U.S. patent application number 14/251420 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for transformable pillow systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is StarShine, Inc.. Invention is credited to Judy A. Day.
Application Number | 20150289687 14/251420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54264001 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150289687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Day; Judy A. |
October 15, 2015 |
Transformable Pillow Systems
Abstract
A transformable pillow systems which utilizes granular material
within an outer case which is adapted to configure in one of two
configurations, such that in one configuration the pillow presents
a first option for use as a collared pillow adapted for neck
support, while the second configuration is adapted to for use as a
traditional flat pillow. The configurations may be adapted to have
ornamental aspects which create animal characters in one or both of
the configurations.
Inventors: |
Day; Judy A.; (Soquel,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
StarShine, Inc. |
Soquel |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54264001 |
Appl. No.: |
14/251420 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/490 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/1045
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10; A47G 9/04 20060101 A47G009/04; A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A transformable pillow system comprising: a pillowcase enclosing
a particular volume of a main fill material; wherein said
pillowcase includes a collar end and a character end, with two
sides of a reversible fastening mechanism disposed between said
collar end and said character end, wherein said pillow case at said
collar end includes two tubular collar sections extending
approximately in the same direction with a saddle section sized to
receive the neck of a person extending between the two tubular
collar sections; wherein the character end of said pillow case
comprises ornamental representation of a character on the exterior
of said character end; wherein the size of the pillowcase is such
that when the main fill material is positioned to substantially
fill said collar end of said pillowcase, said two tubular collar
sections and said saddle section are substantially full of the main
fill material, and wherein when said main fill material is
positioned to substantially fill said character end, said character
end of said pillowcase is substantially full of said main fill
material.
2. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said collars
end comprises a character head on the end of one of the tubular
collar sections.
3. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a reversible zipper
system.
4. The transformable pillow system of claim 2 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a reversible zipper
system.
5. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a button and button hole
system.
6. The transformable pillow system of claim 2 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a button and button hole
system.
7. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a hook and loop
system.
8. The transformable pillow system of claim 2 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a hook and loop
system.
9. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said
character end comprises features associated with a character.
10. The transformable pillow system of claim 9 wherein said
features associated with a character comprise ears.
11. The transformable pillow system of claim 9 wherein said
features comprise a fill material separate from said main fill
material.
12. The transformable pillow system of claim 10 wherein said ears
comprise a fill material separate from said main fill material.
13. A transformable pillow system comprising: a pillowcase
enclosing a particular volume of a main fill material; wherein said
pillowcase includes a first character end and a second character
end, with two sides of a reversible fastening mechanism disposed
between said first character end and said second character end,
wherein said pillow case at said first character end comprises an
ornamental representation of a first character on the exterior of
said first character end; wherein said pillow case at said second
character end comprises an ornamental representation of a second
character on the exterior of said second character end; wherein the
size of the pillowcase is such that when the main fill material is
positioned to substantially fill said first character end of said
pillowcase, said first character end is substantially full of the
main fill material, and wherein when said main fill material is
positioned to substantially fill said second character end, said
second character end of said pillowcase is substantially full of
said main fill material.
14. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a reversible zipper
system.
15. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a button and button hole
system.
16. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said
reversible fastening mechanism system is a hook and loop
system.
17. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said fill
material comprises an aromatic compound.
18. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said fill
material comprises a heat retaining material.
19. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said first
character end comprises a substantially rectangular pillow
shape.
20. The transformable pillow system of claim 19 wherein said second
character end comprises a substantially rectangular pillow shape.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to pillows that are adapted to
transform from a first to a second configuration, and more
specifically to transformable pillows which may include ornamental
features geared towards children.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Persons who are forced to sit for a long time in an upright
posture have struggled with obtaining adequate neck support so that
back or neck problems do not arise as a result of their having to
sit for a long time. As a result, these people may use a horseshoe
shaped collar pillow. This issue can also arise for travelers in
airplanes, cars, or trains. The collar pillow typically fits around
the neck and sits on the shoulders and supports the back of the
neck to prevent the head form tilting sharply to one side, so that
hinging of the neck is minimized.
