Sleeping Bag System with Selectively Adjustable Insulating Baffles

Abstract

A sleeping bag system with selectively interchangeable insulating baffles. The baffles are configured to be inserted into either or both of an upper layer and a bottom layer of the sleeping bag shell. The shell and baffles have one or more fasteners configured to engage with each other to hold the baffles in place inside the shell during use. The system allows a single sleeping bag to be used in varying ambient temperatures and allows the user to customize the warmth of the bag by adding or removing various insulating baffles from different sections of the shell.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a sleeping bag with interchangeable and stackable insulating baffles to selectively adjust the temperature rating of the bag.

2. Description of Related Art

Sleeping bags typically have an upper layer and a bottom layer with an open body cavity in between. The upper and bottom layers each have a top fabric and a bottom fabric between which various types and thicknesses of insulating filling are disposed. These sleeping bags have various temperature ratings (the range of temperatures or lowest temperature at which the sleeping bag is designed for use to maintain a relatively comfortable sleeping environment and protect the user from the cold). These temperature ratings depend on the fabrics used and the type and thickness of insulating filling used. The upper and bottom layers are typically sewn together along one longitudinal side and along the foot end. The other longitudinal side and head end usually include a zipper that allows the user to enter the open body cavity when the zipper is unzipped. When using sleeping bags for camping, users frequently encounter a wide range of ambient temperature fluctuations depending on the time of year, camping location, and altitude. In order to maintain a comfortable sleeping environment, campers commonly own more than one sleeping bag and will use the one most appropriate for the expected weather and temperature conditions on a given camping trip. However, it is not uncommon for there to be wide ambient temperature variations during a single camping trip (at the same or relatively the same location and altitude) due to varying weather patterns. When this happens, the user will either be uncomfortable because the sleeping bag brought on the camping trip is either too warm or not warm enough or the user has to bring multiple sleeping bags on the trip and swap out bags when the weather changes. It is also know to add separate blankets either on top of or inside the sleeping bag to make it warmer, but this has the drawback that the blankets will shift during use resulting in some areas where the blanket is bunched up (too warm) and others where there is no blanket (too cold). It is desirable to have a single sleeping bag that allows the user to selectively adjust the temperature rating by adding or removing insulating material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a sleeping bag system that allows a user to selectively adjust the temperature rating of the bag by adding or removing insulating baffles from the bag's fabric shell. The preferred sleeping bag system comprises a shell having an upper layer and a bottom layer with each layer comprising two layers of fabric (upper and bottom). Between these fabric layers, insulating baffles are inserted. Multiple baffles may be stacked together to increase the warmth of the bag. Most preferably, there are at least three separate baffles, one near the foot end, one in the middle, and one near the head end of the bag, in each of the upper and bottom layers. The user may add or remove baffles from each section in each layer and may opt to stack baffles in one section and have a single baffle layer in the other sections. For example, two baffles may be stacked in the upper layer at the foot end if the user tends to have cold feet, with only one baffle in each of the middle and head sections of the bag. Additionally or alternatively, two baffles may be stacked in each section of the bottom layer to provide additional cushion for sleeping. The sleeping bag system may be used in numerous variable configurations, as desired by the end user. This allows for selective temperature rating variation over the length of the bag and as between the top and bottom of the bag.

The sleeping bag systems according to the invention preferably include multiple ribbon anchors that are attached to the fabric layers and multiple fastening strips, such as hook and loop tape, attached to the surfaces of the fabric layers that face the baffles. Each baffle insert has similar fastening strips that engage with those on the fabric to help hold the baffles in place during use. Each baffle insert also has a slot to receive the ribbon anchor and a gate and latch mechanism to removably secure the baffle to the ribbon anchor. This also holds the baffles in place during use, preventing the baffles from shifting or becoming bunched up at one side or at one end of the bag as the user moves to get in and out of the bag or moves during sleep.

