) to assume an expanded configuration with each one of the lateral flaps, and laterally disposed portions of the top cover, extending upward or laterally away from the corresponding lateral edges of the sleeping pad; and (iii) to be converted between the wrapped and expanded configurations by a user occupying the sleeping bag.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> or <NUM> wherein distance along each flap from the medial edge thereof to the lateral edge thereof is greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, or even larger.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein distance along the top cover from each attachment path to the corresponding lateral edge of the top cover is greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, greater than or about equal to <NUM> inches, or even larger.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein distance along the top cover from each attachment path to the corresponding lateral edge of the top cover is greater than or about equal to distance along each flap from the medial edge thereof to the lateral edge thereof.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein, with the bottom sheet secured to the sleeping pad, each lateral flap extends in a footward direction no further than about a midpoint of the sleeping pad.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein, with the bottom sheet secured to the sleeping pad, neither lateral flap extends in a headward direction as far as a headward end of the sleeping pad.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping pad of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein the top cover acts as a thermal insulator or includes thermally insulating material.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping pad of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein the sleeping pad acts as a thermal insulator or includes thermally insulating material.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> further comprising the sleeping pad.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of Example <NUM> wherein the bottom sheet and the sleeping pad are integrally formed.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein sheet portion of the bottom sheet is arranged so as to be secured to the sleeping pad in a fitted-sheet arrangement.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of Example <NUM> wherein the bottom sheet includes one or more straps arranged so that, with the sheet portion of the bottom sheet secured to the sleeping pad in the fitted-sheet arrangement, each one of the one or more straps is connected to opposite edges of the sheet portion and passes underneath the sleeping pad.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein the bottom sheet includes a hood comprising a transverse hood segment and a pair of lateral hood segments and is attached to the sheet portion of the bottom sheet so that, with the sheet portion of the bottom sheet secured to the sleeping pad, (i) the transverse hood segment is positioned across a headward end of the sleeping pad, and (ii) the lateral hood segments are positioned along corresponding headward portions of corresponding opposite lateral edges of the sleeping pad.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of Example <NUM> wherein each lateral flap is integrally formed with a corresponding one of the lateral hood segments.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> or <NUM> wherein each lateral flap extends in a footward direction from a corresponding footward end of the corresponding lateral hood segment.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> or <NUM> wherein a headward portion of each lateral flap and a corresponding footward portion of the corresponding lateral hood segment overlap one another.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein the hood acts as a thermal insulator or includes thermally insulating material.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein the top cover and the bottom sheet include corresponding mating zipper elements arranged so as to enable the attachment, detachment, and reattachment of each lateral flap along the corresponding lateral edge thereof to the outer surface of the top cover along the corresponding curved or linear attachment path.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein the top cover and the bottom sheet include corresponding sets of mating fastener elements arranged so as to enable the attachment, detachment, and reattachment of each lateral flap along the corresponding lateral edge thereof to the outer surface of the top cover along the corresponding curved or linear attachment path.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein a footward portion of the top cover is structurally arranged so as to enable the footward portion of the top cover to assume a tubular configuration with corresponding footward portions of opposite lateral edges of the top cover secured together.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of Example <NUM> wherein the top cover includes corresponding mating zipper elements arranged along the footward portions of the opposite lateral edges of the top cover so as to enable (i) the footward portion of the top cover to assume the tubular configuration with the footward portions of the lateral edges secured together, and (ii) the footward portions of the lateral edges of the top cover to be detached from each other and thereby enable the footward portion of the top cover to assume a substantially flattened configuration.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> or <NUM> wherein the top cover includes corresponding sets of mating fastener elements arranged along the footward portions of the opposite lateral edges of the top cover so as to enable (i) the footward portion of the top cover to assume the tubular configuration with the footward portions of the lateral edges secured together, and (ii) the footward portions of the lateral edges of the top cover to be detached from each other and thereby enable the footward portion of the top cover to assume a substantially flattened configuration.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein a footward end of the top cover is structurally arranged so as to enable, with the footward portion of the top cover in the tubular configuration, the footward end of the top cover to be closed.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of Example <NUM> wherein the footward end of the top cover includes one or more zippers, fasteners, or drawstrings arranged so as to enable, with the footward portion of the top cover in the tubular configuration, the footward end of the top cover to be closed.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> wherein the footward portion of the top cover extends headward at least a far as footward ends of the connection paths.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> further comprising a pillow positioned within the hood.