[0005] Transformable pillows have been developed which allowed the
user to get the benefit of different pillow types, as needed during
differing portions of their day, or while traveling, allowing them
to bring just one pillow.
[0006] In addition to the practical issues faced by adults,
children may bring additional concerns. Children may be more likely
to use an item which is otherwise good and healthy for them if
there is an ornamental aspect to the item. The ornamental aspect
may give the child comfort, or allow for imaginary play, for
example. Thus, transformable pillows which are adapted to both
provide multiple configurations of support and ornamental aspects,
such as animal characters, may be a significant aid to traveling
with children. What is called for is a transformable pillow which
includes characters, such as animal or imaginary characters.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides transformable pillow systems
which utilize granular material within an outer case which is
adapted to configure in one of two configurations, such that in one
configuration the pillow presents a first option for use as a
collared pillow adapted for neck support, while the second
configuration is adapted to for use as a traditional flat pillow.
The configurations may be adapted to have ornamental aspects which
create animal characters in one or both of the configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow
system with zipper according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a view of a second, collared, configuration of a
pillow system with zipper according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open,
extended position, with the collar end down, according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIGS. 4A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being
put into a second configuration according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a view of the pillow system in a second, collared,
configuration according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open,
extended position, with the collar end up, according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 7A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being
put into a first configuration according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow
system with hook and loop fasteners according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open,
extended position, with the collar end down, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 10A-B are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being
transformed into a collared configuration according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow
system with buttons according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a view of a second, collared, configuration of a
pillow system with buttons according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 13A-B are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being
transformed into a collared configuration according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow
system with zipper according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow
system with zipper according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open,
extended position, according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIGS. 17A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being
transformed into a second configuration according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open,
extended position, according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIGS. 19A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being
transformed into a different configuration according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a view of a configuration of a pillow system with
hook and loop fasteners according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a view of transformable pillow system according
to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow
system with buttons according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 23 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow
system with buttons according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a view of a first configuration of a pillow
system with zipper according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 25 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow
system with zipper according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 26 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open,
extended position, according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 27 is a view of a configuration of a pillow system with
hook and loop fasteners according to a third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 28 is a view of transformable pillow system according
to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 29 is a view of a first configuration of a pillow
system with buttons according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 30 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow
system with buttons according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first configuration 101 and a
second configuration 102 of a transformable pillow system 100
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The
pillow is transformable from the first configuration 101 to the
second configuration 102, and also transformable from the second
configuration 102 to the first configuration 101. As seen in FIG.
1, the first configuration 101 may be a pillow that has aspects of
an animal character. The three dimensional aspect of the animal
character still has significant amount of smooth surface such that
a comfortable head supporting function is attainable in this first
animal character configuration 101.
[0039] The first configuration 101 of the transformable pillow
system 100 may include features of an animal character, which may
endear the pillow system to children. A head 115 of an animal
character, such as a dog, may include eyes, 114, a nose 113, and
ears 112. The paws 111 may also be simulated as part of the first
pillow configuration, while maintaining a significant area 116
available for use as a traditional flat pillow surface. The
character features, such as eyes, nose, and ears, may contain their
own fill material that is captured within the character feature.
The captured fill material may allow for the feature, such as ears,
to have fill in it when the pillow is in a particular
configuration, as it may be somewhat difficult to route the main
fill material into some of the passages of these features if these
features were only to be filled with fill which was carried over
from the other side of the pillow. With captured fill, the features
may maintain a more textured look.
