|
|
Home | Alpha Telephone | Domain Names | Web Hosting | Get Traffic | xrEvidence | xrSoccer United States Patent
SLEEPING BAG DESIGN Improved method of manufacturing sleeping bags including the formation of interior and exterior tubes for more efficient insulation.
We claim: 1. In an insulated blanket and the like having at least an outer and an inner layer of fabric separated by insulation material, the improvement in fastening said outer and inner layers and said intermediate insulation material so that said layers and material will not shift in relation to each other comprising, a first section of said blanket wherein said outer and inner layers are generally parallel and separated by said insulation material, a second section of said blanket wherein said outer and inner layers are generally parallel and separated by said insulation material, a seam interconnecting adjacent edges of said first and second sections including stitching generally parallel to said layers through portions of said outer and inner layers, and a generally tubular member having edge portions secured to said first and second sections by said stitching and lying along one side of said blanket. 2. The blanket of claim 1 wherein said tubular member is a generally oblate chamber having insulation material therein. 3. The blanket of claim 1 wherein said blanket is in the form of a sleeping bag and said tubular member is located within the interior of said bag longitudinally thereof. 4. The blanket of claim 1 wherein said blanket is in the form of a sleeping bag and said tubular member is located within the interior of said bag transversely thereof. 5. The blanket according to claim 1 wherein said tubular member is formed by continuations of said inner and outer layers lying closely together. 6. In an insulated blanket and the like having at least an outer and an inner layer of fabric separated by insulation material, the improvement in fastening said outer and inner layers and said intermediate insulation material so that said layers and material will not shift in relation to each other comprising, a first section of said blanket wherein said outer and inner layers are generally parallel and separated by said insulation material, a second section of said blanket wherein said outer and inner layers are generally parallel and separated by said insulation material, means for interconnecting adjacent edges of said first and second sections as a seam, a tubular member formed by continuations lying closely together of said first and second layers, said tubular member lying adjacent to said seam along one side of said blanket. 7. The blanket of claim 6 wherein insulation is provided within said tubular member. 8. The blanket of claim 7 wherein said blanket is in the form of a sleeping bag and said tubular member is located within the interior of said bag, there being a plurality of said members and seams equidistantly spaced within said bag. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to sleeping bags and to methods of constructing the same. Sleeping bags have long been known in the art and generally seek to provide for the comfort and protection of the occupant when sleeping outdoors. With a recent emphasis on leisure time activities such as camping, the need for a sleeping bag that is economical to manufacture and which provides maximum comfort and protection for its occupant is apparent. Sleeping bags as known in the prior art are generally formed of an inner and an outer member separated from each other by an insulating material. The precise methods of construction vary and are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 613,545 to Winters; 1,263,825 to Waugh; 1,670,460 to Leibold; 1,699,002 to Leibold; 1,971,469 to Wallin; 2,179,424 to Phillips; 2,491,394 to Rose; 2,572,490 to Kaplan; 2,588,536 to Kaplan; 2,711,546 to Licht; 2,972,757 to Adrian; 3,341,869 to Whitman; 3,380,087 to Petty; 3,460,170 to Ozier; 3,541,620 to Chapius; 3,584,323 to Worley and 3,639,931 to McGuire. The inner member normally envelops the occupant and will be constructed of wool, cotton or other suitable bedding material. The outer member may typically be a moisture resistant or water-proof material. The insulation used may typically be a down, a fibrous filler or foam. In its most elemental form, a sleeping bag will include generally rectangular upper and lower layers, each layer including an inner and outer member with the insulating material therebetween. One disadvantage of this type of construction is a "bunching-up" or shifting of the insulation. To remedy this problem, one form of layer construction includes seaming of the inner and outer members together at several locations thereby compartmentalizing the insulation and restricting its movement. An inherent disadvantage in this latter construction is the formation of "cold spots" along the seams of the inner member. Another approach to sleeping bag construction includes interior baffles, typically of a nylon mesh material, which are located at fixed intervals along the layer interior; one end of the baffle being attached to the inner member and the other end to the outer member of the layer. Additionally, the baffles are located so that the attachment stitch to the outer member will be offset from the attachment stitch to the inner member. In this manner, cold spots are prevented along the stitches on the inner member of the layer i.e., cold outside air is prevented from penetrating the inside of the bag. This foregoing construction, while it provides user comfort, requires a costly manufacturing method particularly since each baffle must be angled properly and each baffle end must be stitched. The elimination of interior baffles would effect a cost savings in production. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has certain beneficial features, one of which is the elimination of interior cold spots without the use of a baffle construction. Another feature is a sleeping bag construction which is easy to assemble and economical to manufacture. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sleeping bag design. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sleeping bag design which is economical to manufacture and which provides maximum warmth and comfort for the user. THE DRAWINGS With the foregoing objects and features in mind, the invention will be more fully understood by reference to the drawings, the accompanying detailed description and the appended claims. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleeping bag constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-section view of the upper and lower layers of a sleeping bag interior showing the construction elements before assembly. FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top view of the construction elements of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of a sleeping bag interior of FIG. 1 taken along line 4--4. FIG. 4A as encircled shows an enlarged detail and cross-section of the sleeping bag of FIG. 1 showing the manner in which adjacent insulated sections of the blanket or seam and the manner in which a tubular member is formed to lie along a seam for insulation purposes. FIG. 5 is a top plan view partly broken away taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows a sleeping bag indicated generally as 12. The bag includes upper and lower layers 10 and 11 which are generally rectangular and are joined along an edge 13. Closure means 18 is also provided and will typically be a zipper. Each layer includes an outer shell or member 14 of moisture resistant or waterproof material and an inner shell or member 16 of cotton, wool or similar material. In FIG. 2, elements 14 and 16 of the bag are shown prior to assembly of the layer. FIG. 3 shows member 16 with series of drill marks 22 which facilitate the stitching of the various elements. Corresponding drill marks (not shown) are located on member 14. Typically, each set of parallel drill marks will be approximately 3 inches apart and spaced along the surface of members 14 and 16 at approximately 9 inch intervals. These drill marks act as a guide in constructing each layer as will be described shortly. Referring to the completed assembly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, stitches 24 have joined members 14 and 16 to form inner tubes 30 and main body tubes 34. Tubes 30 and 34 contain insulation 20; tube 30 effectively covers the stitch area to prevent outside air from penetrating the bag interior. The insulation or filler material 20 may typically be down or fiber fill. In a typical layer manufacturing operation, the outer and inner members 14 and 16 are precut to the required size and are drill marked for stitching (element 22). The members are placed in parallel relationship by an operator who then aligns the drill marks on members 14 and 16, folds these members to form an inner tube 30 and main body tubes 34 (FIGS. 4 and 5) and runs a line of stitching 24 along the drill marks. The operator then inserts insulation 20 into inner tubes 30 and main body tubes 34. This subassembly is then closed along its edges preferably by stitching to form the upper or lower layer of the sleeping bag. In a subsequent manufacturing operation, the upper and lower layers will be joined and provided with closure means 18 to form a completed sleeping bag. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a wide variety of changes may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. Additionally, certain features may be used independently of others and equivalents may be substituted for the elements, all within the spint and scope of the invention. For U.S. patent law, rules, and procedures see MPEP. Disclaimer. Information presented on this page while believed to be reliable, is provided "as is" with no warranties of its accuracy or timeliness. For legal advice seek help of a licensed professional. |