U.S. patent application number 14/619682 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for pillowcase and neck pillow system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Peter Abrams. Invention is credited to Peter Abrams.
Application Number | 20150230635 14/619682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53796957 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150230635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abrams; Peter |
August 20, 2015 |
Pillowcase And Neck Pillow System
Abstract
The current invention is a combination of pillowcases and a neck
pillow that includes a rectangular shaped bed pillowcase, a
cylindrical shaped neck pillowcase, a neck pillow, and an outer
carrying case. This system is designed to complement/work with
one's existing bed pillow. This pillow system is easily portable so
it can be used at home, in a hotel room, or anywhere while away
where one has access to another bed pillow. In addition, it works
as a travel pillow, for example, while in an airplane. The current
invention is a cylindrical neck pillowcase that is incorporated
into the manufacture of a rectangular bed pillowcase and accepts a
specially designed cylindrical neck pillow from the inside of the
rectangular bed pillowcase. Only part of the cylindrical neck
pillowcase is attached to the rectangular bed pillowcase which
allows it to be more maneuverable in order to maintain alignment of
one's neck in multiple positions for sleeping or relaxing on one's
back, side, or front. The neck pillow can be positioned and secured
in a "U" shape position either on the upper or lower portion of the
bed pillow to allow for more support, alignment, and comfort while
sleeping/resting on one's back or for face down positioning. In
addition, a carrying case protects the pillowcases and neck pillow
for traveling. It also can be positioned and secured in a "U" shape
to be used as a neck pillow to provide support to one's head and
neck during travel. Once one arrives at their destination, one
opens the carrying case and removes the pillowcases and neck
pillow. Then, one inserts a rectangular bed pillow into the
rectangular bed pillowcase and proceeds to use for sleep/rest.
Inventors: |
Abrams; Peter; (Germantown,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Abrams; Peter |
Germantown |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53796957 |
Appl. No.: |
14/619682 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61941683 |
Feb 19, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/636 ;
5/490 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/383 20130101;
A47G 9/0253 20130101; A47G 9/1081 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10; A47G 9/02 20060101 A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A pillowcase, comprising: a rectangular bed pillowcase; a
cylindrical neck pillowcase; wherein the neck pillowcase is built
on/in to the outside of the bed pillowcase.
2. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein access to install a neck pillow
is from either the inside of the bed pillowcase or the outside of
the neck pillowcase.
3. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein only the middle portion of the
cylindrical neck pillowcase is attached to the rectangular bed
pillowcase to allow for movement of the ends of the cylindrical
neck pillow.
4. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical neck pillowcase
is approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 24 inches long, that
has approximately 8 inches of its 24 inch length, attached to the
rectangular bed pillowcase at the mid point of the cylindrical neck
pillowcase.
5. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical neck pillowcase
has openings on each end to allow access to the inserted
cylindrical neck pillow.
6. A cylindrical neck pillow, comprising: approximately a 3.5 inch
diameter; 24 inches in length; and filled with poly-fill,
micro-beads, pellets, memory foam, or built as an inflatable
tube.
7. A cylindrical neck pillow of claim 6, wherein ties or other
fastening material are built in to each end to fit through the
openings at the end of the cylindrical neck pillowcase in order to
secure the neck pillow into different positions.
8. A cylindrical carrying case comprising: a fabric sewn in a
cylindrical shape; a zipper enclosure; and a clasp at each end;
wherein the pillowcase and the neck pillow can be inserted,
enclosed, and connected by a fastening device at each end in order
to maintain a "U" shape configuration.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/941,683 filed on Feb. 19, 2014.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to body positioning during
sleep and rest and is a neck pillow system directed to proper
alignment of the head, neck, and spine while sleeping and resting
at home, away from home, and during travel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The problem with current products available is that they are
either not flexible/maneuverable, supportive or versatile. For
example, the familiar pillow that has a larger curved bottom and
slender top that is supposed to support one's head and neck is very
rigid and not able to conform to natural body movements during
sleep. As one's head moves, it ends up on top of the area that is
supposed to support the neck. Because of this they are only able to
provide a temporary rest on one's back or side before they get
uncomfortable and stop providing proper support. In addition these
pillows are not able to accommodate sleep or rest while on one's
front. The most common alternative is the 6'' diameter cylindrical
neck pillow that is maneuverable, yet is not supportive of one's
head in addition to the neck while on one's back, and is too large
to provide proper neck support while on one's side. These pillows
are too large to fit just the neck area that they become just like
any other pillow. It too can not support face down sleep and rest.