[0040] The second configuration 102 of the transformable pillow
system 100, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, may include a collar end 124
with two tubular collar sections 121, 122, which may also include
ornamental aspects on the ends of the tubular collar sections 121,
122, such as the head 123 and feet 126 of an animal character. A
closed zipper 125 is seen at the base of the collar end 124 of the
pillow. Some aspects, such as the ears in this example, may have
captured fill.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates the transformable pillow system 100
wherein the first end 130 and the second end 131 are both spread
out on either side of the reversible zipper 125. FIGS. 4A-D
illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from
the posture as seen in FIG. 3 and is transformed to the second
configuration 102 with a collar, as seen in FIG. 5. The pillow
system 100 has a pillowcase 132 with the first end 130 with
features of an animal character, and a second end 131 with a collar
pillow, which also may have animal feature characteristics on the
ends of the tubular collar sections. The first end 130 and the
second end 131 are separated by a reversible zipper system 125 in
some embodiments.
[0042] In order to allow for transformation into the second
configuration 102, the pillowcase 132 may be held vertically with
the second end 131 downward. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 4A,
the pillowcase 132 is partially filled with a fill material 133.
Although the overall pillowcase 132 may be viewed as only partially
filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill
material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the
collar pillow portion of the second end 102, that end will be
substantially filled.
[0043] A reversible zipper system 125 uses flaps 134 which allow
portions of the zipper 135 to fasten to each other in order to
capture a first or second configuration of the pillow system. As
part of this transformation, the first end 130 of the pillow case
may be rolled up and placed into the collar end of the pillow case,
below the zipper. With the fill material 133 all below the zipper,
and then the rolled up first end 130 also placed below the zipper,
these components substantially fill the second end 131 of the
pillowcase 132 such that when the zipper is now closed the pillow
system presents the second, collared, configuration 102 of the
pillow system. The captured fill of certain features, such as ears,
may be retained in the emptied end. As seen in FIGS. 4C and then
FIG. 4D, the rolled up first end 130 of the pillowcase is
ultimately placed below the zipper and forms part of the stuffing
of the pillow, along with the fill material 133. When the zipper is
fastened, the pillow has taken the second configuration 102, with a
collar pillow as well as aspects of animal characters on the
tubular sections.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates the transformable pillow system 100
wherein the first end 130 and the second end 131 are both spread
out on either side of the reversible zipper 125. FIGS. 7A-D
illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from
the posture as seen in FIG. 6 and is put into the first
configuration 101, as was seen in FIG. 1. In order to allow for
transformation into the first configuration 101, the pillowcase 132
may be held vertically with the first end 130 downward and the
second end 131 raised. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 7A, the
pillowcase 132 is partially filled with a fill material 133.
Although the overall pillowcase 132 may be viewed as only partially
filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill
material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the first
end 101, that end will be substantially filled.
[0045] The reversible zipper system 125 uses flaps 134 which allow
portions of the zipper 135 to fasten to each other in order to this
other configuration of the pillow system. As part of this
transformation, the second end 131 of the pillow case may be rolled
up and placed into the first end of the pillow case, below the
zipper. With the fill material 133 all below the zipper, and then
the rolled up second end 131 also placed below the zipper, these
components substantially fill the first end 130 of the pillowcase
132 such that when the zipper is now closed the pillow system
presents the first configuration 101 of the pillow system. Captured
fill within features such as ears may be retained by the otherwise
emptied end.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a transformable pillow system using
another fastening system according to some embodiments of the
present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system
may use a fastening system such as hook and loop fasteners. FIG. 9
illustrates the transformable pillow system wherein the first end
140 and the second end 141 are both spread out on either side of a
hook and loop fastener system 145. FIGS. 10A-B illustrate
cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from the posture
as seen in FIG. 9 and is put into a first configuration, as was
seen in FIG. 8. In order to allow for transformation into the first
configuration, the pillowcase 142 may be held vertically with the
first end 140 raised and the second end 141 downward. As seen in
cross-section in FIG. 10B, the pillowcase 142 is partially filled
with a fill material 133. Although the overall pillowcase 142 may
be viewed as only partially filled, the amount of fill material 133
is such that when the fill material is put all to one side of
pillow system, such as the first end, that end will be
substantially filled.
