Sleeping bag

Abstract

A sleeping bag having a planar covering member with a top and a bottom and a first side and a second side such that one of the first and second sides will contact or encase a user's body and the other side will be exposed to the elements. The sleeping bag may be used in two configurations wherein, in a first configuration, the sleeping bag is used in a substantially planar orientation with the second side covering a user's body and in the second configuration at least a portion of the bottom is inserted into a stowage pocket provided on the first side. By inserting the bottom into the pocket, the edges of the planar covering member are caused to wrap around so that the pocket forms an enclosed bottom section for a user's feet with the wrapped over sides covering the user's body in use.

Description

[0001] SLEEPING BAG

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to a sleeping bag.

[0004] Camping and other adventure activities may include overnight stays in environments where a participant may wish to cover their body for warmth and protection from the environment. Many different forms of cover are known and, at least in the context of adventure or camping use, are often all sold under the category of “sleeping bags”, but can vary in shape and use.

[0005] For example, some sleeping bags comprise a cover in a bag shape having a zip or similar attachment to allow ingress and egress of the user. Some sleeping bags can be converted from a bag to a blanket-style cover by use of the attachment. In addition, it is known to provide an opening for the feet so that the cover is provided as a cylinder shape with the optional ability to then enclose the foot section.

[0006] Other sleeping bags comprise a blanket-style cover intended to more loosely cover the body than an enclosed bag, but which can be folded over a user’s body to provide a bag-shape, or incorporated with another element such as a mat to encase the user’s body. A variation of these blanket-style sleeping bags comprises an enclosed foot section to keep the feet dry and warm. The enclosed foot section may be attached by a zip or other attachment so that the enclosed foot section is selectively formed and the sleeping bag can then be used in an open state as a blanket or in the closed state as a funnel-shaped sleeping bag with a relatively small enclosed space for the feet. Generally, the attachment does not extend the entire length of the sleeping bag, distinguishing such covers from full sleeping bags.

[0007] As used herein, the term “sleeping bag” extends to body covers for outdoor use to protect a user from the environment and includes covers which attach or are attached along edges to form a bag, and covers which can be attached to a mat or folded over or under a user with attachments to encase a user’s body.

[0008] Summary of the Disclosure

[0009] According to a first embodiment a sleeping bag comprises a planar covering member having a top located near a head of a user in use and a bottom located near feet of a user in use, the planar member comprising a first side and a second side and a stowage pocket located near the foot section on the first side so that the sleeping bag

[0010] - 1 -

[0011] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) may be used in a first configuration and a second configuration wherein, in the first configuration, the sleeping bag is used in a substantially planar orientation with the second side covering a user’s body and in the second configuration at least a portion of the bottom is inserted into the stowage pocket thereby forming an enclosed foot section for a user’s feet with the first side covering the user’s body in use, wherein the planar covering member includes one or more attachments at or near two opposing lateral edges of the planar member wherein the attachments may be attached to one another to secure the sleeping bag in the second configuration.

[0012] In the second configuration, the pocket may be turned inside out to thereby locate the bottom therein.

[0013] The pocket may be formed with a substantially flat base, the base providing volume to the pocket to accommodate a user’s feet, in use.

[0014] The base may be made from a material separate from the material of the planar covering member. The base may be connected to the planar covering member with sewing or other permanent attachment. In use, when the sleeping bag is laid out on horizontal ground, the base may form a substantially vertical wall thereby creating volume for the user’s feet.

[0015] The base may be in the form or an oval. In alternate embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a square, circle or trapezoid.

[0016] The sleeping bag may be changed from the first configuration to the second configuration by turning the stowage pocket inside out.

[0017] The stowage pocket may be spaced laterally from one or more lateral edges of the planar covering member so that, in the section configuration, the planar covering member forms a funnel or cylinder shape.

[0018] The attachments may extend over a portion of a length of the sleeping bag. The attachments may extend over an entire length of the sleeping bag.

