U.S. patent application number 13/345684 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for free standing pillow that mimics a headboard.
Invention is credited to Holly S. TUCKER.
Application Number | 20120102653 13/345684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43379135 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120102653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TUCKER; Holly S. |
May 3, 2012 |
FREE STANDING PILLOW THAT MIMICS A HEADBOARD
Abstract
A free-standing head support apparatus includes a soft,
foam-like material with a front, a back and a base. The back is
adapted to rest against a vertical surface, and the base is adapted
to rest against an approximately horizontal surface.
Inventors: |
TUCKER; Holly S.;
(Hendersonville, NC) |
Family ID: |
43379135 |
Appl. No.: |
13/345684 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12825653 |
Jun 29, 2010 |
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13345684 |
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61221480 |
Jun 29, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/636 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 20/027 20130101;
A47C 19/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/636 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/00 20060101
A47C020/00 |
Claims
1. A free-standing head support apparatus comprising: a soft,
foam-like material including a front, a back and a base; wherein
the back is adapted to rest against a vertical surface; and wherein
the base is adapted to rest against an approximately horizontal
surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the approximately horizontal
surface is a mattress.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical surface is a
wall.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical surface is a
headboard.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus mimics the
appearance of a headboard.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam-like material is 20
kg/cubic meter normal foam.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam-like material is 30
kg/cubic meter normal foam.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam-like material is 40
kg/cubic meter memory foam.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus resembles
pre-existing headboard designs.
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus resembles a
regency-style headboard.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a pillowcase-type cover that is removable and
washable.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is foldable to
facilitate ease in storage.
13. The apparatus if claim 1, wherein the apparatus may be rolled
to facilitate easy storage.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is rolled and
vacuum-sealed in a plastic wrapper to facilitate easy storage.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is between
6-inches and 8-inches thick at the base.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is
approximately 1-inch thick at a topmost point.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the is tapered between the
base and the topmost point.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has width
approximately equal to the width of a bed.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard twin
bed.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard double
bed.
21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard full
bed.
22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard queen
bed.
23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard king
bed.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a
pocket.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the pocket is adapted to
house a cellular telephone.
26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the pocket is adapted to
house a television remote control device.
27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further
comprises upholstery.
28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
wedge-shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. continuation patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to,
U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/825,653, filed
on Jun. 29, 2010 and published as US 2010/0325801 A1, which `653
application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to, U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/221,480, filed Jun. 29, 2009. Each
of the foregoing U.S. patent applications and U.S. patent
application publications is expressly incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety. Furthermore, a copy of U.S. provisional
patent application serial number 61/221,480, filed Jun. 29, 2009,
is attached hereto as Appendix A, which is likewise expressly
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention generally relates to decorative
pillows, specifically to pillows that imitate headboards.
[0004] A need exists for improvement in faux headboards that are
both functional and decorative. This, and other needs, are
addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are
described in, the context of decorative pillows, the present
invention is not limited to use only in decorative pillows, as will
become apparent from the following summaries and detailed
descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0006] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to
a wedge-shaped, free-standing head support apparatus as shown and
described. Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the
apparatus includes the general appearance of a headboard.
[0007] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the apparatus
is constructed of a soft, foam-like material. Another feature of
this aspect of the current invention includes the apparatus as
resembling pre-existing headboard designs. Yet another feature
includes the apparatus as resembling a regency-style headboard. A
further feature includes a pillowcase-type cover enclosing the
apparatus that is removable and/or washable. Yet still another
feature includes an apparatus having a base that is between 6 and 8
inches in thickness that tapers to a thickness of 1 inch at the
top. Another feature of this aspect includes the apparatus having a
width that is equal to that of standard bed sizes. A further
feature includes a pocket.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
free-standing head support apparatus. An exemplary such apparatus
includes a soft, foam-like material including a front, a back and a
base. Additionally, the back is adapted to rest against a vertical
surface, and the base is adapted to rest against an approximately
horizontal surface.
[0009] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the
approximately horizontal surface is a mattress. In another feature,
the vertical surface is a wall. In a further feature, the vertical
surface is a headboard. In yet another feature, the apparatus
mimics the appearance of a headboard. In still another feature, the
foam-like material is 20 kg/cubic meter normal foam. In an
alternative feature, the foam-like material is 30 kg/cubic meter
normal foam. In still another alternative feature, the foam-like
material is 40 kg/cubic meter memory foam.