The system is most preferably sold as a kit or series of kits. A basic kit according to one preferred embodiment comprises a shell (in one of a variety of colors and fabrics choices) and a set of upper baffles and a set of lower baffles. An add-on kit according to another preferred embodiment comprises one or more additional sets of baffles (in one or more of a variety of thicknesses and fill materials). The sleeping bag system according to the invention allows a user to have a single sleeping bag that is adaptable to multiple and varying weather conditions and temperature fluctuations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The system of the invention is further described and explained in relation to the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a sleeping bag according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-section, side elevation view of a sleeping bag according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the sleeping bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a foot section upper baffle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of a middle section upper baffle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of a head section upper baffle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the upper baffles of FIGS. 4A-4C when aligned for use in a sleeping bag according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a foot section bottom baffle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of a middle section bottom baffle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6C is a top plan view of a head section bottom baffle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the bottom baffles of FIGS. 6A-6C when aligned for use in a sleeping bag according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 1

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one preferred embodiment of a sleeping bag system 10 is depicted. Sleeping bag system 10 preferably comprises a shell 11 having an upper layer 12 and a bottom layer 18, with body space 34 disposed in between layers 12 and 18. Shell 11 comprises a head end 36, a head section 40, a middle section 42, a foot section 44, and a foot end 38. Shell 11 may be made in various sizes designed to accommodate various body sizes, such as a child size, small adult size, and large adult size. Most preferably, shell 11 has a perimeter contour that is wider at head section 40 and narrows through middle section 42 to the narrowest point at foot section 44. Alternatively, shell 11 may be made with a more rectangular contour and various cinching or tightening mechanisms, such as a bungee cord, may optionally be provided. Even with a contoured shape as depicted in FIG. 1, shell 11 preferably includes one or more width compression cords 49 to allow a user to cinch the bag for a tighter fit according to the user's body size. Most preferably, one width compression cord 49 is located in the head section 40, two cords 49 are located in the middle section 42, and one cord 49 is located in the foot section 44, but other configurations may be used. Cords 49 are most preferably disposed inside shell 11 so that the user may access them from inside the body space 34. Alternatively, cords 49 may be located on the outside of the shell and may be partially concealed in a fabric channel stitched or otherwise attached to the shell to prevent tangling. Body space 34 will vary according to the size of shell 11 and may be customized by the user through the use of a cinching mechanism, such as cords 49. An entry closure 46 is disposed along one of the longitudinal sides of shell 11, which allows the user to access body space 34 to get into and out of shell 11. Entry closure 46 preferably comprises a zipper closure, but other closures such as hook and loop may be used. Entry closure 46 preferably runs substantially the entire length of the head section 40 and middle section 42, but may also extend into foot section 44.

Upper layer 12 comprises an upper fabric layer 14, disposed on the exterior of shell 11, and a bottom or inner fabric layer 16. Fabric layers 14 and 16 form an upper baffle pocket 30, into which selected insulating baffles 50 may be inserted. Fastening strips 70B are preferably included around the perimeter of fabric layer 16 on the surface of fabric layer 16 that faces fabric layer 14 and baffle pocket 30. Similar fastening strips 70T are included around the perimeter of upper fabric layer 14 on the surface of fabric layer 14 that faces fabric layer 16 and baffle pocket 30. Most preferably, fastening strips 70B, 70T are spaced apart around the fabric layers 14, 16 on their head ends 36, foot ends 38, and longitudinal sides where entry closure 46 is located. A single strip running substantially the length of these ends and sides may also be used. Fastening strips 70B, 70T are most preferably hook and loop type strips that mate with the corresponding hook and loop type strips 72T, 72B on baffles 50 (as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C). Alternatively, snaps or ring hooks or other fastening mechanisms may be used. These fasteners help hold baffles 50 in place inside baffle pocket 30 so they do not shift during use of the sleeping bag. Although it is preferred to use fasteners in the locations depicted in FIG. 3 and in FIGS. 4A-4C, other locations and differing numbers of fasteners may be used.

Bottom layer 18 comprises an upper fabric layer 20, disposed on the interior of shell 11, and a bottom or exterior fabric layer 22. Fabric layers 20 and 22 form a bottom baffle pocket 32, into which selected insulating baffles 60 may be inserted. Fastening strips 74T and 74B, are also included on fabric layers 20 and 22. Fastening strips 74T are included around the perimeter of bottom inner fabric layer 20 on the surface of fabric layer 20 that faces fabric layer 22 and baffle pocket 32. Fastening strips 74B are included around the perimeter of bottom outer fabric layer 22 on the surface of fabric layer 22 that faces fabric layer 20 and baffle pocket 32. Fastening strips 74T and 74B are similar to strips 70T and 70B with respect to the type of fastening material used and the locations around the perimeter of fabric layers 20 and 22. These fastening strips 74T and 74B are configured to mate with the corresponding hook and loop type strips 76T, 76B on baffles 60 (as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C).