The current invention allows for head and neck support,
maneuverability during sleep while maintaining support, and the
versatility to be used on one's back, side, or front. It is also
versatile enough to be easily carried and used while away from home
and during travel.
[0004] No other pillow available gives one the support,
maneuverability, and versatility. No other pillow is a complete
system for comfort and proper alignment in all these positions.
There are no pillows available with all these features and design.
Another benefit of this present invention is that depending on
one's size and comfort, a person can choose the size and firmness
of the bed pillow to support his/her head, but still use the neck
pillow, which is specifically designed smaller, to fit between the
shoulder and the base of the head; the neck area. Most people have
a specific size and firmness of their bed pillow that suits them
best. However, if they also have neck or back soreness they have to
completely change this bed pillow in order to fix their problem.
With this invention one gets to use the same bed pillow that is
most comfortable, with the added benefit of a neck pillow to
relieve the strain on one's neck or back.
[0005] This invention can also be positioned to use for face down
sleeping support. This feature is very important as many people
struggle to find pillows that are suitable to allow for the face
down sleeping that may be required for example after certain eye
surgeries or procedures. In addition, other pillows are not
adaptable enough to easily travel with, be used while traveling,
and then also for sleep and rest away from home. This pillowcase
and neck pillow system provides: 1) comfort, support, and
maneuverability to prevent and relieve neck and back soreness; 2)
the ability to relieve symptoms of snoring, sleep apnea, and allow
for the ability to sleep and relax in numerous positions; 3) allow
for easy portability, used as a travel pillow, and while sleeping
away from home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This pillowcase and neck pillow system is made as a one
piece rectangular bed pillowcase that has a built in cylindrical
neck pillowcase (3.5'' to 4'' diameter). The neck pillowcase has
openings (pockets) on the ends and receives a specially designed,
removable cylindrical neck pillow (3.5'' to 4'' diameter). The
specially designed neck pillow has ties on the outside circular
ends that allow for connecting (tying) the two ends of the neck
pillow for repositioning and maintaining that position. In
addition, an outside cylindrical carrying case is used for
transporting, protecting, and using the pillowcase and neck pillow
system for neck support while traveling. The carrying case has
connectors at each end in order to position it into a "U" shape for
head and neck support while traveling.
[0007] Features that separate this invention from other pillows and
neck pillows: 1) the size of the neck pillow is smaller in diameter
which allows it to fit one's neck area while on one's back or side;
2) it combines a specially designed pillowcase and neck pillow with
one's own bed pillow for optimum personal comfort; 3) the carrying
case transforms into a travel pillow for neck support; 4) the way
the neck pillowcase is built in to the outside of the bed
pillowcase at just the mid-point; one third of which is actually
connected to the bed pillowcase so the outer portions of the neck
pillowcase and neck pillow are free to move on each end. This is a
key point because of two added features this enables: 1) when
people sleep on their sides their heads often dip down as they get
into the fetal position. With the other pillows, one's head/face
would end up on top of the neck support rendering it ineffective.
With this design, because the ends are free to move, a person can
roll onto his/her side and simply grab the end of the cylindrical
neck pillow and tuck it under one's chin. This allows the neck
pillow to continue to support one's neck and chin, relieving stress
on the neck and keeping the jaw closed and forward to promote nose
breathing and an open airway, while the bed pillow portion is still
supporting one's head; 2) the pivot point allows for the ends of
the cylindrical pillow to be positioned either on the upper or
lower portion of the bed pillow in a "U" shaped manner for
increased support while a person relaxes on his/her back or
maintains a face down position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (16)
[0008] FIG. 1: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a
bed pillow inserted.
