Waterproof Bivouac Sack

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Cooperation Treaty Application claims priority to United States non-provisional patent application 16/538,898 that was filed by the applicant, Mr. Jayson Besancon on August 13, 2019.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of buildings and similar structures including tents and canopies, more specifically, a tent combined with another device. (E04H15/02)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The waterproof bivouac sack is a temporary shelter. The waterproof bivouac sack is configured for outdoor use. The waterproof bivouac sack is a portable structure. The waterproof bivouac sack comprises a thin outer sleeping bag shell (hereinafter sleeping bag), a dome, a plurality of fasteners, and a rainfly. The plurality of fasteners attach the rainfly to the dome. The dome permanently attaches to the sleeping bag such that the dome and the sleeping bag creates a shelter formed as a protected space. The dome is a self-erecting structure.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the waterproof bivouac sack will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the waterproof bivouac sack in detail, it is to be understood that the waterproof bivouac sack is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the waterproof bivouac sack.

It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the waterproof bivouac sack. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a top view of a device of the disclosure.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a device of the disclosure.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a device of the disclosure .

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a device of the disclosure .

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a device of the disclosure across 5-5 as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6A is a view of a device of the disclosure.

Figure 6B is a view of a device of the disclosure.

Figure 6C is a view of a device of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in Figures 1 through 6C.

The waterproof bivouac sack 100 (hereinafter invention) is a temporary shelter. The invention 100 is configured for outdoor use. The invention 100 is a portable structure. The invention 100 comprises a sleeping bag 101, a dome 111, a plurality of fasteners 103, and a rainfly 113. The plurality of fasteners 103 attaches the rainfly 113 to the dome 111. The dome 111 permanently attaches to the sleeping bag 101 such that the dome 111 and the sleeping bag 101 create the protected space. The dome 111 is a self-erecting structure. The rainfly

113 further comprises a condensation vent 114. The condensation vent 114 is a port that allows humidity to escape from the protected space.

The sleeping bag 101 is a bedding device. The sleeping bag 101 is a bag-shaped structure. The sleeping bag 101 is formed as a fluid impermeable structure. The sleeping bag 101 contains the legs and torso of a person. The sleeping bag 101 is formed with an aperture such that the head and torso of the person extend beyond the sleeping bag 101. The sleeping bag 101 permanently attaches to the dome 111. The sleeping bag 101 and the dome 111 form the portion of the protected space that forms the shelter within which the person can sleep.

The sleeping bag 101 further comprises a plurality of stake loops 151. Each of the plurality of stake loops is a loop shaped anchor point that receives a tent stake such that the tent stake anchors the sleeping bag 101 to the ground. Each of the plurality of stake loops 151 attaches to the perimeter of the sleeping bag 101.

Each of the plurality of fasteners 103 is a fastening device. The plurality of fasteners 103 removably attaches the rainfly 113 to the dome 111 such that the rainfly 113, the dome 111, and the sleeping bag 101 forms a portion of the protected space. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of fasteners 103 comprise a plurality of quick release buckles. The dome 111 forms the portion of the protected space within which the head and torso of the person are protected. A portion of the protected space has the shape of a dome 111. The dome 111 is a chamber that permanently attaches to the sleeping bag 101 to form the protected space of the invention 100. The dome 111 forms the portion of the protected space that provides protection from the environment. The rainfly 113 is a sheeting structure that is placed over the dome 111 to enhance the protected space with protection from rain.

The pan 121 is a structure formed from the same material as the sleeping bag 101. The pan 121 can also have pockets on the interior face for a user to store items while the invention 100 is erect. The pan 121 further comprises a first lateral edge 131, a second lateral edge 132, a third lateral edge 133, a fourth lateral edge 134, an inferior surface 135, and a superior surface 136. The pan 121 is effectively the lower portion of the bug dome 112, and can help protect against wind-blown rain and dew.

The first lateral edge 131 is a vertical edge of the pan 121. The first lateral edge 131 forms a closed face of the pan

121. The second lateral edge 132 is a vertical edge of the pan

121. The second lateral edge 132 forms a closed face of the pan 121. The third lateral edge 133 is a vertical edge of the pan

121. The third lateral edge 133 forms a closed face of the pan 121. The fourth lateral edge 134 is a vertical edge of the pan

121. The fourth lateral edge 134 forms an open face of the pan

121. The fourth lateral edge 134 is the edge of the pan 121 that attaches to the sleeping bag 101.

The inferior surface 135 is a solid face of the pan 121.

The inferior surface 135 forms the inferior surface of the pan 121. The superior surface 136 is an open face of the pan 121. The superior surface 136 forms the superior side of the pan 121.

The frame 123 is a framework. The frame 123 is an openwork structure. The frame 123 is a self-erecting structure. The frame 123 is a spring based structure. The frame 123 is folded and collapsed with the other attached components that are also folded alongside. When the frame 123 is released, the frame 123 returns to its relaxed position thereby erecting the dome 111 to its deployed state. The frame 123 further comprises a first torsion shaft 141, a second torsion shaft 142, a third torsion shaft 143, and a fourth torsion shaft 144. The frame 123 is one long solid loop in a figure-eight shape.

The first torsion shaft 141, the second torsion shaft 142, the third torsion shaft 143, and the fourth torsion shaft 144 are interconnected to form the frame 123. The first torsion shaft 141, the second torsion shaft 142, the third torsion shaft 143, and the fourth torsion shaft 144 mount within the bug dome

112 and the pan 121. The first torsion shaft 141 is a torsion bar. The first torsion shaft 141 is in a deformed shape when the dome 111 in storage. The first torsion shaft 141 transitions into its relaxed shape when the dome 111 is deployed.

The second torsion shaft 142 is a torsion bar. The second torsion shaft 142 is in a deformed shape when the dome 111 in storage. The second torsion shaft 142 transitions into its relaxed shape when the dome 111 is deployed.

The third torsion shaft 143 is a torsion bar. The third torsion shaft 143 is in a deformed shape when the dome 111 in storage. The third torsion shaft 143 transitions into its relaxed shape when the dome 111 is deployed.

The fourth torsion shaft 144 is a torsion bar. The fourth torsion shaft 144 is in a deformed shape when the dome 111 in storage. The fourth torsion shaft 144 transitions into its relaxed shape when the dome 111 is deployed.

The shell 122 is a sheeting material. The shell 122 forms the vertical exterior surfaces of the dome 111. The shell 122 forms the dome-shaped superior surfaces of the dome 111. The shell 122 drapes over the frame 123. The shell 122 further comprises an access zipper 124. The access zipper 124 controls access into and out of the interior space formed by the frame

123 when the invention 100 is assembled. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the invention 100 further comprises a bug dome 112. The bug dome 112 forms a protected space wherein fluids can flow through the exterior surface of the bug dome 112 but solid items, including insects, are blocked from entering into the protected space. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the shell 122 of the bug dome 112 is formed from a mesh textile.

The rainfly 113 is a sheeting structure that is geometrically similar to the sleeping bag. The rainfly 113 forms a fluid impermeable protected space that protects the sleeping bag. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the shell 122 of the rainfly 113 is formed from a plastic sheeting.

In a second potential embodiment of the disclosure, the invention 100 further comprises a travel bag 104. The travel bag 104 further comprises a carrying sack 161, a drawstring 162 and a cord lock 163. The carrying sack 161 is a bag that is sized to receive the sleeping bag 101, the dome 111, the plurality of fasteners 103, and the rainfly 113. The drawstring 162 is a cord that controls access into the carrying sack 161. The cord lock 163 is a mechanical device that locks the drawstring 162 into a fixed position.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure: Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve.

Anchor: As used in this disclosure, anchor means to hold an object firmly or securely.

Anchor Point: As used in this disclosure, an anchor point is a location to which a first object can be securely attached to a second object.

Bag: As used in this disclosure, a bag is a container made of a flexible material. The bag has a single opening which allows the bag to receive the items to be contained.

Bivouac: As used in this disclosure, a bivouac refers to a portable temporary shelter.

Buckle: As used in this disclosure, a buckle is a fastening device that is used for joining a first loose end of a strap to a second loose end of the same strap or a different strap. A buckle further comprises a male connector that is attached to a first loose end and a female connector that is attached to a second loose end. The male connector has a pin or other structure that is generally caught by a structure formed in the female connector. Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification.

Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset.

Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object.

Copolymer: As used in this disclosure, a copolymer is a polymer formed from two or more repeating molecules (also referred to as monomers).

Cord: As used in this disclosure, a cord is a long, thin, flexible, and prism shaped string, line, rope, or wire. Cords are made from yarns, piles, or strands of material that are braided or twisted together or from a monofilament (such as fishing line). Cords have tensile strength but are too flexible to provide compressive strength and are not suitable for use in pushing objects. String, line, cable, and rope are synonyms for cord.

Cord Lock: As used in this disclosure, a cord lock is a device that is used to tighten cords or drawstrings without the use of knots.

Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances .

Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. Specifically, the sum of the surface areas of two ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk. In this disclosure, the ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk.

Dome: As used in this disclosure, a dome is a concave structure that forms the superior surface of an object.

Drape: As used in this disclosure, to drape means to cover an object with a sheeting.

Drawstring: As used in this disclosure, a drawstring is a cord, tape, or a webbing that is contained within a channel that is used to fasten or cinch a textile based object such as an item of apparel of a textile covering. Generally, the channel and cord are formed as a single textile component (in the form of a tape that is often marketed commercially "Quick Cord") that is sewn as a single unit into the textile based object after which the cord is released within the channel.

Elastic: As used in this disclosure, an elastic is a material or object that deforms when a force is applied to it and that is able to return to its relaxed shape after the force is removed. A material that exhibits these qualities is also referred to as an elastomeric material. A material that does not exhibit these qualities is referred to as inelastic or an inelastic material. Fastener: As used in this disclosure, a fastener is a device that is used to join or affix two objects. Fasteners generally comprise a first element which is attached to the first object and a second element which is attached to the second object such that the first element and the second element join to removably attach the first object and the second object. Common fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks, zippers, magnets, snaps, buttons, buckles, quick release buckles, or hook and loop fasteners.

Flexible: As used in this disclosure, flexible refers to an object or material that will deform when a force is applied to it, but that will not necessarily return to its original shape when the deforming force is removed.

Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth.

Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object.

Framework: As used in this disclosure, a framework refers to the substructure of an object that carries the load path of the object.

Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object;

2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1.

Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.

Insulating Material: As used in this disclosure, an insulating material is a material that inhibits, and ideally prevents, the transfer of heat through the insulating material. Insulating materials may also be used to inhibit or prevent the transfer of sound or the conduction of electricity through the insulating material. Methods to form insulating materials include, but are not limited to: 1) the use of materials with low thermal conductivity; and, 2) the use of a structural design that places a vacuum within the insulating material within the anticipated transfer path of the heat, sound, or electric current flow. Insulating Structure: As used in this disclosure, an insulating structure is a structure that inhibits, and ideally prevents, the transfer of heat through the insulating structure. Insulating structures may also be used to inhibit or prevent the transfer of sound through the insulating structure. Methods to form insulating structures include, but are not limited to: 1) the use of materials with low thermal conductivity; and, 2) the use of a structural design that places a vacuum within the insulating structure within the anticipated transfer path of the heat or sound.

Mesh: As used in this disclosure, the term mesh refers to an openwork fabric made from threads, yarns, cords, wires, or lines that are woven, knotted, or otherwise twisted or intertwined at regular intervals. Synonyms for mesh include net.

Monomer: As used in this disclosure, a monomer refers to a molecular structure that bonds to itself in a repeating manner to form a polymer.

One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction.

Openwork: As used in this disclosure, the term open work is used to describe a structure, often a surface, which is formed with openings that allow for visibility and fluid flow through the structure. Wrought work and meshes are forms of openwork.

Organic: As used in this disclosure, organic refers to a carbon-based chemical structure. A limited number of carbon- based salts are traditionally considered inorganic chemical structures and are excluded from the study of organic chemistry.

Pan: As used in this disclosure, a pan is an open prism shaped containment structure. The superior structure of the pan is open when the pan is used normally. The superior structure is a horizontal surface selected from the group consisting of: a) an end of the prism structure that forms the pan; and, b) a lateral face of the prism structure that forms the pan.

Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.

Plastic: As used in this disclosure, plastic refers to a manufactured material that is formed from a structure selected from the group consisting of a polymer or a copolymer. Unless stated otherwise, this disclosure assumes that the plastic is formed from polymers or similar materials.