To facilitate fastening of the various layers of fabric to the baffles, it is preferred to follow a pattern with the fastening strips that allows each strip to engage with the strip facing it on the next layer. For example, the loop strip or male portion of a snap is used for the fastening strips on all lower facing surfaces (70T, 74T, 72B, and 76B) and the corresponding hook strip or female portion of a snap is used for the fastening strips on all upper facing surfaces (70B, 74B, 72T, and 76T). This way each layer may be secured to the layer below, whether baffle to baffle in a stacked baffle arrangement or baffle to shell fabric, to prevent the baffles from moving around inside pockets 30 and 32. The thickness of fastening strips 70T, 70B, 72T, 72B, 74T, 74B, and 76T, 76B and of the anchor latches 58 and 68 and gates 59 and 69 and of anchor feet 26 and 28 as depicted in FIG. 2 are not to scale, but are depicted as thicker than in actual use for ease of illustration.

Shell 11 further comprises a baffle closure 48, as shown in FIG. 1, preferably located on the longitudinal side opposite entry closure 46. Baffle closure 48 is preferably a zipper or hook and loop type fastener that allows each layer 12 and 18 to be opened to access baffle pockets 30 and 32. Most preferably, fabric layers 16 and 20 are stitched or otherwise secured together on the inside of shell 11 along the longitudinal side where baffle closure 48 is located and closure 48 attaches fabric layer 14 to fabric layer 22 on that same side. When closure 48 is opened, fabric layers 14 and 22 separate allowing the user to access pockets 30 and 32 from the outside of shell 11. Alternatively, two closures 48 may be provided, one attaching fabric layers 14 and 16 and the other attaching fabric layers 20 and 22 (with layers 12 and 18 still being attached together on this longitudinal side of shell 11). In this alternate configuration, pocket 30 may accessed from outside shell 11 separately from pocket 32. Most preferably, closure 48 is a single closure running substantially the length of shell 11. Alternatively, closure 48 may be divided into separate closures to allow selective access to pockets 30 or 32 in the foot section 44, middle section 42, or head section 40. As another alternative, all four fabric layers 14, 16, 20, and 22 may be stitched or otherwise secured together along the longitudinal side of shell 11 opposite entry closure 46 and two baffle closures 48 (one for layer 12 and one for layer 18) may be located near entry closure 46.

Upper layer 12 and bottom layer 18 also each comprise one or more anchors 24. Preferably, each layer comprises 6 anchors, three of which are spaced apart across the width of layers 12 and 18 at the transition between foot section 44 and middle section 42 and three of which are spaced apart across the width of layers 12 and 18 at the transition between middle section 42 and head section 40. Each anchor 24 has an anchor foot 26 at its upper end and anchor foot 28 at its lower end, which attach to the fabric layers 14 and 16 or 20 and 22, respectively. Most preferably the anchor feet 26, 28 are stitched into the fabric layers 14, 16 and 20, 22, but other attachment mechanisms such as hook and loop fasteners or adhesives may be used. Each anchor 24 also has a head-facing edge 23 that faces toward head end 36 and a foot facing edge 25 that faces toward foot end 38. These edges 23, 25 are depicted in FIG. 9. Anchors 24 are most preferably a ribbon-like piece of strong fabric, such as nylon strapping.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C and 5, sleeping bag system 10 preferably comprises at least three upper baffles 50F (for use in foot section 44 of upper layer 12), 50M (for use in middle section 42 of upper layer 12), and 50H (for use in head section 40 of upper layer 12) (generally referred to herein as baffles 50). Although baffles 50F, 50M, and 50H may be substantially identical in shape and contour, they are preferably shaped to match the contour of shell 11. Each baffle 50F, 50M, and 50H has a perimeter edge 52F, 52M, and 52H (generally referred to as edge 52) and a central padded section 54F, 54M, and 54H (generally referred to as central padded section 54) with a stitch pattern 78F, 78M, and 78H (generally referred to as stitch pattern 78). The stitch patterns 78F, 78M, and 78H are substantially similar with slight variation according to the different contours of the baffles. The stitch pattern helps hold the insulating filling (preferably down, feathers, or synthetic filling, such as PrimaLoft®, or some combination thereof) in place inside the baffle. Other stitch patterns may be used. Fastening strips 72T are preferably included around at least a portion of the perimeter of each baffle 50 on the (top) surface of baffle 50 that faces fabric layer 14 once inside baffle pocket 30. Similar fastening strips 72B (depicted in FIG. 2) are included around at least a portion of the perimeter of baffle 50 on the (bottom) surface of baffle 50 that that faces fabric layer 16 once inside baffle pocket 30. Most preferably, fastening strips 72T and 72B are spaced apart along perimeter edge 52 on the outer perimeters of baffles 50 and mate with fastening strips 70T and 70B on fabric layers 14 and 16, respectively.

