U.S. patent application number 15/724982 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for expandable bed pillow.
The applicant listed for this patent is Standard Fiber, LLC. Invention is credited to Chun Leung Chan, Jing Chen, Russ Holbrook.
Application Number | 20180325291 15/724982 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64096069 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180325291 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holbrook; Russ ; et
al. |
November 15, 2018 |
EXPANDABLE BED PILLOW
Abstract
An expandable pillow cover includes a first layer and a second
layer positioned opposite first layer to define an interior space
therebetween. The first and second layers are joined to one another
at at least junctures of at least two opposing openable sides, and
at least two other sides, the at least two opposing openable sides
being between the two other sides, wherein the openable sides and
the other sides define four corners at which the first and second
layers are joined to one another. Gusset panels are positioned
between the first layer and the second layer in the interior space
and adjacent the at least two opposing openable sides. At least two
fasteners, one at each of the at least two opposing openable sides
movable independently of each other between an open condition and a
closed condition. The cover is adjustable between a first condition
where one or both of the fasteners are fastened to contract its
respective gusset panel and the interior space has a first volume,
and a second condition where one or both of the fasteners are
unfastened to expand its respective gusset panel and the interior
space has a second volume greater than the first volume.
Inventors: |
Holbrook; Russ; (Matthews,
NC) ; Chan; Chun Leung; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Chen; Jing; (Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Standard Fiber, LLC |
Burlingame |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64096069 |
Appl. No.: |
15/724982 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62504815 |
May 11, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2009/1018 20130101;
A47G 9/10 20130101; A47G 9/04 20130101; A47G 9/0253 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02; A47G 9/10 20060101 A47G009/10; A47G 9/04 20060101
A47G009/04 |
Claims
1. An expandable pillow cover comprising: a first layer; a second
layer positioned opposite to the first layer to define an interior
space therebetween, the first and second layers being joined to one
another at at least junctures of at least two opposing openable
sides, and at least two other sides, the at least two opposing
openable sides being between the two other sides, wherein the
openable sides and the other sides define four corners at which the
first and second layers are joined to one another; gusset panels
positioned between the first layer and the second layer in the
interior space and adjacent the at least two opposing openable
sides; and at least two fasteners, one at each of the at least two
opposing openable sides, the at least two fasteners movable
independently of each other between an open condition and a closed
condition, wherein the cover is adjustable between a first
condition where one or both of the fasteners are fastened to
contract its respective gusset panel and the interior space has a
first volume, and a second condition where one or both of the
fasteners are unfastened to expand its respective gusset panel and
the interior space has a second volume greater than the first
volume.
2. The expandable pillow cover of claim 1 wherein the pillow cover
has two opposing long sides and two opposing short sides between
the opposing long sides, and wherein the at least two openable
sides are two opposing short sides.
3. The expandable pillow cover of claim 1 wherein the pillow cover
has two opposing long sides and two opposing short sides between
the opposing long sides, and wherein the at least two openable
sides are two opposing long sides.
4. The expandable pillow cover of claim 1 wherein the pillow cover
has two opposing long sides and two opposing short sides between
the opposing long sides, the pillow cover having four fasteners,
one fastener positioned on each of the long sides and the short
sides and wherein all of the sides are openable sides.
5. The expandable pillow cover of claim 1 wherein the fasteners are
zippers.
6. The expandable pillow cover of claim 5 wherein the zippers
extend fully to the corners of the pillow cover.
7. An expandable pillow comprising: a cover having a first layer, a
second layer, and a gusset positioned between the first layer and
the second layer, the cover defining an interior space and further
comprising an opening for allowing access to the interior space; a
fastener extending about a periphery of the cover; and at least one
insert disposed in the interior space, wherein, the cover is
movable between a first condition where the fastener is fastened
and the interior space has a first volume, and second condition
where the fastener is unfastened and the interior space has a
second volume greater than the first volume.