[0019] The sleeping bag may comprise a first set of attachments for connecting edges of the planar covering member together and a second set of attachments for connecting the sleeping bag to a mat or other equipment. The first set of attachments may comprise the one or more attachments at or near two opposing lateral edges of the planar member.

[0020] - 2 -

[0021] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) The planar covering member may comprise a first sheet and a second sheet joined along respective edges wherein the stowage pocket is provided on the first sheet.

[0022] The first and second sheets may be joined by a user operated attachment. The user operated attachment may operate to join the sheets at one, two, three or four of the respective edges of the sheets. In an embodiment, the user operated attachment operates to join the sheets at lateral edges of the sheets. The user operated attachment may comprise one or more, or a combination, of: zip, ties, drawstrings and buttons.

[0023] The second sheet may comprise a further stowage pocket. The further stowage pocket may be located on the second sheet.

[0024] The stowage pocket and / or the further stowage pocket is laterally spaced from lateral edges of the respective sheet.

[0025] The stowage pocket and / or the further stowage pocket does not include any fasteners, zips and / or drawstrings.

[0026] The planar covering member may comprises a torso section and a leg section wherein the leg section has a smaller lateral dimension than the leg section. The lateral dimension may be measured in a direction perpendicular to a length of the planar covering member. The length may be defined at the longest dimension between the top and the bottom of the planar covering member.

[0027] When the sleeping bag is in the second configuration, an average width of the sleeping bag across a torso region may be greater than an average width of the sleeping bag across a leg region.

[0028] When the sleeping bag is in the second configuration, the lateral dimension of the sleeping bag may taper from a top to a bottom of the sleeping bag.

[0029] Description of the Drawings

[0030] Embodiments are herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a sleeping bag according to an embodiment in a first configuration;

[0032] Figure 2 is a top view of the sleeping bag of Figure 1 in a second configuration;

[0033] Figure 3 is a view of the sleeping bag of Figure 1 in a third configuration;

[0034] Figure 4 is a top view of a sleeping bag according to a further embodiment in a

[0035] - 3 -

[0036] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) first configuration;

[0037] Figure 5 is a top view of the sleeping bag of Figure 4 is a second configuration;

[0038] Figure 5' illustrates a detail of Figure 5;

[0039] Figure 6 is a top view of a sleeping bag according to a further embodiment;

[0040] Figure 6' illustrates a detail of Figure 6;

[0041] Figure 7 illustrates the sleeping bag of Figure 6 in a further configuration; and

[0042] Figure 8 illustrates a sleeping bag according to a further embodiment.

[0043] Detailed Description of Specific Embodiment

[0044] An embodiment provides a sleeping bag having a planar covering member with a top and a bottom with a first side and a second side such that one of the first and second sides will contact or encase a user’s body and the other side will be exposed to the elements. The sleeping bag may be used in a first configuration and a second configuration wherein, in the first configuration, the sleeping bag is used in a substantially planar orientation with the second side covering a user’s body and in the second configuration at least a portion of the bottom is inserted into a stowage pocket provided on the first side. By inserting the bottom into the pocket, the edges of the planar covering member are caused to wrap around so that the pocket forms an enclosed bottom section for a user’s feet with the wrapped over sides covering the user’s body in use. The sleeping bag includes one or more attachments at or near two opposing lateral edges of the planar member so that when the edges of the planar member wrap around, the edges may be fastened to one another. This may advantageously provide a sleeping bag which can be used in two configurations depending on a user’s preference and the prevailing environmental conditions with the attachments potentially helping to ensure that the sleeping bag does not unwrap overnight or in use.

[0045] The sleeping bag may be changed from the first configuration to the second configuration by turning the stowage pocket inside out. This may provide an easy and convenient method for the user to change from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0046] In the first configuration, if the stowage pocket is not being used to protect the user’s feet, and particularly where the stowage pocket is provided as a pocket, the stowage pocket may be used as external storage.

