Abstract: A toy device has a resilient tubular housing defining a strip chamber and having an opening at each end. A strip bundle constituting a mutiplicity of elongate strip members are located within the strip chamber and are frictionally retained against inadvertent movement by the compressive force of the resilient tubular housing on the strips and are each linearly moveable relative to said strip chamber and relative to one another. The strips are composed of a polymer such as a vinyl or of other suitable materials and can be marked with educational indicia or game indicia to promote the use of the toy device for educational purposes as well as for entertainment and pleasure.

Abstract: A compression cover is provided for placing articles such as sleeping bags, sleeping systems and other camping/backpacking equipment under compression to reduce the physical dimension thereof. The apparatus incorporates a pair of end covers each having an end wall and a short skirt portion. Compression straps extending from each of the skirt portions have buckles that are capable of being connected and tightened to thus achieve endwise compression of an article, such as a sleeping bag, sleeping system or the like disposed between the compression covers. The compression covers may also incorporate shoulder straps, waist straps, etc. to define a frameless pack which may include end pockets on the end covers and side pockets on the skirt.

Abstract: An outdoor sleeping system is provided incorporating a ground cover sheet to which is attached a tent cover in the form of a body section and a head section which are releasably interconnected by a slide fastener or other suitable connector. The tent cover is secured to the ground cover sheet by means of one or more slide fasteners enabling complete removal of the head and body portions of the tent cover or either of the head and body portions thereof as desired. The tent cover is constructed to permit efficient lateral or end entry into the sleeping system as is desired by the user under the conditions involved. Under wet conditions, lateral opening of the tent cover permits entry by the user while the tent cover prevents rain from getting into the sleeping system. The tent cover is supported in upright position by a plurality of ribs each of which being collapsible to a shortened condition for closure and rolling of the sleeping system.

Abstract: An outdoor sleeping system incorporating a ground engaging sheet having a pocket connected thereto within which is disposed a pad to provide comfort for the user especially in rough terrain. The ground contacting sheet incorporates a pair of slide fastener strips, the innermost of which receives a thermal liner of suitable weight to protect the user under low temperature conditions. To the outermost slide fastener strip is secured a tent or bivy cover which is maintained erect by flexible ribs. The tent is provided with an enlarged hood, having a rain flap and insect excluding ventilators permitting the user to control the temperature of the enclosure from within. The sleeping system is completely self-supporting and for portability may be rolled to a cylindrical form and secured with straps. The sleeping system may also take a double-wide form for use by two persons.

Abstract: A support pad for sleeping bags and the like is provided. The pad includes a heavy duty material upper portion and fastener structure which permit the pad to be rolled into a compact tubular form and be resistant to damage during storage and transportation.