8. The expandable pillow of claim 7, wherein the fastener includes
first and second spaced apart sections configured to engage one
another to fasten the fastener and disengage one another to
unfasten the fastener.
9. The expandable pillow of claim 7, wherein the fastener extends
about a portion of the periphery of the cover.
10. The expandable pillow of claim 7, wherein the fastener extends
completely about the periphery of the cover.
11. The expandable pillow of claim 7, wherein the gusset is
expandable between a closed position within the interior space
corresponding to the first condition, and an open position spacing
apart the first and second layers, corresponding to the second
condition.
12. The expandable pillow of claim 7, wherein the at least one
insert includes a first insert having a first insert volume, and
the first insert is disposed in the interior space in the first
condition.
13. The expandable pillow of claim 12, wherein the at least one
insert includes a second insert having a second insert volume, and
the first and second inserts are disposed in the interior space in
the second condition.
14. The expandable pillow of claim 7, wherein the opening is formed
in the gusset.
15. The expandable pillow of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a
slide fastener.
16. An expandable pillow cover comprising: a first layer; a second
layer positioned opposite to the first layer to define an interior
space therebetween; a gusset positioned between the first layer and
the second layer; an outer periphery defined by at least one of the
first layer, the second layer and the gusset; an opening for
allowing access to the interior space; and a fastener extending
about the outer periphery, wherein the cover is adjustable between
a first condition where the fastener is fastened and the interior
space has a first volume, and second condition where the fastener
is unfastened and the interior space has a second volume greater
than the first volume.
17. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein the fastener
includes first and second spaced apart sections configured to
engage one another to fasten the fastener and disengage one another
to unfasten the fastener.
18. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein the fastener
extends about a portion of the outer periphery.
19. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein the fastener
extends completely about the outer periphery
20. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein the gusset is
expandable between a closed position within the interior space
corresponding to the first condition, and an open position spacing
apart the first and second layers, corresponding to the second
condition.
21. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein the opening is
formed in the gusset.
22. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein the opening is
formed in one of the first layer and the second layer.
23. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein the opening is
selectively opened and closed with a slide fastener.
24. The expandable pillow cover of claim 16, wherein in the first
condition, the interior space is bound by the first layer, the
second layer and the fastener, and in the second condition, the
interior space is bound by the first layer, the second layer and
the gusset.
25. An expandable pillow cover comprising: a first layer; a second
layer positioned opposite to the first layer to define an interior
space therebetween, a first pair of opposing sides and a second
pair of opposing sides, the first and second layers being joined to
one another at corners of the first and second layers; zippers
positioned on each side of the first pair of opposing sides and on
each side of the second pair of opposing sides to releaseably
engage the first and second layers with each other and to define
four openable and closable sides; and a gusset positioned between
the first layer and the second layer at each of the openable and
closeable sides, wherein each of the zippers is operable
independently of the others of the zippers, to expand and contract
each side independently of each other side.
26. The expandable pillow cover of claim 25 wherein each of the
zippers extends to their respective corners.
27. The expandable pillow cover of claim 25 including an opening
for allowing access to the interior space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to
Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/504,815, filed May
11, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description relates to a pillow and pillow
cover, for example, an expandable pillow and pillow cover of the
type configured for use with a bed.
[0003] A pillow typically includes an outer layer or cover defining
an interior volume configured to have a pillow insert received
therein. The pillow insert is typically a self-contained unit
having, for example, a woven, knit or non-woven exterior having a
fill such as foam, fiber or down/feather disposed therein. The
pillow cover with the pillow insert disposed therein is configured
to provide support, cushioning and/or comfort to a user resting on
the pillow.
[0004] The pillow cover typically includes a first sheet of
material and a second sheet of material secured to one another
along their respective peripheral edges, for example, by stitching.
Some pillow covers may include a gusset between the first sheet and
the second sheet. The dimensions of the first and second sheets of
material, and the gusset (when included) determine the interior
volume. Some pillow covers include an opening through which the
pillow insert may be received into the interior volume. The opening
may be selectively opened and closed, for example, with a slide
fastener, hook and look fastener, or buttons. Other pillow covers
are closed to prevent insertion, removal or replacing the pillow
insert or fill.
[0005] Pillow covers are typically manufactured in different fixed
sizes corresponding to different standard sizes of pillow inserts.
That is, conventional pillow covers are sized to fit only a single
pillow insert in a corresponding size. Thus, pillow covers of
different sizes are required to hold pillow inserts of different
sizes. As such, when a user prefers a pillow of a different size,
for cushioning, comfort, and the like, the user must obtain a
different pillow insert and a different pillow cover corresponding
in size to the different insert.
[0006] A pillow cover may receive a pillow insert of a size smaller
than the cover is sized to fit. However, this results in excess
pillow cover material that may bunch, fold or crease around the
smaller-sized insert. The excess material may be uncomfortable
and/or aesthetically displeasing.
[0007] In addition, the loft or height and firmness of a pillow are
important characteristics. Some users prefer a pillow with grater
loft if, for example, they sleep on their side. Others, for
example, those that sleep on their back may prefer a pillow will
less loft. And, the desired firmness is a very singular
characteristic that can vary greatly from one user to the next.
[0008] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an expandable pillow
and pillow cover for receiving and fitting multiple and/or
differently sized inserts or to increase or decrease the loft and
firmness of the pillow.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to one aspect, there is provided an expandable
pillow. The expandable pillow includes a cover having a first
layer, a second layer, and one or more gussets positioned between
one or more portions of the first layer and the second layer. The
cover defines an interior space.
[0010] In an embodiment, the expandable pillow cover includes a
first layer and a second layer positioned opposite to the first
layer to define an interior space therebetween. The first and
second layers are joined to one another at at least junctures of
the at least two opposing openable sides, and at least two other
sides. The at least two opposing openable sides are between the two
other sides, such that the openable sides and the other sides
define four corners at which the first and second layers are joined
to one another.
[0011] In an embodiment, gusset panels are positioned between the
first layer and the second layer in the interior space and adjacent
the at least two opposing openable sides. At least two fasteners,
one at each of the at least two opposing openable sides are movable
independently of each other between an open condition and a closed
condition,
[0012] In such an embodiment, the cover is adjustable between a
first condition where one or both of the fasteners are fastened to
contract its respective gusset panel and the interior space has a
first volume, and a second condition where one or both of the
fasteners are unfastened to expand its respective gusset panel and
the interior space has a second volume greater than the first
volume.
[0013] The expandable pillow cover can include two opposing long
sides and two opposing short sides between the opposing long sides,
and the at least two openable sides are the two opposing short
sides. Alternately, the at least two openable sides can also be the
two opposing long sides. In an embodiment, the pillow cover has two
opposing long sides and two opposing short sides between the
opposing long sides, the pillow cover having four fasteners, one
fastener positioned on each of the long sides and the short sides
and all of the sides are openable sides.
[0014] The fasteners can be, for example, zippers. The zippers can
extend fully to the corners of the pillow cover.
[0015] In an embodiment of the expandable pillow a cover having a
first layer, a second layer, and a gusset positioned between the
first layer and the second layer, cover defines an interior space.
The cover includes an opening for allowing access to the interior
space.
[0016] A fastener extends about a periphery of the cover and at
least one insert is disposed in the interior space. The cover is
movable between a first condition where the fastener is fastened
and the interior space has a first volume, and second condition
where the fastener is unfastened and the interior space has a
second volume greater than the first volume.
[0017] The fastener includes first and second spaced apart sections
configured to engage one another to fasten the fastener and
disengage one another to unfasten the fastener. The fastener can
extend about a portion of the periphery of the cover or completely
about the periphery of the cover.
[0018] In an embodiment, the gusset is expandable between a closed
position within the interior space corresponding to the first
condition, and an open position spacing apart the first and second
layers, corresponding to the second condition. The at least one
insert includes a first insert having a first insert volume, and is
disposed in the interior space in the first condition. The
expandable pillow can include a second insert having a second
insert volume, such that the first and second inserts are disposed
in the interior space in the second condition.
[0019] An embodiment the expandable pillow cover includes a first
layer and a second layer positioned opposite to the first layer to
define an interior space therebetween. A gusset is positioned
between the first layer and the second layer. An outer periphery is
defined by at least one of the first layer, the second layer and
the gusset and an opening allows access to the interior space. A
fastener extending about the outer periphery such that the cover is
adjustable between a first condition where the fastener is fastened
and the interior space has a first volume, and second condition
where the fastener is unfastened and the interior space has a
second volume greater than the first volume.
[0020] In such an embodiment, the pillow cover includes a fastener
having first and second spaced apart sections configured to engage
one another to fasten the fastener and disengage one another to
unfasten the fastener. Such a fastener can extend about a portion
of the outer periphery or completely about the outer periphery. The
gusset is expandable between a closed position within the interior
space corresponding to the first condition, and an open position
spacing apart the first and second layers, corresponding to the
second condition.
[0021] An embodiment of the expandable pillow cover has a first
layer, a second layer positioned opposite to the first layer to
define an interior space therebetween, a first pair of opposing
sides and a second pair of opposing sides, the first and second
layers being joined to one another at corners of the first and
second layers.
[0022] Zippers are positioned on each side of the first pair of
opposing sides and on each side of the second pair of opposing
sides to releaseably engage the first and second layers with each
other and to define four openable and closable sides. A gusset is
positioned between the first layer and the second layer at each of
the openable and closeable sides. Each of the zippers is operable
independently of the others of the zippers, to expand and contract
each side independently of each other side.
[0023] In an embodiment, each zipper extends to its respective
corners. The cover can includes an opening for allowing access to
the interior space.
[0024] Other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure
will be apparent from the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps, and
processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a pillow in a
first, unexpanded condition according to an embodiment described
herein;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the pillow in a
second, expanded condition according to an embodiment described
herein;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a pillow in a
second, expanded condition according to another embodiment
described herein;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a pillow
insert for a pillow;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the pillow insert of
FIG. 4 partially inserted into a pillow cover;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the pillow cover closed
with a pillow insert therein;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a figure similar to FIG. 5;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pillow cover of in a
partially expanded condition, according to an embodiment described
herein
[0033] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the pillow of FIG. 8 in the
expanded condition;
[0034] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a gusseted portion of
the pillow cover of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0035] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment of the expandable
bed pillow in which FIG. 11A illustrates a pillow with the
fasteners in the form of a zipper on the short sides of the pillow
cover and FIG. 11B illustrates a pillow with the fasteners in the
form of a zipper on the long sides of the pillow cover;
[0036] FIGS. 12A and 12B the short sides of the pillow cover of
FIGS. 11A and 11B, showing the zipper open in FIG. 12A and the
zipper closed in FIG. 12B; and
[0037] FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of an embodiment of
the expandable bed pillow the fasteners in the form of zippers on
all of the sides, that is, on both long sides and both short sides
of the pillow cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described one or more embodiments with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative only and is
not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment
described or illustrated.
[0039] FIGS. 1-3 are cross-sectional views showing examples of
pillows 10 according to the embodiments described herein. Referring
to FIGS. 1-3, the pillow 10 generally includes a pillow cover 12
and at least one pillow insert or fill 14, 114. FIG. 4 is a
perspective view of the pillow insert 14, 114. Referring to FIGS.
1-4, the pillow cover 12 defines in interior space 16 in which the
pillow insert 14 is received. The pillow cover 12 also includes a
fastener 18 extending about at least portion of its periphery. The
pillow cover 12 is movable between a first condition where the
fastener 18 is fastened (FIG. 1) and the interior space 16 has a
first volume and a second condition where the fastener 18 is
unfastened (FIGS. 2 and 3) and the interior space 16 has a second
volume greater than the first volume. The pillow cover 12 includes
a first layer 20, a second layer 22 and a gusset 24 connected to
and extending between the first layer 20 and the second layer 22.