[0047] - 4 -

[0048] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) The pocket may have a base which forms a wall of the pocket. The base may provide the pocket with extra volume and this may, in turn, provide the user with additional comfort over an arrangement where the pocket is formed by stitching a panel to a side of the planar covering member.

[0049] In addition, a pocket with base capable of forming a vertical wall may prevent a user’s foot from compressing the material of the portion of the sleeping bag directly above the user’s foot. When the material comprises two or more layers with insulation therebetween, compression of the material may adversely affect the thermal efficiency of the material. Therefore, a sleeping bag with a base may provide better insulation from the environment.

[0050] The stowage pocket may be spaced laterally from one or more lateral edges of the planar covering member so that, in the second configuration, the planar covering member forms a funnel or cylinder shape. A funnel or cylindrical shape may provide the user with additional covering for the torso when compared to the covering provided by a sheet. In an embodiment the funnel or cylindrical shape may be formed without the use of zippers, drawcords or fasteners. It may be advantageous to provide a portion of the planar covering member between the ground and the user’s body to provided additional insulation from the ground.

[0051] The sleeping bag according to any preceding claim comprising a first set of attachments for connecting edges of the planar covering member together and a second set of attachments for connecting the sleeping bag to a mat or other equipment. A user is therefore provided with a number of different options for providing cover for themselves. If used in the first configuration, the sleeping bag may be used as a blanket and the user may choose to insert their feet into the pocket to provide additional insulation. Furthermore, the user may choose, when the sleeping bag is in the first configuration to attach the sleeping bag to a mat or other cover so that the combination of the sleeping bag and mat (or other equipment) forms an encasing for the user. This may prevent heat loss, prevent or reduce the ingress of moisture such as rain or dew and prevent draughts from affecting the thermal efficiency of the cover.

[0052] The planar covering member may comprise a first sheet and a second sheet joined along respective edges wherein the stowage pocket is provided on the first sheet. According to such an embodiment, the sleeping bag may be provided as a sleeping bag which may have an open foot section in the first configuration and wherein the foot section is enclosed by turning the stowage pocket inside out.

[0053] The second sheet may comprise a further stowage pocket. The sleeping bag may, in this embodiment, provide foot covering for a user in both the first and second

[0054] - 5 -

[0055] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) configurations. Furthermore, the first and second sheet may be selectively attached to one another by a zip or other user operated attachment so that the sheets may be used individually, in which case each sheet may be provided with a corresponding foot protection in the form of the stowage pocket and the further stowage pocket. This may provide additional thermal and other environmental protection for the user’s feet.

[0056] In a further configuration, the attachment between the first and second sheet may be partially engaged thereby providing a flat double-size sheet suitable for use by two people with foot protectors for each user. Lastly, the attachment may be engaged all (or mostly all) the way around the edges to thereby form an enclosed bag. In this configuration the user may be provided with two feet protectors which may provide additional warmth and protection.

[0057] When the sleeping bag is in the second configuration, an average width of the sleeping bag across a torso region may be greater than an average width of the sleeping bag across a leg region. This arrangement may allow the sleeping bag to generally follow the contours of a user’s body, therefore providing greater thermal efficiency and comfort to a user.

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a sleeping bag 10 comprising a planar covering member 12. In this embodiment, the planar covering member 12 is a quilt filled with down. It is to be realised that many other types of material s and fillings (if required) can be used. For example, stitch-through material may also be used, or any other material known for use with sleeping bags in the art. The material and fillings may be chosen to adapt the sleeping bag to a certain intended use and environment. Furthermore, it is to be realised that the relative sizes and shapes of the components illustrated are not determinative unless otherwise stated.

[0059] The planar covering member 12 in the embodiment illustrated is a quilt with down-filled baffles determined by stitching 14. Reinforced stitching 16 provides structural integrity and may help to define the form of the sleeping bag in the various configurations. The planar covering member 12 has a first side 18 illustrated in Figure 1.

[0060] The planar covering member 12 comprises a top 22 which is located near or at a user’s head, in use and, similarly, a bottom 24 located at or near a user’s feet in use.

