BIVOUAC SLEEP SYSTEM AND ATTACHABLE COMPANION MODULE

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/717464 filed Nov. 7, 2024; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] Bivouacs (alternatively used herein: bivvy, bivy, bivi, bivvi), commonly referred to as temporary outdoor shelters, are essential for mountaineers, climbers, soldiers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Bivouacs are intended to provide protection from the elements when other shelters are unavailable or minimal shelter is preferable, and are compact, lightweight, and easy to deploy in challenging outdoor environments. These shelters are often used in mountainous or remote areas where weather conditions can change rapidly, and shelter is essential for safety and survival.

[0003] Traditional bivouacs range from simple tarps and bivvy sacks to more sophisticated shelter designs; however, many of these options have limitations in terms of durability, ease of use, insulation, and weather resistance. Previous technology bivouacs are constructed from natural materials, e.g., tree branches and leaves, while current technology lightweight bivouacs rely on artificial materials such as nylon and polytetrafluoroethylene, which can lack adequate ventilation, leading to condensation buildup, and may offer limited protection from wind and rain. Furthermore, many standard bivouac designs can be difficult to set up in adverse conditions or on uneven terrain, posing challenges in emergency situations.

[0004] Over the years, advancements have been made to improve the functionality of bivouac shelters, such as the addition of waterproof and breathable materials, reinforced stitching, and minimal pole structures. Despite these innovations, current technologies have significant drawbacks including a paradox of non-natural material for use in natural settings, environmental concern with extremely limited end-of-use onward value chain, high flammability, low tactility, and compromised ability to regulate body temperature and moisture wicking.

[0014] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.

[0015] As will be described in more detail below, the present disclosure provides examples of an outdoor overnight bivouac sleep system configured for individual human use in the primary bivouac, or alternatively with a connected second bivouac in a dual configuration with a companion module for sharing the bivouac sleep system, e.g., parent (primary) and child (companion), human (primary) and animal (companion), human (primary) and gear (companion), etc. The bivouac companion module assembly can be coupled to the primary bivouac sleep system via zipper or other mechanical fastening hardware (clasps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop, etc.), and can be readily detachable for storage when not in use. The present disclosure also relates to a modular attachment system that can be used to secure an accessory, such as a pouch, case, container, or other unit to any of the bivouac sleep system components, among other components. The modular attachment system can include a pattern of mechanical fasteners permitting attachment of the accessory in multiple directions and modularly to multiple components, such as the primary bivouac, the companion bivouac, clothing garments, packs, bags, etc. The pattern of mechanical fasteners in the modular attachment system also can provide a closing function for the accessory itself, e.g., by folding lengthwise or widthwise, among other functions. The embodiments shown herein are exemplary and other uses and configurations of the bivouac sleep system and the modular accessory attachment system are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] The bivouac sleep systems disclosed herein can optionally attach the companion module to keep the sleep/shelter partner close, safe, and in companionship overnight or during adverse weather, without needing to occupy the same space within a bivouac. The bivouac sleep system primary compartment and the companion module can be made from non-synthetic materials and is intended for repeat usage. The system can be used with only the outer shell, or in conjunction with various lining configurations (e.g., insulated lining, a separate sleeping bag, an inflatable cushion, internal radiation reflecting sheet, etc.) to enhance performance characteristics, such as during use in cold or adverse weather conditions. The bivouac systems disclosed herein are configured to be portable, lightweight, breathable, water resistant, and tactile.

[0017] The modular accessory attachment system disclosed herein can be used with any component of the bivouac sleep system or as a standalone system. The modular attachment system can include alternating mechanical fastening components, such as snaps, buttons, clasps, hook and loop, magnets etc. In some embodiments, the mechanical fastening components include male and female type connections, or part A and part B type connections. In one configuration, the modular attachment system can be arranged in a quadrant configuration on the accessory, with a first type of connection (female, part A, etc.) being placed diagonally across the quadrants, and a second type of connection (male, part B, etc.) being placed diagonally across the other of the quadrants. The quadrant configuration can be used on the component where the accessory attaches (e.g., the primary bivouac, a clothing garment, etc.). As such, in a configuration where the upper left quadrant is a male/part B type of mechanical connection on the accessory, the upper left quadrant would also be a male/part B type of mechanical connection, and so forth, such that when the accessory and the component are placed with their respective modular attachment systems facing each other, the female/part A type are aligned with the male/type B type, such that all four of the quadrants mechanically couple together. In other embodiments, the accessory can be attached to the component with fewer than all four quadrants, such as two, one, etc. In this regard, the attachment orientation of the accessory with respect to the component can be adjusted based on the desired configuration. In the quadrant example of the modular attachment system, as shown in the FIGURES, the accessory generally can be attached in a first orientation or in a second orientation that is rotated 180° from the first orientation. Other configurations are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] A need exists for interconnected attachable companion sleep systems that are versatile, comfortable, durable, high performance, and manufactured in non-synthetic materials, with low environmental impact, among other benefits. The present disclosure includes sleep systems that permit attachment of a human or animal companion compartment that is separate from the primary user compartment. In some embodiments, the companion module can be stowed into a wearable configuration, such as a backpack or other strap system that would permit the companion to carry the module (e.g., a dog-carriable pack). An accessory modular attachment system suitable for use with the bivouac sleep system is also disclosed. The accessory modular attachment system can be used in conjunction with the components of the bivouac sleep system, clothing garments, backpacks, luggage, other components, or as a standalone unit.

[0019] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a bivouac sleep system 100 (“sleep system 100”), with a primary bivouac 110 and a companion module 130 couplable to the primary bivouac 110. The primary bivouac 110 can include a headbox area 112, a footbox area 114, and a main body portion 116. As shown, the primary bivouac 110 can include the headbox and footbox areas 112 and 114 to provide full coverage with protection from the elements, and space for the body of the primary user, even when using the primary bivouac 110 in conjunction with a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or other linings, can provide comfort and moveability for inclusivity of anthropometrics, with optional usage as stowage of personal possessions. As shown in FIG. 1A, the footbox area 114 can be a tapered section that conforms to human anatomy to accommodate comfortable and efficient use of space, while minimizing overall weight and stowed size.

[0020] During use of the primary bivouac 110, the user can open a closure portion 120 between the headbox area 112 and the main body portion 116. The closure portion 120 can include mechanical fastening hardware (snaps, buttons, zipper, magnets, clasps, etc.), and can be configured for longevity of lifespan. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure portion 120 includes spans between the mechanical fastening hardware which provide ventilated full enclosure protection. The primary bivouac 100 can include a vent 124 to open airflow to the interior of the primary bivouac 110 for occupant temperature regulation, breathability, condensation reduction, and user configuration for comfort. The vent 124 can include any suitable user-operable closure mechanism, such as a zipper, clasps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, etc. In some embodiments of the primary bivouac 110, one or more integrated anchor loops 126 can be placed at any point along the seams to tether lines and other optional securement devices to anchor the primary bivouac 110, such as in windy conditions.

[0021] The primary bivouac 110 can further include a primary attachment area 118 to releasably couple the companion module 130 to the primary bivouac 110 during use of the sleep system 100. The companion module 130 can include any of the above features of the primary bivouac 110, with a generally smaller size for a companion (e.g., child, pet, etc.). In this regard, the companion module 130 can include a companion headbox area 132, a companion footbox area 134, and a companion main body portion 136. Although not shown, the companion footbox area 134 can be tapered (e.g., similar to the footbox area 114 of the primary bivouac 110), conforming to companion anatomy. To place the companion in the companion module 130, the user can open a companion closure portion 140 between the headbox 132 and the main body portion 136. The closure portion 140 can include mechanical fastening hardware (snaps, buttons, zipper, magnets, clasps, etc.), and can be configured for longevity of lifespan. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure portion 140 includes spans between the mechanical fastening hardware which provide ventilated full enclosure protection. Although not shown, the companion module 130 can include vents similar to the vents 124, and anchor loops similar to the anchor loops 126.

[0022] The companion module 130 can be coupled to the primary bivouac 110 in the direction of the companion module attachment arrow CM, which illustrates an embodiment of an attachment strategy by mating the primary attachment area 118 of the primary bivouac 110 to a companion attachment area 138 of the companion module 130. The companion module 130 can couple to the primary bivouac 110 via any suitable attachable/detachable mechanical hardware, such as a zipper, clasps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, etc. The coupling of the primary bivouac 110 and the companion module 130 forms an interconnected unit, the sleep system 100, so that a companion contained in the companion module 130 will be secured to the primary user in the primary bivouac 110 during use of the sleep system 100.

[0023] The primary bivouac 110 and the companion module 130 can be made from non-synthetic materials, such as cotton, linen, hemp, rayon, silk, felt, flax, bamboo, wool, sisal, or other suitable natural fibers. In some embodiments, the materials are expected to have several advantages over synthetic materials, including a natural source, less environmental damage, improved flame resistance, less static, more tactile, increased feeling of connection with nature, among other benefits.

[0024] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the companion module 130, shown in transition from a deployed to a stowed configuration, representing an intermediate step in conversion from the coupled companion module 130 into, e.g., an animal pannier/saddle bag (see FIG. 1C). The deployed configuration of the companion module 130 is shown in FIG. 1A for use by the companion in the sleep system 100. The companion module 130 can be suitably folded or rolled (as partially shown in FIG. 1B) into the stowed configuration, compacting the volume into a smaller format suited for ease of transport, such as sitting on one side of an animal body as shown in FIG. 1C.

[0025] FIG. 1C is an environmental view of the companion module 130, shown in a stowed configuration and carried by a companion (e.g., a dog). Although not shown in FIG. 1A, the companion module 130 can include suitable stowing retention components to maintain the companion module 130 in the stowed configuration, such as a flap 142. In other embodiments, the companion module 130 can include any other suitable stowing retention components, such as straps, clasps, hook and loop, or other releasable closure component. As shown, the companion module 130 can include a first harness strap 146 and a second harness strap 148 for arranging the companion module 130 onto the animal companion for them to carry the companion module, e.g., on one side of their body. Although one configuration of the harness is shown, with the first and second harness straps 146 and 148, any other suitable attachment member can be configured for use with the companion module 130. In some embodiments, the stowed configuration of the companion module 130 can be arranged in any suitable carrying format, such as on the back of the companion, either side, on the chest under the neck, etc. In configurations where the companion module 130 is carried on the side of the companion's body, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C, a similarly proportioned carry bag (not shown) can be arranged on the other side of the stowed companion module 130 to balance load and add storage space. In further embodiments, the primary bivouac 110 can be similarly transitioned into a stowed configuration and arranged to be carried by the companion.

[0026] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and back views of a pouch accessory 200 having a modular attachment system 250, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The pouch accessory 200 is shown in one exemplary configuration for illustration purposes; however, the pouch accessory 200 can be any shape or size and configured to be coupled to another component using the modular attachment system 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the pouch accessory 200 includes a pouch body 210, an upper opening 212, and a pouch bottom 214. Although not shown, the pouch accessory 200 can have a flap or other closure component to seal the upper opening 212. The pouch accessory 200 can have a modular attachment system 250, which includes alternating mechanical fastening components, such as snaps, clasps, buttons, hook and loop, magnets, etc. In some embodiments, the mechanical fastening components include male and female type connections, or part A and part B type connections. In the illustrated embodiment, the modular attachment system 250 includes a first male snap 220a, a second male snap 220b, a first female snap 222a, and a second female snap 222b.

[0027] In one configuration, the snaps 220a, 220b, 222a, and 222b can be arranged in a quadrant configuration on the accessory, with a first type of connection (female, part A, etc.) being placed diagonally across the quadrants, and a second type of connection (male, part B, etc.) being placed diagonally across the other of the quadrants. In this regard, the first and second male snaps 220a and 220b are placed diagonally across the quadrants (the upper left and lower right, according to FIG. 2A), and the first and second female snaps 222a and 222b are placed diagonally across the quadrants (the upper right and lower left, according to FIG. 2A). The quadrant configuration of the modular attachment system 250 can also be used on the component where the accessory attaches (e.g., the primary bivouac 110, the companion module 130, a clothing garment, etc., see FIGS. 3 and 4A). As such, in a configuration where the upper left quadrant is a male/part B type of mechanical connection on the pouch (or other) accessory, the upper left quadrant on the component where the accessory attaches would also be a male/part B type of mechanical connection, and so forth, such that when the accessory and the component are placed with their respective modular attachment systems 250 facing each other, the male/part B type are aligned with the female/type A type, such that all four of the quadrants mechanically couple together.