Referring to Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C and 7, sleeping bag system 10 preferably comprises at least three bottom baffles 60F (for use in foot section 44 of bottom layer 18), 60M (for use in middle section 42 in bottom layer 18), and 60H (for used in head section 40 in bottom layer 18) (generally referred to herein as baffles 60). Although baffles 60F, 60M, and 60H may be substantially identical in shape and contour, they are preferably shaped to match the contour of shell 11. Each baffle 60F, 60M, and 60H has a perimeter edge 62F, 62M, and 62H (generally referred to as edge 62) and a central padded section 64F, 64M, and 64H (generally referred to as central padded section 64) with a stitch pattern 78F, 78M, and 78H (generally referred to as stitch pattern 78). The stitch patterns 78F, 78M, and 78H are substantially similar with slight variation according to the different contours of the baffles. As with baffles 50, the stitch pattern helps hold the filling (preferably down, feathers, or synthetic filling, such as PrimaLoft®, or some combination thereof) in place inside the baffles 60. Other stitch patterns may be used. Fastening strips 76T are preferably included around at least a portion of the perimeter of each baffle 60 on the (top) surface of baffle 60 that faces fabric layer 20 once inside baffle pocket 32. Similar fastening strips 76B (depicted in FIG. 2) are included around at least a portion of the perimeter of baffle 60 on the (bottom) surface of baffle 60 that that faces fabric layer 22 once inside baffle pocket 32. Most preferably, fastening strips 76T and 76B are spaced apart along perimeter edge 62 on the outer perimeters of baffles 60 and mate with fastening strips 74T and 74B on fabric layers 20 and 22, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, 5 and 8, the interior facing portions of perimeter edges 52F, 52M, and 52H each contain one or more slots 56F, 56M, and 56H (generally referred to as slots 56), with corresponding anchor latches 58F, 58M, and 58H (generally referred to as latches 58) and gates 59F, 59M, and 59H (generally referred to as gates 59). An anchor latch 58 is attached to perimeter edge 52 on one side of each slot 56 and an anchor gate 59 is attached to perimeter edge 52 on the other side of each slot 56. Latches 58 and gates 59 are most preferably hook and loop type fasteners, but other mechanisms, such as snaps may also be used. Anchors 24 are configured to slip into slots 56 with the anchor gate 59 being flipped over to engage the anchor latch 58 (as discussed in more detail below) to secure each baffle 50 to the anchors 24. In combination with the preferred use of fastening strips 70 and 72, this keeps the baffles 50 in place within layer 12 and prevents the baffles 50 from sliding around during use. The number and spacing of slots 56 correspond to the number and spacing of anchors 24. Preferably, the interior portion of perimeter edges 52F and 52M (closest to foot section 44) each has three slots to correspond to the three anchors 24 located at the transition between foot section 44 and middle section 42 of shell 11. Preferably, the interior portion of perimeter edges 52H and 52M (closest to head section 40) each has three slots to correspond to the three anchors 24 located at the transition between middle section 42 and head section 40 of shell 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the interior portions of perimeter edges 52F and 52M (closest to foot section 44) overlap at section 80 when the baffles 50F and 50M are placed inside baffle pocket 30. The interior portions of perimeter edges 52M (closest to head section 40) and 52H overlap at section 82 when the baffles 50M and 50H are placed inside baffle pocket.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C and 7, the interior facing portions of perimeter edges 62F, 62M, and 62H each contain one or more slots 66F, 66M, and 66H (generally referred to as slots 66), with corresponding anchor latches 68F, 68M, and 68H (generally referred to as latches 68) and gates 69F, 69M, and 69H (generally referred to as gates 69). An anchor latch 68 is attached to perimeter edge 62 on one side of each slot 66 and an anchor gate 69 is attached to perimeter edge 62 on the other side of each slot 66. Latches 68 and gates 69 are most preferably hook and loop type fasteners, but other mechanisms, such as snaps may also be used. Anchors 24 are configured to slip into slots 66 with the anchor gate 69 being flipped over to engage the anchor latch 68 (as discussed in more detail below) to secure each baffle 60 to the anchors 24. In combination with the preferred use of fastening strips 74 and 76, this keeps the baffles 60 in place within layer 18 and prevents the baffles 60 from sliding around during use. The number and spacing of slots 66 correspond to the number and spacing of anchors 24. Preferably, the interior portion of perimeter edges 62F and 62M (closest to foot section 44) each has three slots to correspond to the three anchors 24 located at the transition between foot section 44 and middle section 42 of shell 11. Preferably, the interior portion of perimeter edges 62H and 62M (closest to head section 40) each has three slots to correspond to the three anchors 24 located at the transition between middle section 42 and head section 40 of shell 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the interior portions of perimeter edges 62F and 62M (closest to foot section 44) overlap at section 84 when the baffles 60F and 60M are placed inside baffle pocket 32. The interior portions of perimeter edges 62M (closest to head section 40) and 62H overlap at section 86 when the baffles 60M and 60H are placed inside baffle pocket.