[0061] The sleeping bag 10 further comprises a pocket 20 formed near the bottom 24 and therefore located at or near the user’s feet when in use. The pocket 20 comprises an opening 34, two lateral sides 36 and 38 attached to the planar covering member 12 and a bottom 40, also attached to the planar covering member 18. The planar covering

[0062] - 6 -

[0063] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) member 12 has two lateral edges 30 and 32 and, as shown, the lateral sides 36 and 38 of the pocket 20 are attached to the planar covering member 12 spaced from the lateral edges 36 and 38 of the planar covering member 12. In an alternate embodiment, the pocket may be spaced from only one of the lateral sides of the planar covering member.

[0064] Attachments 46A and 46B, and 48A and 48B, are provided on respective lateral edges 32 and 30, in the leg section 44. The attachments 46A, 46B, 48A and 48B are shown symbolically as loops in the representations. It is to be realised that any complimentary forms of attachment may be provided. For example, 46A and 48A may be provided as buttons and 46B and 48B as loops. Many other forms of attachment are known in the art and will not be further described herein.

[0065] The planar covering member 12 has a torso section 42 generally corresponding to the location of a user’s torso, in use, and a leg section 44, generally corresponding to the location of a user’s legs, in use.

[0066] As illustrated in Figure 1, the planar covering member 12 is generally truncated over a length so that a width (the dimension perpendicular to the length orientated left to right in Figure 1) generally decreases from the head to the bottom of the planar covering member. By way of illustration, the minimum width WL of the torso region 42 and the minimum width WT of the leg region 44 are shown on Figure 1.

[0067] For the embodiment shown, the average width of the torso region 42 is greater than the average width of the leg region 44.

[0068] Figure 2 illustrates the sleeping bag 10 in a second configuration. In this configuration, the pocket 20 has been turned inside out. Since the lateral edges 36 and 38 of the pocket 20 are spaced from the lateral edges 30 and 32 of the planar covering member 12, when the pocket 20 is turned inside out, the lateral edges 30 and 32 of the planar covering member 12 in the vicinity of the pocket 20 are folded in on themselves thereby forming the funnel shape illustrated in Figure 2.

[0069] The attachments 48A and 48B are attached to one another which may assist in maintaining the configuration as shown. Furthermore, the attachments may help to ensure that the lateral portions of the planar covering member 12 are evenly orientated, each providing about half coverage within the pocket. This may help to provide even thermal properties for the sleeping bag potentially avoiding inconsistent heat retention characteristics within the pocket 20.

[0070] A cylindrical or other folded over shape may be achieved too, depending on the arrangement of the planar covering member in the pocket.

[0071] - 7 -

[0072] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) Figure 3 illustrates the sleeping bag 10 in a third configuration. The third configuration is similar to the second configuration in that the lateral edges of the planar sleeping member 12 are at least partially located in the pocket 20. The configurations of Figures 2 and 3 are both configurations in which at least a portion of the bottom is inserted into the stowage pocket thereby forming an enclosed foot section for a user’s feet with the first side covering the user’s body in use.

[0073] Figure 3 is a view of the sleeping bag 10 and illustrates the second side 60 of the planar covering member 12. In the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second side 60 of the planar covering member 12 is partially in contact with the ground (or other equipment such as mat or mattress, as the case may be) and partially exposed to the elements whereas the first side 18 partially encases the user’s body. The user may use the sleeping bag 10 in the orientation shown in Figure 3 so that the weight of the user’s body keeps the lateral edges 30 and 32 in position, thereby potentially preventing heat from escaping.

[0074] In the configuration shown in Figure 3, attachment 48B is attached to attachment 48A and attachment 46A is attached to attachment 46B. With the use of two attachments at the leg section 44 (Figure 1), the lateral edges 30 and 32 are substantially parallel to one another and meet (with a small gap as shown) at a medial line. Therefore, the configuration shown may provide substantially even coverage for a user’s body.

[0075] Figure 4 illustrates a sleeping bag 100 according to a further embodiment. The sleeping bag 100 is similar to the embodiment 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 and similar reference numbers are used to denote similar features. The sleeping bag 100 comprises a planar covering member 12 with a pocket 20. The planar covering member 12 has a leg section 44 and a torso section 42

[0076] The sleeping bag 100 of Figure 4 differs from the sleeping bag 10 of Figures 1 and 2 in that it includes a set of attachments provided on the planar covering member in the torso section 44. The planar covering member has attachments 102A, 104A, 106A and 108A provided near the lateral edge 32, and attachments 102B, 104B, 106B and 108B provided near the lateral edge 30. The lateral attachments 102A, 102B, ..., 108A, 108B may be attached in pairs so that attachment 102A attaches to attachment 102B, attachment 104A attaches to attachment 104B etc. to thereby secure the sleeping bag in the configuration corresponding to that shown for sleeping bag 10 in Figure 3.

[0077] Alternatively, the attachments 102A, 102B, ..., 108A, 108B may be attached to corresponding attachments on a matt or mattress. Then, the sleeping bag is used in the configuration shown in Figure 1 with the side 18 of the planar covering member 12

[0078] - 8 -

[0079] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) covering a user’s body. In this configuration, when the attachments 102A, 102B, 108A, 108B are connected to a matt, the portion of the sleeping bag between the attachments 102A, 102B, ..., 108A, 108B and the respective lateral edges 30 and 32 may provide for a portion to tuck under the user’s body or kept free, but in either situation may provide lateral protection for the user from draughts and heat loss.

[0080] The sleeping bag 100 also includes the attachments 46A, 46B, 48A and 48B in the leg section, similar to the sleeping bag 10. It is to be realised that the attachments 46A, 46B, 48A and 48B may be attached to each other in the same manner as illustrated for sleeping bag 10 in Figures 2 and 3. Alternatively, the attachments 46A, 46B, 48A and 48B may be attached to a matt, mattress or other equipment.

[0081] As indicated for the attachments of sleeping bag 10, the attachments of sleeping bag 100 may be provided as complimentary buttons and loops or as any other attachments as known.

[0082] Figure 5 illustrates the sleeping bag 100 in a configuration corresponding to the configuration of sleeping bag 10 shown in Figure 3 with the attachments 46A, 46B, 48A and 48B of the leg section connected in pairs, as previously described. The bottom of the pocket 20 is shown in greater detail in Figure 5'. The pocket 20 includes a base 110. In the orientation shown in Figure 5', the sleeping bag 100 is lying flat on the ground and, in this orientation, the base 102 stands substantially vertically, thereby providing volume to the pocket 20.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the base 110 is made from a separate piece of material and is attached with sowing along seams 112 to the pocket 20 and to the planar ground covering 12. The sleeping bag 50 shown in Figures 1 to 3 has a similar base although this is not shown in the Figures.

[0084] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the pocket is centrally located, displaced from the lateral edges of the planar ground covering. In alternate embodiments, the pocket may be placed more to one side than the other. In the alternate embodiment where the pocket is spaced from only one of the lateral sides of the planar covering member, or more from one than the other, the funnel or folded-over shape may be less symmetrical, but may be just as effective.

[0085] In the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 4, the sleeping bag 10 may be used so that surface 60 covers the user’s body in which case the pocket 20 would be located over the user’s body. In this orientation, the pocket 20 may be used for storage. In an embodiment, the pocket 20 is provided with a zip or other attachment to close and secure the pocket.

[0086] - 9 -

[0087] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) Alternatively, when in the orientation of Figures 1 and 4, the surface 18 may be used to cover the user’s body. In this orientation, the pocket 20 may be used to protect the user’s feet and lower portions of their legs.

[0088] In the orientation shown in Figures 2 and 3, the funnel shape formed by the planar covering member provides substantially more coverage than the pocket 20 would alone. Therefore, with the sleeping bags 10 and 100 illustrated a user may be able to choose between three different coverage options with varying degrees of cover.

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the lateral edges of the pocket 20 are substantially parallel to the lateral edges 30 and 32 of the planar covering member 18. In a further embodiment, the lateral edges of the pocket and the lateral edges of the planar covering member may be varied to vary the shape and size of the resulting doubling of the planar covering member when the pocket is turned inside out.

[0090] Figure 6 illustrates a sleeping bag 150 according to a further embodiment. The sleeping bag comprises a planar covering member of two sheets 152 and 154. The sleeping bag 150 has a top 160 which is located near or at a user’s head, in use and, similarly, a bottom 162 located at or near a user’s feet, in use. Both sheets 152 and 154 are provided as down-filled quilts, but other materials and fillings are known and may be used.

[0091] Each of the sheets 152 and 154 is provided with a respective pocket 156 and 158 at the bottom portion of the respective sheet. In this embodiment, the pocket 158 is bigger than the pocket 156.

[0092] In this embodiment, the sheets 152 and 154 are joined along lateral edges by stitched seam 166, as illustrated. Each of the sheets 152 and 154 includes a respective attachment 164 and 166 situated on an outer, lateral edge of the sheet. In this embodiment, the attachments 164 and 166 are the teeth of a zip so that the sheets 152 and 154 may be further attached to one another by engaging the teeth with a zip slider (not shown). It is to be realised that other forms of attachment such as hook-and-loop material, buttons, studs etc. may be used instead.

[0093] It is also to be realised that a user operated attachment such as a zip may be provided instead of the central stitched seam 176. The sheets 152 and 154 may then be detached from one another and used independently.

[0094] Figure 6' illustrates a detail of Figure 6, showing the pockets 156 and 158. Pocket 156 is provided with a base 170 and pocket 158 is provided with base 172. The bases 170 and 172 are similar to the base 110 shown in Figure 5' and provide the respective pockets with volume, as described above.

[0095] - 10 -

[0096] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) The sleeping bag 150 operates in a similar manner to the sleeping bags 10 and 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5, but has additional configurations. In a first configuration, shown in Figure 6, the sleeping bag may be suitable to cover two people lying next to one another. The users may utilize the pockets 156 and 158 to provide protection for their feet, if desired.

[0097] In a further configuration, the attachments 164 and 166 are engaged along the long lateral sides of the sheets 152 and 154 thereby providing a cylinder type shape with the top and bottom portions open to the environment. The pockets 156 and 158 may then be used for storage. In this configuration, either of the pockets may be turned inside out to provide a closure to the bottom of the cover 150. In this embodiment, since the pocket 158 is larger than the pocket 156, the pocket 158 may be used for this purpose.

[0098] Figure 7 illustrates the sleeping bag 150 in this configuration. In Figure 7, the attachment 164 has been completely attached to attachment 166 (neither of which are visible in this Figure). The pocket 158 has been turned inside out and the pocket 156 (shown in dashed outline) is located in pocket 158.

[0099] Figure 8 illustrates a sleeping bag 200 according to a further embodiment. The sleeping bag 200 is similar to the sleeping bag 150 illustrated in Figures 6, 6' and 7 and similar reference numbers are used to denote similar elements. The sleeping bag 200 differs from the sleeping bag 150 in that the central attachment 166 of sleeping bag 200 extends up further toward the head and in that the head cowl is part of sheet 152 and not part of sheet 154, as it is with sleeping bag 150. The sleeping bag 200 otherwise has all of the features of the sleeping bag 150.

[0100] The sleeping bag 200 is shown in Figure 8 with the attachments 164 and 166 only partially engaged,

[0101] Any pocket not used for closure may be used for storage.

[0102] In a further configuration, both pockets 156 and 158 may be turned inside out to form a double closure. If only one of the pockets is used as closure then air from the outside may still enter the enclosed space of the sleeping bag due to the opening created by the pocket. However, if two pockets are used then the openings of the respective pockets will be provided on opposite sides of the sleeping bag and this may significantly improve the ability of the sleeping bag to trap the air inside.