[0047] The hook and loop fastener system 145 uses flaps 144 which
allow portions of the hook and loop fastener system 145 to fasten
to each other in order to this other configuration of the pillow
system. As part of this transformation, the end 140 of the pillow
case may be rolled up and placed into the collar end 141 of the
pillow case, below the hook and loop fasteners. With the fill
material 133 all below the hook and loop fasteners, and then the
rolled up first end 140 also placed below the hook and loop
fasteners, these components substantially fill the second end 141
of the pillowcase 142 such that when the hook and loop fasteners
are closed the pillow system presents the collared configuration of
the pillow system.
[0048] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a transformable pillow system
using another fastening system according to some embodiments of the
present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system
may use a fastening system such as buttons and button holes. A
first end 150 allows for a pillow with a character, such as an
animal. The character may have features 154, such as ears, which
have fill separate from the main fill. The separate fill may allow
for the features to maintain their shape without the need to
carefully refill the feature with fill from the main fill when the
pillow is transformed from one configuration to the other. FIG. 12
illustrates a collared configuration 151 which may include a
character 158 on one of the collar ends. The character 158 on the
collar end may also have features 153, such as ears, which may
include fill which remains in the feature, separate from the main
fill of the pillowcase.
[0049] FIGS. 13A-B illustrate cross-sectional views of the first
end 150 of a transformable pillow system as the pillow is
transformed into a character feature. The collar end 151 is seen in
FIG. 13B as it is rolled and placed into the first end 150. The
features, such as ears, 153 seen on the collar end with a character
head 158 are all placed together with the main fill into the first
end of the pillow case. The buttons 156 and button holes 157 are
used to capture the second end of the pillow case and the main fill
to complete the transformation.
[0050] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a first configuration 20l and a
second configuration 202 of a transformable pillow system according
to a second embodiment 200 of the present invention. The pillow is
transformable from the first configuration 201 to the second
configuration 202, and also transformable from the second
configuration 202 to the first configuration 201. As seen in FIG.
15, the first configuration 201 may be a pillow that has aspects of
an animal character. The three dimensional aspect of the animal
character still has significant amount of smooth surface such that
a comfortable head supporting function is attainable in this first
animal character configuration 201. In some aspects, the character
ends still comprise a substantially rectangular pillow shape.
[0051] The first configuration 201 of the transformable pillow
system 200 may include features of an animal character, which may
endear the pillow system to children. A head 215 of an animal
character, such as a dog, may include eyes, 214, a nose 213, and
ears 212. The paws 211 may also be simulated as part of the first
pillow configuration, while maintaining a significant area
available for use as a traditional flat pillow surface. The
character features, such as eyes, nose, and ears, may contain their
own fill material that is captured within the character feature.
The captured fill material may allow for the feature, such as ears,
to have fill in it when the pillow is in a particular
configuration, as it may be somewhat difficult to route the main
fill material into some of the passages of these features. With
captured fill, the features may maintain a more textured look.
[0052] The second configuration 202 of the transformable pillow
system 200 may include a second character 223 that may represent
another animal character, or a fanciful character. A closed zipper
225 is seen at the base of the pillow.
[0053] In some embodiments, the fill used in the transformable
pillow system may comprise fill which includes natural or synthetic
fragrances. In some aspects, there may be an opening, such as a
zippered opening, adapted to allow for addition to the fill, or
complete replacement of the fill, if desired. Fill with an aromatic
aspect, such as herbs, or other fragrance related materials, may be
added to provide an aromatherapy aspect to the use of the
transformable pillow system. In the case of a pillow system adapted
for children, the aromatic aspect may enhance the comfort for the
child allowing for a better sleep experience.
[0054] In some embodiments, the fill used in the transformable
pillow system may be adapted to retain when heated, such as with a
microwave. The use of heated fill, and also aromatic fill, in
conjunction with animal type characters allows for use by a child
such that the child may be very comfortable, and may allow for a
better sleep experience.