The engagement between latch 58 and gate 59 is best depicted in FIG. 9. Each latch 58 is preferably securely attached to perimeter edge 52 around all sides of the latch 58. Each gate 59 is preferably securely attached to perimeter edge 52 on one end of gate 59, with the other end of gate 59 (closest to latch 58) being free to engage with latch 58. Most preferably, latches 58 and gates 59 are stitched to perimeter edge 52, but other attachment mechanisms, such as hook and loop fabric or adhesives may be used. Once anchor ribbon 24 is placed in slot 56 by the user, gate 59 is flipped over to engage with latch 58 on the head end edge 23 of anchor 24. This holds anchor 24 in place within slot 56. FIG. 9 only depicts a single baffle 50 being attached to anchor 24. Most typically in use, the user would use all three baffles 50 in upper layer 12 (although that is not required and fewer baffles 50 may be used according to the user's warmth preferences). When the second baffle 50 is placed inside pocket 30, a portion of its perimeter edge 52 would overlap a portion of the perimeter edge of the baffle 50 that is already in place (as shown in FIG. 5). The gate of the second baffle would engage with its latch on the foot end edge 25 of anchor 24. For slots 56 that open toward head end 36, the gates 59 engage with latches 58 on the head end edge 23 of anchors 24. For slots 56 that open toward foot end 38, the gates 59 engage with latches 58 on the foot end edge 25 of anchors.

For example, foot section baffle 50F would be placed inside pocket 30, with anchors 24 (located at the transition between foot section 44 and middle section 42) being inserted into each slot 56F (which opens toward head end 36). Gates 59F would then be flipped to engage latches 58F on the side of anchors 24 having the head end edge 23. Then middle section baffle 50M would be placed inside pocket 30 so that an interior portion of its perimeter edge 52M overlaps the interior portion of edge 52F. Anchors 24 (located at the transition between foot section 44 and middle section 42) would be inserted into each slot 56M at the foot end of baffle 50M (which opens toward the foot end 38). Gates 59M (at the foot end of baffle 50M) would then be flipped to engage latches 58M on the side of anchors 24 having the foot end edge 25. Then anchors 24 (located at the transition between the middle section 42 and head section 40) would be inserted into each slot 56M at the head end of baffle 50M (which open toward head end 36). Gates 59M (at the head end of baffle 50M) would then be flipped to engage latches 58M on the side of anchors 24 (located at the transition between the middle section 42 and head section 40) having the head end edge 23. Then head section baffle 50H would be placed inside pocket 30 so that the interior portion of its perimeter edge 52H overlaps the interior portion of edge 52M (at the head end). Anchors 24 (located at the transition between middle section 42 and head section 40) would be inserted into each slot 56H at the foot end of baffle 50H (which opens toward the foot end 38). Gates 59H would then be flipped to engage latches 58H on the side of anchors 24 having the foot end edge 25. This example is illustrative only. The order of placing baffles 50F, 50M, and 50H inside pocket 30 is not critical. As the baffles 50 are placed inside pocket 30, fastening strips 70T are engaged with 72T and fastening strips 70B are engaged with 72B. If desired, multiple layers of baffles 50 may be inserted into pocket 30, in which case fastener strips 72B will engage with 72T on each baffle layer until the bottom later where 72B will engage with 70B. Each anchor 24 is then surrounded by a pair of slots and a set of latches/gates on each edge. The slots are preferably sized to easily accommodate the anchors once in place and secured by the latches/gates. Because anchors 24 are most preferably a ribbon-like piece of fabric, the anchors are foldable or may be gathered in between the slots and gates/latches, if needed.

The engagement between latches 68 and gates 69 and between slots 66 and anchors 24 for bottom baffles 60 is the same as for upper baffles 50 described above. The placement of baffles 60, including multiple layers of baffles 60, inside pocket 32 is also the same as in the example above for baffles 50.

As shown in FIG. 10, central padded section 54 is preferably two times the thickness of the perimeter edge 52, this allows the perimeter edges of baffles 50 to overlap as shown in FIG. 5. Most preferably, perimeter edge 52 includes some filling material between fabric layers, to increase the warmth of the sleeping bag, but the perimeter edge 52 may comprise one or more fabric layers without any filling material. Similarly, bottom baffles 60 also have central padded sections 64 that are preferably two times the thickness of perimeter edge 62, to allow the perimeter edges of baffles 60 to overlap as shown in FIG. 7. When portions of the perimeter edges overlap as sections 80, 82, 84, and 86 the combined thickness of the filling is the same as in the central padded sections 54 and 64. This aids in maintaining an even level of warmth throughout the central portion of the sleeping bag.

Referring to FIG. 11, entry closure 46 also preferably comprises a zipper draft tube 47 and outer fabric 43. Draft tube 47 is preferably filled with an insulating filling (preferably PrimaLone, but other materials, such as down, feathers, or other synthetic filling, or some combination thereof may also be used). A portion of draft tube 47 overlaps with a portion of perimeter edge 52M of upper baffles 50M and 52H of baffle 50H (not depicted) at section 88. It may also overlap with a portion of 52F if entry closure 46 extends that far along the longitudinal side of shell 11. Draft tube 47 helps prevent air drafts and temperature fluctuations around entry closure 46. Outer fabric 43 is preferably a highly durable and strong fabric, such as Cordura®. This adds strength to the bag around entry closure 46 and zipper 45.

Sleeping bag system 10 is most preferably sold as a single kit or a series of compatible, add-on kits. As a basic kit, system 10 preferably comprises a shell 11 and a set of upper baffles 50F, 50M, and 50H and a set of bottom baffles 60F, 60M, and 60H. Again, shell 11 may be offered in varying sizes, colors, and fabric choices. High performance fabrics are typically used for the shell. These fabrics can be one of the more expensive aspects of a sleeping bag. By having a single shell with multiple, interchangeable insulating baffle inserts, the user is able to achieve the functionality of multiple traditional bags without incurring the expense associated with the fabrics required for multiple traditional bags. The sets of baffles 50 and 60 may be offered in various temperature ratings, such that the baffles 50 and 60 have a particular thickness and/or type of filling material that equates to a particular temperature rating in which the system 10 would be suitable for use when all baffles are in place inside pockets 30 and 32. As an add-on kit, additional baffles 50 and 60 may be sold, either together or separately. The add-on baffles 50 and 60 would also have a particular thickness and/or type of filling material that equates to a particular temperature rating. Add-on baffles 50 and 60 may be stacked on the baffles 50 and 60 from the basic kit to create a multi-layer sleeping bag. Add-on baffles 50 and 60 may have the same temperature rating or a different temperature rating from the baffles 50 and 60 sold with the basic kit. Combined, the add-on baffles and basic baffles would have a different temperature rating. Alternatively, a deluxe kit may be sold that includes the items from the basic kit and one or more sets of add-on baffles. The end user may selectively add baffles or remove baffles from the upper layer 12 and bottom layer 18 and from each of their respective foot sections 44, middle sections 42, and head sections 40 to customize the comfort level according to the user's preferences. Alternatively, the components of the sleeping bag system may be sold as separate parts—a shell sold separately from one or more baffles. The sleeping bag system 10 also preferably comprises one or more storage bags in which unused baffles may be stored. The baffles are configured to be easily rolled or folded for storage. The storage bags may be of the “vacuum” type, including a valve that allows the air to be removed by a suctioning device or by rolling the baffles inside the bag to compress air out of the bag. This allows the baffles to be easily stored and transported to a camping site while taking up minimal space. Sleeping bag system 10 may also include other features that are typical of sleeping bags. These include removable or openable fabric flaps (with or without insect netting material under the removable or openable fabric flaps) to allow body heat to escape from the sleeping bag and allow cooler ambient air to enter the bag, as desired.