[0103] In particular if one of the pockets is larger than the other of the pockets it may be possible to cover the opening of the smaller pocket, when turned inside out, with the larger pocket, when turned inside out.

[0104] - 11 -

[0105] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) Although the pockets 156 and 158 are shown as extending out to the lateral sides of the respecting sheets 152 and 154 it is to be realised that either pocket, or both of the pockets, may be laterally spaced from the edges of the respective sheet to thereby provide for a funnel shape when the pocket is turned inside out.

[0106] In the embodiments illustrated and described the sheets 152 and 154 are similar to the planar covering member 12 and, in certain embodiments, each of the sheets used in an arrangement similar to that of Figures 6 to 8 may be used individually in the arrangement of Figures 1 to 5. Similarly, two planar covering members of the type shown in Figures 1 to 5 may be provided with suitable attachments and used in the manner described in relation to Figures 6 to 8.

[0107] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0108] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments. Similarly, the word “device” is used in a broad sense and is intended to cover the constituent parts provided as an integral whole as well as an instantiation where one or more of the constituent parts are provided separate to one another.

[0109] - 12 -

[0110] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)

Claims

Claims1. A sleeping bag comprising a planar covering member having a top located near a head of a user and a bottom located near a user’s feet, in use, the planar member comprising a first side and a second side and a stowage pocket located near the foot section on the first side so that the sleeping bag may be used in a first configuration and a second configuration wherein: in the first configuration, the sleeping bag is used in a substantially planar orientation with the second side covering a user’s body and in the second configuration at least a portion of the bottom is inserted into the stowage pocket thereby forming an enclosed foot section for a user’s feet with the first side covering the user’s body, in use, wherein the planar covering member includes one or more attachments at or near two opposing lateral edges of the planar member wherein the attachments may be attached to one another to secure the sleeping bag in the second configuration.

2. The sleeping bag according to claim 1 wherein the pocket is formed with a substantially flat base, the base providing volume to the pocket to accommodate a user’s feet, in use.

3. The sleeping bag according to claim 1 wherein the base is made from a material separate from the material of the planar covering member.

4. The sleeping bag according to any preceding claim wherein the sleeping bag is changed from the first configuration to the second configuration by turning the stowage pocket inside out.

5. The sleeping bag according to any preceding claim wherein the stowage pocket is spaced laterally from one or more lateral edges of the planar covering member so that, in the section configuration, the planar covering member forms a funnel or cylinder shape.

6. The sleeping bag according to claim 1 wherein the attachments extend over a portion of a length of each respective lateral edge of the planar covering member.

7. The sleeping bag according to claim 6 wherein the attachments extend over an entire length of the planar member.

8. The sleeping bag according to any preceding claim comprising a first set of attachments for connecting edges of the planar covering member together and a second set of attachments for connecting the sleeping bag to a mat or other equipment.- 13 -SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)9. The sleeping bag according to claim 1 wherein the planar covering member comprises a first sheet and a second sheet joined along respective edges wherein the stowage pocket is provided on the first sheet.

10. The sleeping bag according to claim 9 wherein the first and second sheets are joined by a user operated attachment.

11. The sleeping bag according to claim 10 wherein the user operated attachment operates to join the sheets at lateral edges of the sheets.

12. The sleeping bag according to any of claims 10 or claim 11 further comprising a further stowage pocket attached to the second sheet.

13. The sleeping bag according to claims 12 wherein, when the sleeping bag is in the second configuration, the further stowage pocket may be located in the stowage pocket.

14. The sleeping bag according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the stowage pocket and / or the further stowage pocket is laterally spaced from lateral edges of the respective sheet.

15. The sleeping bag according to any preceding claim wherein the stowage pocket and / or the further stowage pocket does not include any fasteners, zips and / or drawstrings.

16. The sleeping bag according to any preceding claim wherein the planar covering member comprises a torso section and a leg section wherein the leg section has a smaller lateral dimension than the leg section.- 14 -SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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