[0009] FIG. 2: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a
bed pillow inserted.
[0010] FIG. 3: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a
bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a "U" shape on
the lower portion of the bed pillow.
[0011] FIG. 4: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a
bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a "U" shape on
the lower portion of the bed pillow.
[0012] FIG. 5: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a
bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a "U" shape on
the upper portion of the bed pillow.
[0013] FIG. 6: depicts current embodiment of the invention with the
neck pillow and the rectangular bed pillow inserted and the neck
pillow positioned towards the bottom of the bed pillow.
[0014] FIG. 7: same as FIG. 6 except the cylindrical neck pillow is
positioned to the upper part of the rectangular bed pillow.
[0015] FIG. 8: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a
rectangular bed pillow inserted and the cylindrical neck pillow
positioned (tied) in a "U" shape on the upper part of the bed
pillow.
[0016] FIG. 9: depicts current embodiment of the invention not
including the carrying case.
[0017] FIG. 10A & B: depict the current embodiment of the
invention and rolled up for transport.
[0018] FIG. 11: depicts current embodiment of the invention rolled
up and inserted into the carrying case.
[0019] FIG. 12: depicts the front of the combined bed and
cylindrical pillowcases.
[0020] FIG. 13: depicts the back of the pillowcases.
[0021] FIG. 14: depicts 3.5'' to 4'' diameter circular ends of the
neck pillowcase with pocket openings.
[0022] FIG. 15: depicts the neck pillow inserted into the
cylindrical neck pillowcase.
[0023] FIG. 16: depicts the cylindrical carrying case.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] The current invention is fabricated as a one piece unit. It
includes a rectangular bed pillowcase that has a 3.5''-4'' diameter
and 24'' long cylindrical neck pillowcase built in to the framework
of the rectangular bed pillowcase. An opening exists between the
bed pillowcase and the neck pillowcase. The opening is on the
inside of the bed pillowcase. This allows for inserting the
specially designed neck pillow. Only the middle section of the
cylindrical pillowcase, which is approximately 8'' of the 24''
total length, is connected to the bed pillowcase to allow the outer
portions of the cylindrical neck pillow to be maneuvered into
different positions. The cylindrical neck pillowcase has openings
(pockets) on each end. These pockets allow the cylindrical neck
pillow ties to be exposed and extended to permit the user to
maneuver the pillow to the position he/she wants, and then secure
the neck pillow in place by tying the ends.
[0025] Inside the cylindrical pillowcase the specially designed
cylindrical neck pillow can be filled with many different
substances depending on the firmness desired; for example
poly-fill, pellets, micro-beads or with an inflatable tube. This
cylindrical neck pillow has approximately 12'' of tying material
built in to the ends. These ties can be accessed from the pockets
of the cylindrical neck pillowcase in order to secure the neck
pillow in different positions. The ties allow for different size
openings or tension when positioning the neck pillow.
[0026] A cylindrical carrying case is designed to protect the
combined rectangular bed and cylindrical pillowcases, and the neck
pillow, to allow for transporting and use while on an airplane then
unpacked for use while sleeping away from home. Once the user
arrives at his/her destination, the user removes the neck pillow
and combined pillowcases from the outer carrying case, unfolds the
rectangular bed pillowcase, and simply inserts a bed pillow into
the rectangular portion of the pillowcase.
[0027] Another design feature is that the cylindrical pillow is
moveable to the upper half of the pillow to allow for support for
the head/neck while in bed reading, watching television, or on a
computer (see FIG. 7). If one needs even more support and wants to
be more upright, one can bend the ends into a "U" shape position on
the upper part of the pillow and tie them together in the middle.
This "U" shape creates a stiffer pillow for more support for
alternative body positioning (see FIG. 5).
[0028] Since the cylindrical neck pillow is removable from the
cylindrical neck pillowcase, the cylindrical neck pillowcase and
the rectangular bed pillowcase are easily washable and/or
replaceable. Also, this allows for the replacement of the neck
pillow because of being worn out or needing a firmer/softer neck
pillow.
[0029] FIGS. 1-5 depict a subject utilizing the Pillowcase And Neck
Pillow System while sleeping/resting on their side, back, and
front. FIG. 1 demonstrates how the neck pillow portion supports the
neck and underneath the chin, and the bed pillow supports the head,
while on their side. FIG. 2 demonstrates how the neck pillow and
bed pillow supports both the neck and head respectively while on
one's back. FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrates how the pillow system can be
used while on one's front with arms in different positions. This is
an ideal massage position or if necessary after certain
surgeries/procedures that require face down positioning. Air flow
is available because a portion of the neck pillow is extended
beyond the bed pillow leaving an opening for both nose and mouth
breathing. FIG. 5 demonstrates the neck pillow in the "U" shape on
the upper portion of the bed pillow. This positioning is used to be
more supportive and upright. FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the bed
pillowcase with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow inserted
into the neck pillowcase. FIG. 6 depicts the neck pillow at the
bottom portion of the bed pillow which is the normal sleeping
configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 7 depicts the neck
pillow moved to the upper portion of the bed pillow which is used
for a more upright positioning of one's body. FIG. 8 depicts a bed
pillow inserted into the bed pillowcase and the specially designed
neck pillow inserted into the neck pillowcase and tied into a "U"
shape on the upper portion of the bed pillow. This configuration
would also be used for a more upright body positioning. FIG. 9 is
the rectangular bed pillowcase combined with the cylindrical
pillowcase and the specially designed cylindrical neck pillow is
removed. On the outside of the cylindrical neck pillow are the ties
that are used to secure the neck pillow into the "U" shape. FIG.
10A shows the rectangular bed pillowcase is empty while the
cylindrical neck pillow is inserted into the cylindrical neck
pillowcase. FIG. 10B shows the bed pillowcase and the neck pillow
are rolled up to be inserted into the carrying case for protection,
transporting, and use as a travel neck pillow. FIG. 11 shows a
subject utilizing the current invention as a travel neck pillow.
The combined bed and neck pillowcases with the neck pillow inserted
are rolled up as depicted in FIG. 10 and inserted into the carrying
case. The clasps are fastened to maintain the "U" shape.
[0030] FIGS. 12-16 depict the dimensions and shape of each piece
that is manufactured. FIG. 12 displays the front of the combined
bed and neck pillowcases and the method for manufacturing as a
single unit. Note: FIG. 12 Top is connected to FIG. 13 Top and FIG.
12 Bottom is connected to FIG. 13 Bottom. The Middle edge 1 &
Middle edge 2 are connected, then the cylindrical pillowcase Top
and Bottom are connected. Then, the ends are closed with 3.5''-4''
diameter circles. This completes the unit construction of the
combined rectangular bed pillowcase with the cylindrical neck
pillowcase. FIG. 13 depicts the dimensions and shape of the back of
the combined bed and neck pillowcases. FIG. 14 depicts the circular
ends of the cylindrical neck pillowcase with the openings (pockets)
centrally located in order to allow the ties, attached to the neck
pillow, to be exposed and utilized. FIG. 15 depicts the dimensions
and shape of the cylindrical neck pillow with fabric ties attached
on each end; approximately 12'' length to secure the neck pillow in
a "U" shape. FIG. 16 depicts the cylindrical carrying case that is
used to protect, transport, and be used as a travel neck pillow.
The zipper opens the case to allow for the pillowcases and neck
pillow to be inserted. The clasps (fasteners) at each end connect
to maintain the pillow in a "U" shape as shown in FIG. 11.
* * * * *