U.S. patent application number 15/148899 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-26 for pillow apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Banyan Licensing L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Edmund Scott Davis, Calvin Tabor.
Application Number | 20170020312 15/148899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57836458 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170020312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Edmund Scott ; et
al. |
January 26, 2017 |
PILLOW APPARATUS
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to a pillow apparatus that
can be turned inside out to expose the internal filler material.
Typically, the pillow apparatus in configured for thorough cleaning
via a conventional home washing machine and dryer. In some
embodiments, the cushion apparatus comprises an outer shell and a
filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least
one enclosed compartment. The pillow apparatus further comprises a
filler material contained within the at least one enclosed
compartment.
Inventors: |
Davis; Edmund Scott;
(Clover, SC) ; Tabor; Calvin; (Charlotte,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Banyan Licensing L.L.C. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57836458 |
Appl. No.: |
15/148899 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62157938 |
May 6, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20130101; A47G
2009/001 20130101; A47G 2009/1018 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10; A47G 9/04 20060101 A47G009/04; A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A pillow apparatus, comprising: an outer shell; a filter barrier
connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed
compartment; a filler material contained within the at least one
enclosed compartment; and wherein the outer shell comprises at
least one opening, the at least one opening configured to be in a
first position and a second position, wherein in the first position
the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier and
filler material are entirely contained within the outer shell, and
wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open
such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is
contained within the filter barrier.
2. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the second
position the at least one opening is open such that the outer shell
may be turned inside out so that the filter barrier is exposed.
3. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second
position is an inside-out position such that the outer shell and
filler material are entirely contained within the filter
barrier.
4. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening is
positioned along a first adjacent lateral side of the outer
shell.
5. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening is
positioned along two or more adjacent lateral sides of the outer
shell.
6. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell
is constructed out of synthetic fabrics, natural fabrics, allergy
barrier materials, tightly woven barriers, and/or coated
barriers.
7. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filler
material is configured to provide resiliency and support to the
pillow apparatus, wherein the filler material comprises fiber or
poly beads, polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollow petrochemical
beads, and/or expanded polystyrene beads.
8. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filler
material comprises one or more apertures having a predetermined
hole size, wherein the hole size of the one or more apertures is
configured to be small enough to contain the filler material and
large enough to allow contaminants to pass on washing.
9. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter
barrier comprises a mesh.
10. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one opening is configured to be opened and closed using zippers
hooks, loop fasteners, and/or snaps.
11. A method of manufacturing a pillow apparatus, comprising:
providing an outer shell comprising at least one opening; providing
a filter barrier and a filler material; placing the filler material
proximate an inner surface of the outer shell; connecting the
filter barrier to the outer shell so as to form at least one
enclosed compartment such that the filler material is contained
within the at least one enclosed compartment; and wherein the at
least one opening is configured to be in a first position and a
second position, wherein in the first position the at least one
opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are
entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the
second position the at least one opening is open such that the
filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained
within the filter barrier.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/157,938, filed May 6, 2015, entitled "Pillow
Apparatus," the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to support devices and, more
specifically, an anti-allergy, pillow apparatus that can be turned
inside out to expose the internal filler material for a thorough
cleaning via a conventional home washing machine and dryer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A pillow is generally useful for the purpose of rendering
comfort or support to a user. Conventional pillows are manufactured
using "pillow-filler material" such as high resilient ("RR")
urethane foam formed by means of conventional molding processes
providing the desired density and stability to the foam. However,
these pillows retain, dust, bacteria and other contaminants since
it is not possible to clean them.
[0004] Conventional solutions focus on keeping allergens out of the
pillow by having the external shell or casing of the pillow made
from a very tightly woven barrier, or a polymer coated barrier, to
prevent mold spores, pollen, dust mites and other contaminants from
entering the interior of the pillow. However, this shell or casing
does not protect the pillow from contaminants that could penetrate
the shell or casing like sweat, viruses or bacteria and then
internally contaminate the pillow. Thus, there is a need for a
pillow apparatus with anti-allergic properties that can be washed
and cleaned.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a pillow
apparatus, comprising: an outer shell; a filter barrier connected
to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment;
and a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed
compartment. Typically, the outer shell comprises at least one
opening, the at least one opening being configured to be in a first
position and a second position. In the first position the at least
one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material
are entirely contained within the outer shell. In the second
position the at least one opening is open such that the filter
barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the
filter barrier.
[0006] In some embodiments, in the second position the at least one
opening is open such that the outer shell may be turned inside out
so that the filter barrier is exposed.
[0007] In some embodiments or in combination with the previous
embodiment, the second position is an inside-out position such that
the outer shell and filler material are entirely contained within
the filter barrier.
[0008] In some embodiments or in combination with any of the
previous embodiments, the opening is positioned along a first
adjacent lateral side of the outer shell.
[0009] In some embodiments or in combination with any of the
previous embodiments, wherein the opening is positioned along two
or more adjacent lateral sides of the outer shell.
[0010] In some embodiments or in combination with any of the
previous embodiments, the outer shell is constructed out of
synthetic fabrics, natural fabrics, allergy barrier materials,
tightly woven barriers, and/or coated barriers.
[0011] In some embodiments or in combination with any of the
previous embodiments, the filler material is configured to provide
resiliency and support to the pillow apparatus, wherein the filler
material comprises fiber or poly beads, polyfiber, reticulated
foam, hollow petrochemical beads, and/or expanded polystyrene
beads.
[0012] In some embodiments or in combination with any of the
previous embodiments, the filler material comprises one or more
apertures having a predetermined hole size, wherein the hole size
of the one or more apertures is configured to be small enough to
contain the filler material and large enough to allow contaminants
to pass on washing.
[0013] In some embodiments or in combination with any of the
previous embodiments, the filter barrier comprises a mesh.
[0014] In some embodiments or in combination with any of the
previous embodiments, the at least one opening is configured to be
opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, and/or
snaps.
[0015] Other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a
method of manufacturing the pillow apparatus of the previous
embodiments by: providing an outer shell comprising at least one
opening; providing a filter barrier and a filler material; placing
the filler material proximate an inner surface of the outer shell;
connecting the filter barrier to the outer shell so as to form at
least one enclosed compartment such that the filler material is
contained within the at least one enclosed compartment; wherein the
at least one opening is configured to be in a first position and a
second position, wherein in the first position the at least one
opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are
entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the
second position the at least one opening is open such that the
filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained
within the filter barrier.
[0016] Yet other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a
method of washing the pillow apparatus of the previous embodiments
by: opening the at least one opening to render the outer shell into
the second position, wherein in the second position the at least
one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the
filled material is contained within the filter barrier; turning the
pillow apparatus inside out, via the at least one opening in the
second position, such that the outer shell and filler material are
entirely contained within the filter barrier; and washing the
pillow apparatus.
[0017] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the
one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully
described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following
description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain
illustrative features of the one or more embodiments. These
features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways
in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed, and
this description is intended to include all such embodiments and
their equivalents.
[0018] The features, functions, and advantages that have been
discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of
the present invention or may be combined with yet other
embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to
the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The foregoing and other advantages and features of the
invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will
become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following
detail description of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary
embodiments and which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 1b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, that has been turned inside out, in accordance with the
embodiment of FIG. 1a;
[0022] FIG. 1c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, with the zipper open, in accordance with the embodiment
of FIG. 1a;
[0023] FIG. 2a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 2b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, that has been turned inside out, in accordance with the
embodiment of FIG. 2a;
[0025] FIG. 2c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, with the zipper open, in accordance with the embodiment
of FIG. 2a;
[0026] FIG. 3a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 3b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, that has been turned inside out, in accordance with the
embodiment of FIG. 3a; and
[0028] FIG. 3c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow
apparatus, with the zipper open, in accordance with the embodiment
of FIG. 3a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. This
invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0030] FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate a pillow apparatus 100, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. The pillow apparatus 100
includes an outer shell 110, filler material 120 and filter barrier
130. The configuration of these components is described below in
detail. The pillow apparatus 100 can comprise more or fewer
components as required for various embodiments.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1a, the outer shell 110 of the pillow
apparatus 100 comprises a first surface 111 and a second surface
112. The first surface 111 may be a flat surface or a
three-dimensional contoured surface and the first surface 111 may
be shaped like a rectangle, a polygon or any other suitable
curvilinear shape with sharp or curved corners. The second surface
112 may be shaped like a rectangle, a polygon or any suitable
curvilinear shape. The second surface 112 can be a flat surface or
a three-dimensional contoured surface. The pillow apparatus 100
comprises a first lateral side 113, a second lateral side 114, a
third lateral side 115 and a fourth lateral side 116, each of which
extends between and separates the first surface 111 and the second
surface 112. The thickness of the pillow apparatus is defined as
the distance between the first surface 111 and the second surface
112, measured on a plane perpendicular to both the first surface
111 and the second surface 112. The thickness of the pillow
apparatus can either be constant or variable. Each of the first
lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115
and fourth lateral side 116 has an edge at the first surface 111:
first edge 113a, second edge 114a, third edge 115a, and second edge
116a. Each of the first edge 113a, second edge 114a, third edge
115a, and second edge 116a of the first lateral side 113, second
lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side
116, respectively, adjacent the first surface 111 can be defined by
a sharp corner, a bevel, a chamfer, a fillet or any other suitable
contour between the first surface 111 and the respective first
lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115
and fourth lateral side 116.
[0032] Each of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114,
third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116 has an edge at
the second surface 112: first edge 113b, second edge 114b, third
edge 115b, and second edge 116b. Each of the first edge 113b,
second edge 114b, third edge 115b, and second edge 116b of the
first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side
115 and fourth lateral side 116, respectively, adjacent the second
surface 112 can be defined by a sharp corner, a bevel, a chamfer, a
fillet or any other suitable contour between the second surface 112
and the respective first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114,
third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116.
[0033] The outer shell 110 has an external surface and an internal
surface on the opposite side. The external surface comprises the
first surface 111, second surface 112, first lateral side 113,
second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral
side 116. The internal surface comprises inner surfaces of the
first surface 111, second surface 112, first lateral side 113,
second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral
side 116. The outer shell 110 preferably covers the filler material
120, wherein the filler material 120 is in contact with the
internal surface of the outer shell 110 at one or multiple
points.
[0034] The outer shell 110 can be constructed using a variety of
materials, including synthetic and natural fabrics and
natural/synthetic blends. The outer shell 110 is preferably made
from allergy barrier materials comprising, but not limited to,
tightly woven barriers, coated barriers to prevent mold spores,
pollen, dust mites, and other contaminants from entering through
the outer shell 100. The gauge measurement of the outer shell 110
(i.e., the number of needles per inch or per 11/2 inches in a
knitting machine) is preferably large enough to ensure a finer
knit.
[0035] The filler material 120 provides resiliency and support to
the pillow apparatus 100. In other words, the filler material 120
allows the pillow apparatus 100 to conform to the user's shape and
is resilient enough to regain its original shape. The filler
material 120 can have a shape similar to or different from that of
the outer shell 110 and can have similar or different dimensions.
In one embodiment, the filler material 120 has a first surface, a
second surface, first lateral side, a second lateral side, a third
lateral side and a fourth lateral side (not shown) parallel to the
first surface 111, second surface 112, first lateral side 113,
second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral
side 116 of the outer shell 110. In some embodiments, as noted
above, the filler material 120 may be shaped differently than the
outer shell 110. The filler material 120 can be fabricated as a
single part or multiple parts. In some embodiments the filter
material 120 comprises two or more parts. In some embodiments, the
filler material 120 can be made from one or more materials,
including in some embodiments a loose material such as fiber or
poly beads. In some embodiments, the filler material 120 may
comprise polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollow petrochemical beads,
expanded polystyrene beads or any other materials that collectively
allow the filler material 120 to have the resilient, conforming and
supporting properties even after extended use and repeated washing
and drying.
[0036] The filter barrier 130 may be connected to the outer shell
110 so as to form at least one enclosed compartment. For example,
one or more edges of lateral sides of the filter barrier 130 may be
attached to proximate edges/proximate inner surface of the outer
shell 110, to defining a volume between the filter barrier 130 and
the inner surface of the outer shell 110 for receiving the filler
material 120. Typically, the filter barrier 130 together with the
outer shell 110 contains the filler material 120 in the at least
one enclosed compartments. The filter barrier 130 can be fabricated
as a single part or multiple parts. The filter barrier 130 can be
made from one or more materials. The filter barrier 130 can be a
knit or woven, or non-woven textile material with a predetermined
permeability to allow the larger dust mites or invaders as large as
bed bugs to wash clear. The permeability of this material will also
aid in drying the filler material 120 and the pillow apparatus 100
from the inside out. The pillow apparatus 100 can be dried in a
clothes dryer, can be air dried, can be dried by shaking the pillow
apparatus vigorously or can be dried by any other means. The filter
barrier may comprise one or more apertures/holes or a plurality of
apertures/holes, each having a predetermined aperture/hole size.
The predetermined hole size of the apertures of the filter barrier
130 is configured to be small enough to hold and contain the filler
material 120 and large enough to allow the contaminants to pass on
washing. In some embodiments, the hole size of the apertures of the
filter barrier 130 is smaller than sizes of apertures of the outer
shell 110. In some embodiments the hole size is greater than 20
microns to allow small dust mites to wash out. In some embodiments
the holes on the filter barrier 130 have a fixed, repetitive
pattern. In some embodiments the holes are placed in a random
fashion on the filter barrier 130. The frequency and the percentage
hole area of the holes on the filter barrier 130 is configured such
that it allows the contaminants to flow out freely along with the
washing liquid, while maintaining the strength and structural
integrity of the filter barrier 130. In some embodiments the hole
size is sufficiently small to retain the filler material over
repeated wash and dry cycles.
[0037] In some embodiments the filler material 120 and the filter
barrier 130 are made of materials that have a predetermined high
permeability and predetermined high wickability. As used herein,
wickability of the filler material and the filter barrier means the
ability of the filler material and the filter barrier to disperse
moisture and allow it to pass through to the surface of the fabric,
so that evaporation can take place. In some embodiments the filler
material 120 and the filter barrier 130 comprise performance
fabrics to provide functional qualities like moisture management,
UV protection, anti-microbial, thermoregulation and wind and water
resistance. In some embodiments the filter barrier 130 comprises a
mesh. As used herein, a "mesh" is a type of fabric characterized by
its net-like open appearance, and the spaces between the yarns.
Mesh is available in a variety of constructions including wovens,
knits, laces, or crocheted fabrics. In some embodiments the filler
material 120 and the filter barrier 130 comprise a bacteriostat,
fungal stat or antimicrobial material. As used herein, a
bacteriostat means a material that kills the bacteria, slows growth
or holding the death to growth rates of bacteria more or less in
equilibrium, and/or inhibits bacteria growth. As used herein, a
fungal stat means a material that kills the fungus, slows growth or
holding the death to growth rates of fungus more or less in
equilibrium, and/or inhibits fungus growth.
[0038] The outer shell 110, filler material 120 and/or the filter
barrier 130 can be constructed from a hydrophobic material. This
hydrophobic property can be achieved throughout the material or
only on part of the material or a region of the material. In some
embodiments the hydrophobic property can be achieved on the exposed
surfaces by spraying hydrophobic coatings, by adsorption, by
absorption or by other means. The hydrophobic property may be
achieved by particle deposition, vapor deposition, plasma
treatments, by sol-gel techniques or by any other suitable means.
The coatings can be polymer coatings or any other non-toxic
substances. The coatings may comprise non-polar substances. The
coatings can be silicones and fluorocarbons. In some embodiments
the hydrophobic coatings have anti-allergic properties,
anti-microbial agents to protect against bacteria, fungi and
viruses and other microorganisms. The coatings may be a
nano-particle coating. The hydrophobic property means that the
contact angle of a fluid droplet resting on the surface of the
coated/treated surface is greater than 90 degrees. The coatings may
be ultra-hydrophobic or super-hydrophobic substances; in this case
the contact angle is preferably greater than 150 degrees. The
super-hydrophobic coatings can comprise manganese oxide
polystyrene, zinc oxide polystyrene, precipitated calcium
carbonate, carbon nano-tube structures, silica nano-tube coating or
any other suitable substance. The coatings may have a self-cleaning
property that may be achieved by using low surface energy coatings,
for example self-assembled monolayers (SAM) coatings. It is
understood that the materials and coatings described above can be
used to construct the outer shell 110, filler material 120 and/or
the filter barrier 130 instead of coating such component in whole
or in part, wherever applicable or utilized in any other method to
impart the desired properties to the pillow apparatus 100.
[0039] In some embodiments the coatings can have lipophobic and
oleophobic properties. The coatings can comprise fluropolymer based
solids like perfluropolyether. The filler material 120 and the
filter barrier 130 may be constructed with plastic. The outer shell
110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130 may have
antimicrobial properties. They can comprise of polymeric biocides
or any other material with the ability to inhibit the growth of
microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or protozoans. The
antimicrobial properties may be achieved by using coatings. The
coatings can comprise metallic ions that inhibit microorganism
growth like silver ions, copper ions etc. The outer shell 110,
filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130 can comprise odor
repulsion properties. In some embodiments, the filler material 120
and the filter barrier 130 may comprise triclosan, chitosan,
cyclodextrin, metallic salts, nano-sized metals, metal oxides like
silver, titanium, zinc, copper oxides and the like.
[0040] The outer shell 110 comprises at least one opening 140. In
one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1c, the opening 140 is
positioned at the first edge 113a of the first later side 113. The
opening 140 may run throughout the length of the first edge 113a or
a portion of the length of first edge 113a. The opening may also be
positioned at the second edge 114a, third edge 115a, or second edge
116a of the second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 or
fourth lateral side 116, respectively, or at the first edge 113b,
second edge 114b, third edge 115b, or second edge 116b of the first
lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115
and fourth lateral side 116, respectively. In some embodiments
there are multiple openings 140 on the outer shell 110 positioned
at the first edge 113a, second edge 114a, third edge 115a, and/or
second edge 116a of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side
114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116,
respectively, or at the first edge 113b, second edge 114b, third
edge 115b, and/or second edge 116b of the first lateral side 113,
second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral
side 116, respectively. The opening 140 may be straight, curved or
any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the openings 140
separate the pillow apparatus 100 into multiple distinct sections
or compartments each with filler materials 120. The opening 140 can
be opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, snaps or
other suitable means. FIG. 1a illustrates the opening 140 with a
zipper in a closed position. FIG. 1c illustrates the zipper opened,
exposing the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130.
[0041] In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIGS.
1a-1c, the pillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out to expose
the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 as illustrated
in FIG. 1b. The pillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out by
pulling the zipper to render the opening 140 in an open position as
illustrated in FIG. 1c. Next, a slight force is applied on the
third lateral side 115 (or any lateral side opposite the opening)
towards the opening 140 to push the third lateral side 115 through
the opening 140. This causes the pillow apparatus 100 to be turned
inside out. The inside out pillow apparatus 100 as illustrated in
FIG. 1b can cleaned from inside out. In the first position
illustrated in FIG. 1a, the at least one opening is closed and the
filter barrier 130 and filler material 120 are entirely contained
within the outer shell. Here, the outer shell 110 is substantially
exposed. In the second, inside-out position illustrated in FIG. 1b,
the filler material 120 and the outer shell 110 are entirely
contained within the filter barrier 130, while the filter barrier
130 is substantially exposed.
[0042] In some embodiments the opening or opening(s) 140 exists on
two adjacent edges, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
2a-2c. Here, the pillow apparatus comprises a first portion of the
filter barrier 130 and the first surface 111 defining a first
enclosed compartment between them. Furthermore, the pillow
apparatus comprises a second portion of the filter barrier 130 and
the second surface 112 of the outer shell 110, defining a second
enclosed compartment between them. According to this embodiment,
the pillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out by pulling the
zipper to render the opening or openings 140 in an open position as
illustrated in FIG. 2c. Next, a slight force is applied on the
third lateral side 115 (or any lateral side opposite the opening)
towards the opening 140 to push the third lateral side 115 through
the opening 140. This causes the pillow apparatus 100 to be turned
inside out to reveal two compartments containing filler materials
120, both having a filter barrier 130. The inside out pillow
apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2b can cleaned from inside
out.
[0043] In some embodiments, the opening or opening(s) 140 exists on
a first edge and two adjacent edges also, as in the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3c. In this embodiment, when the opening or
opening(s) are opened, the pillow apparatus 100 can be opened like
a book, as illustrated in FIG. 3c to reveal two compartments
containing filler materials 120, both having a filter barrier 130.
The inside out pillow apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3b can
cleaned from inside out. This embodiment is advantageous in that it
is easier to balance in a washing machine during the spin cycle as
weight is less concentrated and is distributed over twice the
area.
[0044] In some embodiments (not shown), the opening or opening(s)
140 exists on each edge around the entire perimeter of the outer
shell 110 such that the pillow apparatus 100 can be separated into
two sections to wash and can then be reassembled after drying.
[0045] The pillow apparatus can be washed and cleaned by hand, via
a conventional home washing machine or any other suitable means.
The filter barrier 130 serves to contain the filler material 120,
while allowing water and other cleaning fluids to enter freely and
remove contaminants through this filter barrier 130, thereby
effectively aiding the cleaning and the drying process. The filter
barrier 130 is a filter in the context that it retains the filler
materials and allows the contaminants and cleaning fluids to freely
pass through. This construction of the filter barrier 130, the
filler material 120 and the inside out configuration of the pillow
apparatus 100 allows the pillow apparatus 100 to be cleaned and
dried quickly and efficiently. A side benefit of this method of
cleaning is that the pillow apparatus 100 will regain its original
loft or form after extended use by easily washing and drying.
[0046] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In addition, where
possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant
to also include the plural form and/or vice versa. As used herein,
"at least one" shall mean "one or more" and these phrases are
intended to be interchangeable. Accordingly, the terms "a" and/or
"an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more," even though the
phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein.
* * * * *