The same selectively interchangeable baffles, with anchors and gates and latches, may also be used in other outdoor gear, with modifications that will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The insulating system of the invention may be used with air mattresses and sleeping pads, tent bottoms, and coats and other clothing items.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate upon reading this specification, that modifications and alterations to the sleeping bag systems may be made within the scope of the invention and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled.

Claims

1. A sleeping bag system comprising:

a shell comprising an upper layer, bottom layer, a body space disposed between the upper layer and bottom layer and an entry closure allowing a user access to the body space;

the upper layer and bottom layer of the shell each comprising a separate baffle pocket further comprising a plurality of longitudinally disposed sections including at least foot, middle and head sections, each section of each baffle pocket being configured to receive at least one separate insulating baffle;

at least one insulating baffle; and

a plurality of fasteners configured to maintain each at least one insulating baffle within a desired section.

2. The sleeping bag system according to claim 1 wherein the upper layer comprises a first upper fabric layer and a first bottom fabric layer with a first baffle pocket disposed between the first upper and first bottom fabric layers; and

wherein the bottom layer comprises a second upper fabric, layer and a second bottom fabric layer with a second baffle pocket disposed between the second upper and second bottom fabric layers.

3. The sleeping bag system according to claim 2 wherein the upper layer comprises a first baffle closure that is selectively positionable between an open position, allowing access to the first baffle pocket to add or remove the one or more insulating baffles, and a closed position; and

wherein the bottom layer comprises a second baffle closure that is selectively positionable between an open position, allowing access to the first baffle pocket to add or remove the one or more insulating baffles, and a closed position.

4. The sleeping bag system according to claim 3 wherein the shell comprises a plurality of fasteners and at least one insulating baffle comprises at least one fastener configured to engage a fastener of the shell.

5. The sleeping bag system according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the fasteners comprises a fabric strip attached to the first upper and first bottom fabric layers or attached to the second upper and second bottom fabric layers.

6. The sleeping bag system according to claim 1 wherein at least some of the fasteners are selected from either hook and loop tape or snaps.

7. The sleeping bag system according to claim 5 wherein each at least one insulating baffle comprises a slot and a selectively positionable gate, the slot configured to receive the fabric strip and the gate configured to hold the fabric strip inside the slot until it is released.

8. The sleeping bag system according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of insulating baffles including at least one insulating baffle for each of the foot, middle and head sections.

9. The sleeping bag system according to claim 1 comprising at least two insulating baffles stackable in at least one of the foot, middle and head sections of at least one of the baffle pockets.

10. The sleeping bag system according to claim 1 comprising at at least two insulating baffles having different shapes.

11. The sleeping bag system according to claim 1 wherein each at least one baffle comprises a perimeter edge section and a central section, wherein the perimeter edge section is thinner than the central section.

12. The sleeping bag system according to claim 1 comprising at least first, second and third longitudinally aligned insulating baffles disposed in a baffle pocket,

wherein a portion of a perimeter edge of the first baffle overlaps a first portion of a perimeter edge of the second insulating baffle when both baffles are inserted in one of the upper layer and bottom layer of the shell; and

wherein a second portion of a perimeter edge of the second insulating baffle overlaps a portion of a perimeter edge of the third insulating baffle when the insulating baffles are inserted in the shell.

13. (canceled)

14. The sleeping bag system according to claim 12 wherein slots are located on the overlapping portions of the perimeter edges of the insulating baffles.

15. A set of insulating baffles comprising a plurality of insulating baffles useable in the sleeping bag system of claim 1.

16. A set of insulating baffles comprising a plurality of insulating baffles useable in the sleeping bag system of claim 4.

17. A set of insulating baffles comprising a plurality of insulating baffles useable in the sleeping bag system of claim 5.

18. A set of insulating baffles comprising a plurality of insulating baffles useable in the sleeping bag system of claim 6.

19. A set of insulating baffles comprising a plurality of insulating baffles useable in the sleeping bag system of claim 7.