In another embodiment, the first layer 20, the second layer 22 and
the gusset 24 may be formed continuously as a single unit.
[0040] Each of the first layer 20 and second layer 22 may be formed
by one or more sheets of material, such as a fabric material. The
material may be, for example, woven, non-woven or knitted. In one
embodiment, the fabric material may be a mesh fabric. Each layer
20, 22 may be formed from one or plies of the material. In
addition, multiple sheets of material may be connected together to
form each layer 20, 22. The first layer 20 includes a first surface
26 generally facing in a first direction, outwardly or away from
the interior space 16, and the second layer 22 includes a second
surface 28 generally facing in a second direction, opposite to the
first direction, outwardly and away from the interior space 16. In
one embodiment first surface 26 is a top surface of the pillow 10
and the second surface 28 is a bottom surface of the pillow 10.
Further, in one embodiment, first and second layers 20, 22 have
substantially the same dimensions as one another.
[0041] The gusset 24 is positioned between the first layer 20 and
the second layer 22 and generally extends along at least parts of
the respective peripheries of the first and second layers 20, 22.
In one embodiment, the gusset 24 is connected to the first layer 20
and the second layer 22 by way of suitable fastening methods, such
as, but not limited to, stitching or adhesive bonding. Referring to
FIG. 1, in the first condition, the gusset 24 is folded or
otherwise disposed in the interior space 16 so that it is enclosed
in the interior space 16 by the first layer 20, the second layer 22
and in some configurations, the fastener 18. In the second
condition, the gusset 24 is expanded and, together with the first
and second layers 20, 22, bounds the interior space 16. That is, in
the second position, the gusset 24 forms a portion of the periphery
of the pillow cover 12.
[0042] The fastener 18 extends about either a portion or an
entirety of a periphery of the pillow cover 12. In one embodiment,
the fastener 18 is a two-part fastener that includes a first
section 30 and an opposed second section 32. In a preferred
embodiment, the fastener 18 is a slide fastener, such as a zipper,
and the first and second sections 30, 32 are opposed rows of zipper
teeth configured for mutual engagement. However, other two-part
fasteners are envisioned as well, such as a hook and loop fastener,
buttons, snaps, hooks and the like.
[0043] In one embodiment the fastener 18, and in particular, the
first and second sections 30, 32 generally extend about a periphery
of the first layer 20 and second layer 22, respectively.
Alternatively, one of or both of the first and second fastener
sections 30, 32 may be positioned on the gusset 24 and extend about
a periphery thereof. Thus, in the first condition, the gusset 24 or
a portion of the gusset 24 positioned between the first and second
sections 30, 32 is received within the interior space 16 and
enclosed in the interior space 16 by the first and layers 20, 22.
That is, the gusset 24 or a portion of the gusset 24 may be folded
or otherwise positioned in the interior space 16 and closed from
direct exposure to ambient atmosphere in the first condition. The
fastener 18 and/or a portion of the gusset 24 not positioned
between first and second fastener sections 30, 32 may also enclose
the gusset 24 within the interior space 16. In the second
condition, the gusset 24 is expanded to extend between, and space
apart the first and second layers 20, 22. In this condition, the
condition, the gusset 24 is directly exposed to ambient atmosphere
and forms a portion of the periphery of the pillow cover 12, e.g.,
an expanded pillow.
[0044] Thus, in the embodiments above, in general, in the first
condition the first and second fastener sections 30, 32 are engaged
with one another to close at least a portion of the gusset 24 in
the interior space 16. In the second condition, the first and
second fastener sections 30, 32 are disengaged and may be spaced
apart from one another by at least a portion of the gusset 24 in a
thickness direction of the pillow 10 (i.e., a direction extending
from the first layer 20 toward the second layer 22 or vice
versa).