[0055] FIG. 16 illustrates the transformable pillow system 200
wherein the first end 230 and the second end 231 are both spread
out on either side of the reversible zipper 225. FIGS. 17A-D
illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from
the posture as seen in FIG. 15 and is transformed to the second
configuration 202 , as seen in FIG. 14. The pillow system 200 has a
pillowcase with the first end 230 with features of an animal
character, and a second end 231 with the features of a fanciful
character. The first end 230 and the second end 231 are separated
by a reversible zipper system 225 in some embodiments.
[0056] In order to allow for transformation into the second
configuration 202, the pillowcase may be held vertically with the
second end 231 downward. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 17A, the
pillowcase is partially filled with a fill material 133. Although
the overall pillowcase may be viewed as only partially filled, the
amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill material is
put all to one side of pillow system, such as the second end 202,
that end will be substantially filled.
[0057] A reversible zipper system 225 uses flaps 234 which allow
portions of the zipper 235 to fasten to each other in order to
capture a first or second configuration of the pillow system. As
part of this transformation, the first end 230 of the pillow case
may be rolled up and placed into the collar end of the pillow case,
below the zipper. With the fill material 133 all below the zipper,
and then the rolled up first end 230 also placed below the zipper,
these components substantially fill the second end 231 of the
pillowcase such that when the zipper is now closed the pillow
system presents the second, fanciful character, configuration 202
of the pillow system. As seen in FIGS. 17C and then FIG. 17D, the
rolled up first end 230 of the pillowcase is ultimately placed
below the zipper and forms part of the stuffing of the pillow,
along with the fill material 133. When the zipper is fastened, the
pillow has taken the second configuration 202.
[0058] FIG. 18 illustrates the transformable pillow system 200
wherein the first end 230 and the second end 231 are both spread
out on either side of the reversible zipper 225. FIGS. 19A-D
illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from
the posture as seen in FIG. 14 and is put into the first
configuration 101, as was seen in FIG. 15. In order to allow for
transformation into the first configuration 201, the pillowcase may
be held vertically with the first end 230 downward and the second
end 231 raised. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 19A, the
pillowcase is partially filled with a main fill material 133.
Although the overall pillowcase may be viewed as only partially
filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill
material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the first
end 201, that end will be substantially filled.
[0059] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a transformable pillow system
using another fastening system according to some embodiments of the
present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system
may use a fastening system such as hook and loop fasteners. The
hook and loop fastener system 245 uses flaps which allow portions
of the hook and loop fastener system 245 to fasten to each other in
order to this other configuration of the pillow system. As part of
this transformation, the end of the pillow case may be rolled up
and placed into the opposite end of the pillow case, below the hook
and loop fasteners. With the fill material 133 all below the hook
and loop fasteners, and then the rolled up first end also placed
below the hook and loop fasteners, these components substantially
fill the second end of the pillowcase such that when the hook and
loop fasteners are closed the pillow system presents the collared
configuration of the pillow system.
[0060] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a transformable pillow system
using another fastening system according to some embodiments of the
present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system
may use a fastening system such as buttons and button holes 255. A
first end allows for a pillow with a character, such as an animal.
The character may have features, such as ears, which have fill
separate from the main fill. The separate fill may allow for the
features to maintain their shape without the need to carefully
refill the feature with fill from the main fill when the pillow is
transformed from one configuration to the other.
[0061] FIGS. 24 through 30 illustrate a transformable pillow system
according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The
pillow is transformable from a first character configuration to a
second character configuration. The three dimensional aspect of the
character configurations still have a significant amount of smooth
surface such that a comfortable head supporting function is
attainable. The character configurations may allow a child to feel
more comfortable such that the sleeping experience is enhanced. In
some aspects, the fill may include fill adapted to retain heat,
such as when the pillow system is placed in a microwave. In some
aspects, the pillow system may utilize fill which includes an
aromatic aspect.
[0062] As evident from the above description, a wide variety of
embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and
additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is,
therefore, not limited to the specific details and illustrative
examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such
details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of
the applicant's general invention.
* * * * *