[0028] For example, the first male snap 220a can be located in a first quadrant, the first female snap 222a can be located in a second quadrant lateral to the first quadrant, the second female snap 222b can be located in a third quadrant lateral to the first quadrant and diagonal to the second quadrant, and the second male snap 220b can be located in a fourth quadrant lateral to the second and third quadrants and diagonal to the first quadrant. Although the term “first quadrant” used herein can generally refer to the upper left quadrant as shown in the view in FIG. 2A, in other embodiments, “first quadrant” can refer to any of the four quadrants. As such, the upper left could include a male or female mechanical attachment component, or any other mechanical attachment component (e.g., one half of a clasp, the hook or loop side of hook and loop, etc.). In the quadrant configuration of the modular attachment system 250 shown in the FIGURES, the accessory generally can be attached in a first orientation (e.g., with the upper opening 212 facing upward as shown in FIG. 2A), or in a second orientation that is rotated 180° from the first orientation (e.g., with the upper opening 212 facing downward). Other configurations are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 2C and 2D are perspective views of a first pouch accessory 200a and a second pouch accessory 200b, shown in a detached configuration in FIG. 2A and in an attached configuration in FIG. 2B. The first and second pouch accessories 200a and 200b can be arranged with their respective modular attachment systems 250 facing each other, as shown in FIG. 2C, and moved together in the direction of the pouch accessory coupling arrow PA. When the respective modular attachment systems 250 are aligned with each of the snaps abutting each other, the snaps can be mechanically coupled to attach the first and second pouch accessories 200a and 200b. As described above, one of the pouch accessories 200a or 200b can be rotated 180°, which is an orientation where the snaps of the respective modular attachment systems 250 will again be aligned female-to-male for mechanical attachment.

[0030] 2E and 2F are perspective views of the pouch accessory 200, shown in a lengthwise folded configuration in FIG. 2E and in a widthwise folded configuration in FIG. 2F. In some embodiments, it may be useful to couple the snaps of the modular attachment system 250 to each other to fold the pouch accessory 200 in a lengthwise or widthwise configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 2E, the pouch accessory 200 can be folded in a lengthwise configuration along the pouch body 210, such that the first male snap 220a and the first female snap 222a can be mechanically coupled, and the second male snap 220b and the second female snap 222b can be mechanically coupled. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2F, the pouch accessory 200 can be folded in a widthwise configuration along the pouch body 210, such that the first male snap 220a and the second female snap 222b can be mechanically coupled, and the second male snap 220b and the first female snap 222a can be mechanically coupled.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a primary bivouac 310, which can be similar to the primary bivouac 110, further including a modular attachment system 350 for securing an accessory, such as one or more pouch accessories 200a and 200b of FIG. 2A-2D, to the primary bivouac 310. The illustrated embodiment shows two pouch accessories 200a and 200b attachable to the primary bivouac 310 having two modular attachment systems 350; however, in other embodiments, any number of modular attachment systems 350 can be included on the primary bivouac 310, such as one, three, four, five, etc.

[0032] FIG. 4A-4C show front, back, and side views, respectively, of a clothing garment 411 having a modular attachment system 450 for securing an accessory, such as the pouch accessories 200a and 200b, to the clothing garment 411. The illustrated embodiment shows two pouch accessories 200a and 200b attachable to the clothing garment 411 having two modular attachment systems 450. In FIGS. 4B and 4C, the clothing garment 411b shows a modular attachment system 452 on the back of the clothing garment 411b, and the clothing garment 411c shows a modular attachment system 454 on the shoulder of the clothing garment 411c. Any other location of the modular attachment system is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0034] The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is equivalent to “A and/or B” or vice versa, namely “A” alone, “B” alone, or “A and B.” Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.

[0035] It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “fore,” “aft,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings.

[0036] Throughout this specification, terms of art may be used. These terms are to take on their ordinary meaning in the art from which they come, unless specifically defined herein or the context of their use would clearly suggest otherwise.

[0037] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.