[0045] The one or more inserts 14, 114 that are received in the
pillow cover 12 generally include an outer layer formed by a woven,
non-woven or knit fabric, and contain a filler material such as a
natural or synthetic fiber, foam, down, feathers, gel and the like.
The inserts 14, 114 may be identically formed and have the same
properties (e.g., firmness, density, material, and the like). The
inserts 14, 114 may be differently formed and have different
properties so that a user may select inserts having different
properties as desired.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 6, at least one pillow insert
14, 114 may be received in the pillow cover 12. For example, in the
first condition, as shown in FIG. 1, the first pillow insert 14 may
be received in the pillow cover 12. In the first condition, the
interior space 16 has a volume that substantially corresponds to,
or is slightly greater, than a volume of the first insert 14. In
the second condition, as shown in FIG. 2, first and second inserts
14 may be received in the interior space 16. In the second
condition, the interior space 16 has a greater volume than in the
first position due to expansion of the gusset 24. Optionally, the
second insert 114 may also be positioned in the cover 12.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the first insert 14
partially received in the pillow cover 12. The pillow cover 12
further comprises an opening 36 through which a pillow insert may
be received into the interior space 16. The opening 36 may be
selectively opened or closed by way of a releasable fastener, such
as, but not limited to, a slide fastener, a hook and loop fastener,
snaps, buttons, hooks, an elastic closure and other similar
releasable fasteners. In one embodiment the opening 36 may be
formed in the gusset 24 or at a border of the gusset 24 and either
first layer 20 or the second layer 22. The opening 36 may be formed
along a portion or entirety of one side only, or may extend across
more than one side. In other embodiments, the opening may be formed
in the first layer 20 or the second layer 22.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the pillow 10 in the
first condition, having the first insert 14 received in the pillow
cover 12. The pillow cover 12 may further include peripheral flaps
38 configured to extend partially over respective first and second
sections 30, 32 of the fastener 18 along the length of the fastener
18. The peripheral flaps 38 are configured to limit exposure of the
fastener 18 to a user of the pillow 10. Piping 40 may also be
included to extend along the periphery of the first layer 20,
second layer 22 and/or gusset 24.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the opening 36 in an
open condition configured to receive the pillow insert 14, and FIG.
8 is a perspective showing the pillow cover 12 partially moved to
the second condition. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the opening 36 is
opened to receive the pillow insert 14 in the interior space 16.
Referring to FIG. 8, the fastener 18 is disengaged or opened to
allow the gusset 24 to expand or unfold, thereby increasing a
volume within the interior space 16. As the fastener 18 is opened,
the gusset 24 becomes directly exposed to the ambient atmosphere
and forms a portion of the periphery of the pillow cover 12. FIG. 9
shows the pillow 10 in the second condition with the fastener 18
and the gusset 24 expanded, according to one embodiment described
herein.
[0050] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the pillow
10 and pillow cover 12 in the second condition. Referring to the
example in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the first and second
fastener sections 30, 32 may originate from a substantially central
region 42 along the periphery of the pillow cover 12 and diverge to
extend generally along a joint of the first and second layers 20,
22, respectively and the gusset 24. Still referring to FIG. 10, the
first and second fastener sections 30, 32 may overlap in the
peripheral direction along a segment where the first and second
sections 30, 32 are diverging. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the
pillow 10 in the second, expanded condition, with the exposed
gusset 24 and additional or a large pillow insert 14 received
within the pillow cover 12.
[0051] Another embodiment of the pillow 310 is illustrated in FIGS.
11A,B and 12A,B. In this embodiment, the pillow 310 includes a
pillow 312 cover and at least one insert or fill 314. The pillow
cover 312 includes first and second layers 320, 322 that define an
interior space 316 to accommodate the fill or insert(s) 314. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pillow cover 312 includes two fasteners
318 on opposing sides of the cover 312 from one another. The
fasteners 318 such as the illustrated zippers (or buttons, snaps,
hook and loop fasteners and the like), can be positioned on the
long sides 319 (FIG. 11B) of the pillow cover 312 or on the short
sides 321 (FIGS. 11A, 12A,B) of the pillow cover 312. It will be
understood that the sides 319 or 321 having the fasteners 318,
e.g., the zippers, are openable sides and the others of the sides
312 or 319 are closed sides, as indicated at 323, which closing can
be effected by stitching or the like. In some embodiments a gusset
panel 324 is present extending between and affixed to the first and
second panels 320, 322, interior of each fastener 318. In such an
embodiment, opening the fasteners 318 allows the pillow cover 312
and pillow 310 to expand at the gusset panels 324 so that the loft
and/or height h.sub.310 of the pillow 310 can be increased, and
conversely can be decreased by closing the fasteners 318 to
collapse the gusset panels 324. The fasteners 318 can extend fully
to the corners 325 of the pillow cover 312 (as seen in FIGS. 11A
and 11B) or they may extend nearly, but not fully to the corners
325 (as seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B).
[0052] Still another embodiment of the pillow 410 and cover 412 is
illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the cover 412
includes fasteners 418 on both of the short sides 428a,b and both
of the long sides 426a,b. The fasteners 418 can be such as the
illustrated zippers (or buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners and
the like). That is, e.g., zippers 418 are on all four sides of the
pillow cover 412. The fasteners (zippers) 418 can all function,
open and close, independently of each other.
[0053] In such an embodiment, the expandable pillow 412 cover
includes the first and second layers 420, 422 positioned opposite
to each other to define the interior space 416 therebetween. The
first and second layers 420, 422 are joined to one another at the
junctures of the openable sides 426a,b and 428a,b and define four
corners 431, 433, 435 and 437 at which the first and second layers
420, 422 are joined to one another. The zippers 418, extend along
each of the sides 426a,b and 428a,b between respective corners 431,
433, 435, and 437. Gusset panels 438 are positioned at each of the
openable sides 426a,b and 428a,b, inside of the zippers 418, such
that the gusset panels are in the interior space 416 of the pillow
410 when their respective zippers 418 are closed, and are exposed
when their respective zippers 418 are open.
[0054] In another contemplated configuration, the 418 can be an
"L"-shaped zipper extending along both a short side 426a and a long
side 428a. A gusset panel, such as, for example, a mesh panel can
be positioned in the interior of the pillow, just inside of the
zipper so that when in the expanded condition, the gusset panel,
e.g., mesh panel, is exposed. It is also contemplated that a pillow
can include two such "L"-shaped zippers 418 in opposition to one
another (that is one zipper extends along one short side and one
long side and the other zipper extends along the other short side
and the other long side), and that gusset panels are positioned on
the interior of the pillow along both openings (the openings being
formed by both of the zippers).
[0055] Accordingly, in the embodiments above, a pillow may be
expanded or contracted. In some embodiments, the expanded pillow
can include additional or larger pillow inserts or fill. As such,
the pillow may be customized based on a user's preference for
cushioning, comfort, support and the like. In some embodiments,
this may be accomplished using a single pillow cover that is
expandable by releasing one or more fasteners to allow a gusset to
expand. In some embodiments this allows opening to the interior of
the pillow to increase an interior volume so that the pillow cover
may accommodate additional or larger inserts or fill. Conversely,
fewer or smaller pillow inserts may be used with some of the pillow
covers described herein by removing additional inserts as desired,
or replacing with smaller inserts. Excess pillow cover material may
be substantially avoided by closing or engaging the fastener about
the periphery of the pillow cover so that the gusset is folded or
otherwise disposed in the interior space.
[0056] The directional references of top, bottom, upper, lower and
side are provided for reference only and are not intended to limit
the disclosure in any way.
[0057] All patents referred to herein, are incorporated herein by
reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of
this disclosure.
[0058] In the present disclosure, the words "a" or "an" are to be
taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any
reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the
singular.
[0059] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous
modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present
disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect
to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be
inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended
claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the
claims.
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