Example <NUM>. The sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> further comprising a storage pocket formed in or on the hood, the bottom sheet, or the top cover.

Example <NUM>. A method for using the sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, the method comprising: (A) with the bottom sheet secured to the
sleeping pad, attaching each lateral flap along the corresponding lateral edge thereof to the outer surface of the top cover along the corresponding attachment path so that a user occupying the sleeping bag is at least partly enclosed by the bottom sheet and the top cover; and one or both of: (B) with the lateral flaps attached to the top cover, arranging a headward portion of the top cover, which extends in a headward direction from footward ends of the lateral flaps, to assume a wrapped configuration with portions of the top cover outer surface that are disposed laterally relative to the attachment paths being positioned against the sheet portion of the bottom sheet underneath the user; or (C) with the lateral flaps attached to the top cover, arranging the headward portion of the top cover to assume an expanded configuration with each one of the lateral flaps, and laterally disposed portions of the top cover, extending upward and laterally away from the corresponding lateral edges of the sleeping pad.

Example <NUM>. The method of Example <NUM> for using the sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, the method further comprising, with the lateral flaps attached to the top cover and the user occupying the sleeping bag, converting the top cover from the wrapped configuration to the expanded configuration or from the expanded configuration to the wrapped configuration.

Example <NUM>. The method of any one of Examples <NUM> or <NUM> for using the sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, the method further comprising, with the lateral flaps attached to the top cover and the user occupying the sleeping bag, detaching one or both flaps from the top cover.

Example <NUM>. The method of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> for using the sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, the method further comprising, before part (A), securing the bottom sheet to the sleeping pad in a fitted-sheet arrangement.

Example <NUM>. The method of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> for using the sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, the method further comprising arranging a footward portion of the top cover to assume a tubular configuration with corresponding footward portions of opposite lateral edges of the top cover secured together.

Example <NUM>. The method of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> for using the sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, the method further comprising, with the footward portion of the top cover in the tubular configuration, closing a footward end of the top cover.

Example <NUM>. The method of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM> for using the sleeping bag of any one of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, the method further comprising arranging a footward portion of the top cover to assume a substantially flattened configuration with corresponding footward portions of opposite lateral edges of the top cover separated from one another.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together in several example embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claimed embodiment requires more features than are expressly recited in the corresponding claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed example embodiment.

Claim 1:
A sleeping bag for use by a user, the sleeping bag comprising:
a bottom sheet (<NUM>), having a pair of opposing lateral flaps (<NUM>) coupled to corresponding medial edges (<NUM>) of the bottom sheet (<NUM>), each of the lateral flaps (<NUM>) have a lateral edge (<NUM>), wherein the bottom sheet (<NUM>) is sized and shaped to underlie the user when using the sleeping bag, wherein the bottom sheet (<NUM>) is configured to be securable to a sleeping pad (<NUM>); and
an insulated top cover (<NUM>) having opposing lateral edges (<NUM>), an outer surface (<NUM>) adapted to face away from the user when occupying the sleeping bag, a headward portion selectively moveable between a wrapped configuration and an expanded configuration, and attachment paths (<NUM>) disposed on the outer surface (<NUM>), each attachment path (<NUM>) is displaced medially from the opposing lateral edges (<NUM>) of the insulated top cover (<NUM>), the headward portion of the top cover (<NUM>) further including laterally disposed portions arranged to extend upward and away from corresponding lateral edges of the sleeping pad (<NUM>);
wherein the pair of lateral flaps (<NUM>) of the bottom sheet (<NUM>) are releasably coupled to the outer surface (<NUM>) of the top cover (<NUM>) along the attachment paths (<NUM>);
wherein, in a sleeping bag configuration, the pair of lateral flaps (<NUM>) of the bottom sheet (<NUM>) are coupled to the attachment paths (<NUM>) of the top cover (<NUM>), wherein the laterally disposed portions of the top cover (<NUM>) are defined as a portion of the top cover (<NUM>) located between the attachment paths (<NUM>) and the respective lateral edge (<NUM>) of the top cover (<NUM>), wherein the laterally disposed portions of the top cover (<NUM>) extend upward and laterally away from the corresponding lateral edges of the sleeping pad (<NUM>).