Polymer: As used in this disclosure, a polymer refers to a molecular chain that comprises multiple repeating units known as monomers. The repeating unit may be an atom or a molecular structure.

Port: As used in this disclosure, a port is an aperture formed in an object that allows fluid to flow through the boundary of the object.

Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three- dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder.

Protected Space: As used in this disclosure, a protected space is a space formed by a boundary structure. The boundary structure forms a barrier that protects objects within the protected space from potential dangers from the other side of the boundary.

Quick Release Buckle: As used in this disclosure, a quick release buckle is a specific type of buckle wherein the buckle can be readily and easily disconnected by pressing a button or pinching one of the ends of the quick release buckle. Quick release buckles are readily and commercially available.

Rectangular Block: As used in this disclosure, a rectangular block refers to a three-dimensional structure comprising six rectangular surfaces (commonly called faces) formed at right angles. Within this disclosure, a rectangular block may further comprise rounded edges and corners.

Relaxed Shape: As used in this disclosure, a structure is considered to be in its relaxed state when no shear, strain, or torsional forces are being applied to the structure.

Rounded: A used in this disclosure, the term rounded refers to the replacement of an apex, vertex, or edge or brink of a structure with a (generally smooth) curvature wherein the concave portion of the curvature faces the interior or center of the structure.

Rounded Rectangle: A used in this disclosure, a rounded rectangle is a rectangle wherein one or more of the corner structures of the rectangle are replaced with a curvature wherein the concave portion of the curvature faces the center of the rounded rectangle.

Semi-Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a semi rigid structure is a solid structure that is stiff but not wholly inflexible and that will deform under force before breaking. A semi-rigid structure may or may not behave with an elastic nature in that a semi-rigid structure need not return to its relaxed shape.

Shaft: As used in this disclosure, a shaft is a long, narrow and rigid prism structure that is used as: 1) a structural element of a larger object; or 2) as a grip or lever for a handle. Shafts often have a cylindrical shape.

Sheeting: As used in this disclosure, a sheeting is a material, such as a paper, textile, a plastic, or a metal foil, in the form of a thin flexible layer or layers.

Shell: As used in this disclosure, a shell is a structure that forms an outer covering intended to contain an object. Shells are often, but not necessarily, rigid or semi-rigid structures that are intended to protect the object contained within it.

Shelter: As used in this disclosure, a shelter is a structure that forms a space used for protection against potentially harmful situations. The term shelter is commonly used for structures that protect against the weather.

Spring: As used in this disclosure, a spring is a device that is used to store mechanical energy. This mechanical energy will often be stored by: 1) deforming an elastomeric material that is used to make the device; 2) the application of a torque to a semi-rigid structure; or 3) a combination of the previous two items.

Stake: As used in this disclosure, a stake is a shaft that is driven into a horizontal surface, such as the ground, to serve as an anchor point.

Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.

Textile: As used in this disclosure, a textile is a material that is woven, knitted, braided or felted. Synonyms in common usage for this definition include fabric and cloth.

Torque: As used in this disclosure, a torque refers to a force that causes an object to rotate. Torsion: As used in this disclosure, torsion refers to the application of a torque to an object.

Torsion Bar: As used in this disclosure, a torsion bar is a type of torsion spring. The torsion bar is a solid prism- shaped structure that rotates around the center axis formed by the prism structure to store and release mechanical energy.

Torsion Spring: As used in this disclosure, a torsion spring is a mechanical device that stores mechanical energy through an opposing torque when the mechanical device is bent or twisted. The torsion spring will return to its original relaxed shape when the twisting force is removed.

Weather: As used in this disclosure, the term weather refers to a collection of measurable parameters of the atmosphere including, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, precipitation, air movement caused by wind and energy and illumination from the sun. A structure that isolates an individual or object from the more uncomfortable or destructive aspects of the weather is said to protect against the weather. The term elements is often used to refer to weather.

Zipper: As used in this disclosure, a zipper is a fastening device comprising a first chain tape, a second chain tape, and a zipper pull. The first chain tape and the second chain tape are textile webbings formed with interlocking components that form a chain. The chain opened and closed by pulling a slide, called a zipper pull, over the first chain tape, a second chain tape. The individual elements of the chain are called the teeth of the chain.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in Figures 1 through 6C include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.