US 5,669,182 A · Cocoon

Abstract

An inflatable; convertible shelter and flotation device used for long distance hiking and camping expeditions. Cocoon is constructed of canvas and nylon. The canvas floor base is rubberized to allow for water proofing and air containment. A nylon lining is attached to the canvas and is held in place by Velcro strips. When used as a tent Cocoon's nylon lining is unfastened to form a wedge shaped tent. The canvas base can be inflated for insulation and sleeping comfort. When used as a flotation device the canvas base with three independently inflated air panels provide buoyancy for traversing rivers and lakes. Each inflatable panel contains air tight cells of different lengths. Grommets are secured at the end of each cell and provide openings for rope to be drawn through. Grommets and rope allows a gathering together of air-cell ends. A gathering together of each end of the inflated panels allows the base to form a tubular shape. Two way zippers set at each side of the base and running parallel to the air-cells allows for the end panels to be secured together. This configuration allows for a person to be surrounded by air. The spaced opening in the zippers allows for the upper part of a body to come through and navigate or propel Cocoon by paddling. Out of water a Cocoon in this configuration can be secured up in a tree to allow for an enclosure away from the ground and animal life.

Claims4

Dependent claims

An apparatus forming a tent shelter, a canoe, a kayak and a cocoon or unclosed hammock comprising the combination of

an inflatable canvas mattress base rubberized to hold air and repel water, said base having three independently inflated segments, said segments having air-columns of varied lengths;
a nylon wedge shaped lining fixed permanently to the canvas base, said wedge shape, when flattened, is to be held to the canvas by Velcro boarder and strips, said lining to have flaps which unzip to form an opening, an opening allowing a person to lie between the canvas and inside envelope created by the wedge shape, said lining having fish gill air slot for ventilation;
larger and smaller size grommets inset into the canvas, larger grommets of greater numbers set at both ends of the canvas and said smaller grommet inset in fewer numbers to both sides of the canvas;
two zippers set on the inside of the canvas boarder on both sides containing said smaller grommets, zippers joining the sides with sliding tab that work from each end towards the middle, said zippers located 1/4 inch away from the smallest air columns bordering both sides of the canvas.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cocoon

Life of this patent

Cocoon

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims4