Systems and methods for providing an insulated sleeping chamber

Abstract

A sleeping chamber uses a double-wall inflatable structure to provide insulation against cold temperatures using a non-rigid form constructed of a lightweight material such as a polyethylene film. The sleeping chamber is lighter in weight, smaller in bulk, and generally lower in cost than a conventional tent, while providing improved insulation against cold temperatures.

1 . A sleeping chamber comprising: 
 a first non-rigid portion having at least one inflatable portion capable of being filled with a gas to provide a first dead air space within said inflatable portion and a second dead air space between said inflatable portion and an occupant of said sleeping chamber.    
   
   
       2 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 1 , further comprising a second non-rigid portion positioned above the first non-rigid portion, wherein the first non-rigid portion is non-hermetically attached to the second non-rigid portion along a substantial part of the perimeter of the first non-rigid portion, and wherein the second non-rigid portion is inflatable, and wherein the second non-rigid portion comprises multiple layers of a material that are joined to one another at intervals.  
   
   
       3 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 2 , wherein the material comprises at least one of (i) polyethylene, (ii) Mylar, (iii) thermoplastic films, and (iv) metallic films.  
   
   
       4 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 2 , wherein inflation of the second non-rigid portion creates a dead air space within the second non-rigid portion.  
   
   
       5 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 2 , wherein inflation of the second non-rigid portion creates a dead air space between the first non-rigid portion and the second non-rigid portion.  
   
   
       6 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 5 , wherein the dead air space is vented to an area not enclosed by either the first non-rigid portion or the second non-rigid portion.  
   
   
       7 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 5 , wherein the dead air space is capable of enclosing at least one person.  
   
   
       8 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 2 , wherein the second non-rigid portion is inflated with air.  
   
   
       9 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 2 , further comprising a non-rigid inflatable hood hingedly attached to the first non-rigid portion.  
   
   
       10 . A sleeping chamber comprising: 
 a first portion; and    a second portion positioned above the first portion, wherein the first portion is non-hermetically attached to the second portion along a substantial part of a perimeter of the first portion, and wherein the second portion is inflatable.    
   
   
       11 . A sleeping chamber as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 a hood that is non-hermetically attached to one end of the first portion, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the hood each comprise a non-rigid, inflatable structure, and wherein when both the first portion and the second portion are inflated, a dead air space exists between the first portion and the second portion.    
   
   
       12 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 10 , wherein the second portion comprises multiple layers of a material and the multiple layers are joined to one another at intervals.  
   
   
       13 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 12 , wherein the material comprises at least one of (i) polyethylene, (ii) Mylar, (iii) thermoplastic films, and (iv) metallic films.  
   
   
       14 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 10 , wherein the dead air space is vented to an area not enclosed by either the first portion or the second portion.  
   
   
       15 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 10 , wherein the dead air space is capable of enclosing one person.  
   
   
       16 . The sleeping chamber of  claim 10 , wherein the dead air space is capable of enclosing multiple persons.  
   
   
       17 . A method of manufacturing a sleeping chamber comprising: 
 providing a first non-rigid portion comprising multiple layers of a lightweight material wherein the multiple layers of the first portion are capable of retaining a gas;    providing a second non-rigid portion comprising multiple layers of a lightweight material wherein the multiple layers of the second portion are capable of retaining a gas; and    coupling the second non-rigid portion to the first non-rigid portion along a substantial part of the perimeter of the first non-rigid portion.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the multiple layers of the second portion are joined to one another at intervals.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said coupling comprises creating a structure such that when the multiple layers of the first non-rigid portion are filled with a gas and the multiple layers of the second non-rigid portion are filled with a gas, a space exists between the first non-rigid portion and the second non-rigid portion, said space being capable of enclosing at least one person.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said space is vented to an area not enclosed by either the first non-rigid portion or the second non-rigid portion.