[0010] In another feature of this aspect of the present invention,
the apparatus resembles pre-existing headboard designs. In another
feature, the apparatus resembles a regency-style headboard. In
another feature, the apparatus is wedge-shaped. In still another
feature, the apparatus further comprises a pillowcase-type cover
that is removable and washable. In a further feature still, the
apparatus is foldable to facilitate ease in storage. In an
additional feature, the apparatus may be rolled to facilitate easy
storage. In yet another feature, the apparatus is rolled and
vacuum-sealed in a plastic wrapper to facilitate easy storage.
[0011] In an additional feature of the present invention, the
apparatus is between 6-inches and 8-inches thick at the base. In
another feature, the apparatus is approximately 1-inch thick at a
topmost point. In still another feature, the apparatus is tapered
between the base and the topmost point.
[0012] In still a further feature of this aspect of the present
invention, the apparatus has width approximately equal to the width
of a bed. In other features, the bed is a standard twin bed, a
standard double bed, a standard full bed, a standard queen bed, and
a standard king bed. In other feature, the apparatus includes a
pocket. In further features still, the pocket is adapted to house a
cellular telephone. In another feature, the pocket is adapted to
house a television remote control device. In another feature, the
apparatus further comprises upholstery.
[0013] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and
subcombinations of such aspects and features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention
now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same
reference numerals, and wherein,
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
free-standing pillow apparatus that mimics a headboard in an
upright orientation in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in
use on a standard twin bed.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a
alternate orientation.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1
within a vacuum-sealed wrapper.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a free-standing pillow apparatus that mimics a headboard in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an alternate perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an alternate perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be
understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality
of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further
incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed
features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations,
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be
implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall
within the scope of the present invention.
[0023] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0024] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0025] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0026] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, no claim
element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory
provision unless the explicit phrase "means for" or "step for" is
actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory
provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim
element.
[0027] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0028] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention are next described. The
following description of one or more preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its implementations, or uses.
[0030] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
one embodiment of a free-standing pillow apparatus 10 that mimics a
headboard in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention. FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 that is wedge-shaped and
made of a soft, foam-like material. The apparatus 10 has a front
12, a back 14, a top 16, and a base 18. The dimensions of the
apparatus 10 can vary and may mimic the dimensions of different
classic headboard designs, such as a regency-type headboard. One
embodiment of the apparatus 10 includes a base 18 that is 6 to 8
inches in thickness that tapers up to a top 16 having a thickness
of approximately 1 inch. The width of the apparatus 10 is the width
of a standard twin mattress or 39-inches. Other embodiments of the
apparatus have widths equal to the widths of full, queen, and king
size beds. Alternatively, for larger beds, such as king and queen
sizes, two apparatuses may be placed adjacent to one another.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the free-standing pillow
apparatus 10 placed on a standard twin bed 20. The apparatus 10
provides head support, similar to a pillow. The apparatus 10 has a
soft, foam-like construction that provides enhanced comfort to a
user. The apparatus 10 may be used as an alternative or in addition
to installing a real headboard to a bed 20. For instance, the
apparatus 10 is placed at the head of a bed 20 with the back 14
placed against the wall behind the head of the bed 20.
Alternatively, if the apparatus 10 is being used in addition to a
headboard, the back 14 may be placed against the existing
headboard. The apparatus 10 adds height, texture, and color to
produce a much more complete-looking and aesthetically pleasing
bed. A pillow 22 may be placed against the front 12 of the
apparatus 10 to provide further support and comfort to a user.
[0032] The apparatus 10 may be comprised of many different types of
materials, including 20 kg/cubic meter normal foam, 30 kg/cubic
meter normal foam, and 40 kg/cubic meter memory foam.
[0033] Furthermore, the apparatus 10 may include a cover or
upholstery. The cover may comprise various materials. For example,
the cover may be comprised of 100% polyester 190 gsm fleece or 100%
cotton 160 gsm knit fabric. The cover may be a pillowcase-type
cover enclosing the apparatus that is removable and washable. The
apparatus 10 may further include a pocket at various locations.
This pocket can be sized to hold objects such as cellular
telephones or television remote control devices.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the apparatus 10
oriented with the back 14 lying flat on a surface.
[0035] The apparatus 10 may be folded or rolled to facilitate easy
storage. The apparatus 10 may further be rolled into a plastic
wrapper 24 capable of being vacuum-sealed, as illustrated in FIG.
4.
[0036] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the
free-standing pillow apparatus 110. This apparatus 110 resembles a
regency-style headboard.
[0037] In alternative embodiments, the apparatus may imitate many
different headboard shapes and styles. For example, the apparatus
may be rectangular with rounded corners or semi-circular in
shape.
[0038] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *