US20050177941A1

US20050177941A1 - Case for enclosing a pillow

Info

Publication number: US20050177941A1
Application number: US10/780,019
Authority: US
Inventors: Carol Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-17
Filing date: 2004-02-17
Publication date: 2005-08-18

Abstract

A case for enclosing a pillow without a fastener comprising a first pocket and a second pocket with each pocket having an opening defined by a rim at one end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, and with the opposite end of the first pocket extending from a portion of the rim of the second pocket. With this case, a pillow can be inserted into one of pockets, and that pillow filled pocket can be inserted into and covered by the other pocket to enclose the pillow.

Description

This invention relates to a case for enclosing a pillow comprising a first pocket and a second pocket with each pocket having an opening defined by a rim at one end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, and with the opposite end of the first pocket extending from a portion of the rim of the second pocket. With this case, a pillow can be inserted into either one of pockets, and the pillow filled pocket can be inserted into and covered by the other pocket to enclose the pillow without requiring a fastener.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two interconnected pillowcases have been discussed in the Levy patent of 1962 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,044,517 for a reversible furniture cover or receptacle and method for making same, there is disclosed that the sealed end of a first pillowcase is attached to the sealed end of a second pillow case, and one of the first and second pillow cases can be folded over the other to form a double case for a pillow. This double case allows for extended use, but it does not enclose the pillow without use of a fastener, such as velcro® or a zipper.
To alleviate this problem, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention conveniently seals a pillow within a pocket by having a portion of a rim of the open end of a second pocket attached to the sealed end of a first pocket. This distinct structure allows a pillow to be inserted into the open end of either one of the pockets, and the pillow filled pocket can be inserted into and covered by the other pocket to enclose the pillow without requiring a fastener. The citation of the foregoing publications is not an admission that any particular publication constitutes prior art, or that any publication alone or in conjunction with others, renders unpatentable any pending claim of the present application. None of the cited publications is believed to detract from the patentability of the claimed invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

Unlike the foregoing devices which teach structures that only provide two outer covers for a pillow, the invention taught herein teaches a unique structure for encasing a pillow, one that not only provides two exterior surfaces which can be interchanged to provide a clean exterior to the case, but also one that fully wraps the pillow enclosing it within the case so that it can be used on pillows of allergy sufferers when the case is made of a barrier fabric impervious to dust mites. This unique pillow case encloses the pillow independent of a fastener.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a case for enclosing a pillow comprising a first pocket and a second pocket is taught by this important invention. Each of the pockets has an opening defined by a rim at a proximal end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, and the opposite end of the first pocket extends from a portion of the rim of the second pocket. It will readily be appreciated that a pillow can be inserted into one of the first pocket and the second pocket, and the one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein can be inserted into and covered by the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to enclose the pillow.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pillow and a case for enclosing a pillow showing a first pocket and a second pocket in which the pillow can be inserted;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the case showing the pillow disposed in the second pocket;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the case of FIG. 2 with the second pocket containing the pillow being inserted into the first pocket;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the case of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the second pocket containing the pillow fully inserted into the first pocket;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the case showing the pillow disposed in the first pocket;
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the case of FIG. 5 with the first pocket containing the pillow being inserted into the second pocket;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the case of FIGS. 5 and 6 with the first pocket containing the pillow fully inserted into the second pocket;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of a sheet of the present invention showing fold lines as hatched lines;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of a sheet of the present invention showing fold lines as hatched lines;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of a sheet of the present invention showing the first top layer folded over and attached to the first bottom layer at the first end to form the first pocket;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of a sheet of the present invention showing the first top layer folded over and attached to the first bottom layer at the first end to form the first pocket, and further showing the second top layer folded over and attached to the second bottom layer at the opposite end to form the second pocket; and
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pillow and a case for enclosing a pillow showing a first pocket having visual characteristics on an exposed outer surface that are distinctly different from visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the second pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing. The preferred embodiments of the apparatus depicted in the drawing comprise a case 1 for enclosing a pillow 10 comprising a first pocket 2 and a second pocket 3 is taught by this important invention. Each of the pockets (2,3) has an opening defined by a rim (4 and 5, respectively) at a proximal end (12 and 16, respectively) and a closed section extending to an opposite end (14 and 18, respectively), and the opposite end 14 of the first pocket 2 extends from a portion of the rim 5 of the second pocket 3. It will readily be appreciated that a pillow 10 can be inserted into one of the first pocket 2 and the second pocket 3, and the one of the first pocket 2 and the second pocket 3 with the pillow 10 disposed therein can be inserted into and covered by the other of the first pocket 2 and the second pocket 3 to enclose the pillow 10. Furthermore, the case 1 may have the opposite end 14 of the first pocket being connected to a portion of the rim 5 of the second pocket. Additionally, the first pocket 2 may comprise a first pillowcase 20 and the second pocket 3 may comprise a second pillowcase 22, as best shown in FIG. 12. Preferably, the first pillowcase 20 will have a size that is not substantially different from that of the second pillowcase 22.
Preferably, as best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the pillow 10 is inserted into the second pocket 3, and the first pocket 2 turns inside out as the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein is inserted into and covered by the first pocket to enclose the pillow. Alternately, as best shown in FIGS. 5-7, the pillow 10 is inserted into the first pocket 2, and the first pocket with the pillow disposed therein is inserted into and covered by the second pocket 3 to enclose the pillow.
As best seen in FIGS. 8-11, the case 1 for enclosing a pillow 10 may comprise a sheet 6 of material have a peripheral edge 7 with the sheet measuring approximately three pillow lengths in length and two pillow widths wide for a first pillow length at a first end 8 and one pillow width wide for each of a middle pillow length and a second end 9 pillow length of the sheet. The first end 8 of the sheet is folded lengthwise forming a first double layer having a first bottom layer 24 and a first top layer 26 with a portion 7 a of the peripheral edge 7 of the first top layer 26 attached to the first bottom layer 24 forming a first pocket with an opening proximate the first end 8, as best shown in FIG. 10. The second end 9 pillow length is folded widthwise and laid over the middle pillow length forming a second double layer comprising a second bottom layer 28 and a second top layer 30 and a portion 7 b of the peripheral edge 7 of the second top layer 30 attached to the second bottom layer 28 forming a second pocket with an opening proximate the first pocket, as best shown in FIG. 11. Whereby, a pillow 10 can be inserted into one of the first pocket 2 and the second pocket 3, and the one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein can be inserted into and covered by the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to enclose the pillow.
Furthermore, the portion 7 a of the peripheral edge 7 of the first top layer 26 that is attached to the first bottom layer 24 can be attached by stitching, and the portion 7 b of the peripheral edge of the second top layer 30 that is attached to the second bottom layer 28 can attached by stitching as shown in FIG. 11.
For use on pillows of allergy sufferers, the case 1 my utilize a sheet that is made of a barrier fabric impervious to dust mites.
As noted in the drawing, the case 1 for enclosing a pillow 10 of the present invention encloses the pillow independent of a fastener. Moreover, the pillow is enclosed independent of a zipper.
The case for enclosing a pillow 10 has dual external surfaces—either one of the first pocket and the second pocket can be disposed externally over the other of the first pocket and the second pocket so that exposed outer surfaces of the case can be interchanged. When the visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the first pocket 2 are distinctly different from visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the second pocket 3, as shown in FIG. 12, interchanging the exposed surfaces of the case presents two distinctly different case appearances, and when the visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the first pocket are substantially similar from visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the second pocket, as shown in FIG. 1, the exposed surface of one of the first pocket and the second pocket that is soiled can be interchanged with a clean exposed outer surface of the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to allow further use of the case while preserving the visual characteristics of the case.
A method of encasing a pillow is further taught by the instant invention. It comprises the following steps: inserting a pillow into an opening of one of a first pocket and a second pocket of a case with each of the pockets have an opening defined by a rim at a proximal end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, where the opposite end of the first pocket extends from a portion of the rim of the second pocket; and inserting the one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein into the opening of the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to enclose the pillow. These methods are illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and 5-7. Preferably, a step is included wherein inserting a pillow into an opening of one of a first pocket and a second pocket of a case comprises inserting the pillow into the second pocket, and wherein covering said one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein with the other of the first pocket and the second pocket comprises turning the first pocket inside out as the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein is inserted into and covered by the first pocket to enclose the pillow. Alternatively, a preferred step wherein inserting a pillow into an opening of one of a first pocket and a second pocket of a case includes inserting the pillow into the first pocket, and wherein covering said one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein with the other of the first pocket and the second pocket includes inserting the first pocket with the pillow disposed therein into the second pocket to enclose the pillow.
Furthermore, a method of making a case 1 for encasing a pillow 10 comprises the following steps: folding lengthwise a first end 8 of a sheet 6 of material have a peripheral edge 7, the sheet 6 measuring approximately three pillow lengths in length and two pillow widths wide for a first pillow length at a first end 8 and one pillow width wide for each of a middle pillow length and a second end 9 pillow length of the sheet to form a first double layer with a first bottom layer 24 and a first top layer 26; attaching a portion 7 a of the peripheral edge 7 of the first top layer 26 to the first bottom layer 24 to form a first pocket 2 with an opening proximate the first end 8; folding widthwise the second end 9 pillow length laying it over the middle pillow length to form a second double layer comprising a second bottom layer 28 and a second top layer 30; and attaching a portion 7 b of the peripheral edge 7 of the second bottom layer 28 to the second top layer 30 to form a second pocket 3 with an opening proximate the first pocket 2. Whereby, the case 1 for encasing a pillow allows a pillow 10 to be inserted into one of the first pocket 2 and the second pocket 3, and the one of the first pocket 2 and the second pocket 3 with the pillow 10 disposed therein can be inserted into and covered by the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to enclose the pillow.
The case of the instant invention can be made of conventional bed covering materials. It is considered that fabrics of lace, polyester, cotton including flannel, as well as various plastic and rubberized materials may be used. Plastic and rubber may be used in coatings or impregnated into the material to make barrier fabrics impervious to dust mites and other allergens. Moreover, barrier fabrics may alternatively utilizing microfiber technology weaving fabric from fibers smaller that a human hair. As noted earlier, due to the unique structure of the case of the present invention no fasteners or zippers are required.
While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is base, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scop of the present invention. My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to 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 present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A case for enclosing a pillow comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, each of said pockets having an opening defined by a rim at a proximal end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, and the opposite end of the first pocket extends from a portion of the rim of the second pocket,

whereby, a pillow can be inserted into one of the first pocket and the second pocket, and said one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein can be inserted into and covered by the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to enclose the pillow.

2. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow is inserted into the second pocket, and the first pocket turns inside out as the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein is inserted into and covered by the first pocket to enclose the pillow.

3. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow is inserted into the first pocket, and the first pocket with the pillow disposed therein is inserted into and covered by the second pocket to enclose the pillow.

4. A case for enclosing a pillow comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, each of said pockets having an opening defined by a rim at a proximal end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, and the opposite end of the first pocket being connected to a portion of the rim of the second pocket,

5. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 4, wherein the first pocket is a first pillowcase and the second pocket is a second pillowcase.

6. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 5, wherein the first pillowcase has a size that is not substantially different from that of the second pillowcase.

7. A case for enclosing a pillow comprising a sheet of material having a peripheral edge, said sheet measuring approximately three pillow lengths in length and two pillow widths wide for a first pillow length at a first end and one pillow width wide for each of a middle pillow length and a second end pillow length of said sheet,

the first end of the sheet being folded lengthwise forming a first double layer having a first bottom layer and a first top layer with a portion of the peripheral edge of the first top layer being attached to the first bottom layer forming a first pocket with an opening proximate the first end, and

the second end pillow length being folded widthwise and laid over the middle pillow length forming a second double layer comprising a second bottom layer and a second top layer and a portion of the peripheral edge of the second top layer attached to the second bottom layer forming a second pocket with an opening proximate the first pocket,

8. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 7, wherein the portion of the peripheral edge of the first top layer being attached to the first bottom layer is attached by stitching, and the portion of the peripheral edge of the second top layer being attached to the second bottom layer is attached by stitching.

9. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 1, wherein the sheet is made of a barrier fabric impervious to dust mites.

10. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow is enclosed independent of a fastener.

11. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 8, wherein the fastener includes a zipper.

12. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 1, wherein either one of the first pocket and the second pocket can be disposed externally over the other of the first pocket and the second pocket so that exposed outer surfaces of the case can be interchanged.

13. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 12, wherein visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the first pocket are distinctly different from visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the second pocket, so that interchanging the exposed surfaces of the case presents two distinctly different case appearances.

14. The case for enclosing a pillow of claim 12, wherein visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the first pocket are substantially similar from visual characteristics on the exposed outer surface of the second pocket, so that the exposed surface of one of the first pocket and the second pocket when soiled can be interchanged with a clean exposed outer surface of the other of the first pocket and the second pocket allowing further use of the case while preserving the visual characteristics of the case.

15. A method of encasing a pillow comprising the following steps:

inserting a pillow into an opening of one of a first pocket and a second pocket of a case with each of said pockets having an opening defined by a rim at a proximal end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, where the opposite end of the first pocket extends from a portion of the rim of the second pocket; and

covering said one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein with the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to enclose the pillow.

16. The method of encasing a pillow of claim 15, wherein inserting a pillow into an opening of one of a first pocket and a second pocket of a case includes inserting the pillow into the second pocket, and wherein covering said one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein with the other of the first pocket and the second pocket includes turning the first pocket inside out as the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein is inserted into and covered by the first pocket to enclose the pillow.

17. The method of encasing a pillow of claim 15, wherein inserting a pillow into an opening of one of a first pocket and a second pocket of a case includes inserting the pillow into the first pocket, and wherein covering said one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein with the other of the first pocket and the second pocket includes inserting the first pocket with the pillow disposed therein into the second pocket to enclose the pillow.

18. A method of making a case for encasing a pillow comprising the following steps:

folding lengthwise a first end of a sheet of material having a peripheral edge, said sheet measuring approximately three pillow lengths in length and two pillow widths wide for a first pillow length at a first end and one pillow width wide for each of a middle pillow length and a second end pillow length of said sheet to form a first double layer with a first bottom layer and a first top layer;

attaching a portion of the peripheral edge of the first top layer to the first bottom layer to form a first pocket with an opening proximate the first end;

folding widthwise the second end pillow length laying it over the middle pillow length to form a second double layer comprising a second bottom layer and a second top layer; and

attaching a portion of the peripheral edge of the second bottom layer to the second top layer to form a second pocket with an opening proximate the first pocket,

whereby, the case for encasing a pillow allows a pillow to be inserted into one of the first pocket and the second pocket, and said one of the first pocket and the second pocket with the pillow disposed therein can be inserted into and covered by the other of the first pocket and the second pocket to enclose the pillow.