U.S. patent application number 17/373984 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-13 for pillow toy.
The applicant listed for this patent is Frustration Free Solutions, LLC. Invention is credited to Jimmy Morrison, Nathan Thompson.
Application Number | 20220007863 17/373984 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005884426 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220007863 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson; Nathan ; et
al. |
January 13, 2022 |
PILLOW TOY
Abstract
A pillow with a pillow covering that resembles an animal, a
character, or a creature. The pillow may include a series of
pockets at different positions on the pillow that allow for storage
of items including a journal or diary and a key to unlock the
journal or diary. The pillow may be comprised of a cushioning
element within the pillow covering that may be a single unitary
piece of material, such as a foam. The pillow may also include a
speaker system that is wirelessly connectable to a mobile device to
allow for the playing of an audio file, such as music. The cover
may be removable, washable, and interchangeable with other
covers.
Inventors: |
Thompson; Nathan; (Twin
Falls, ID) ; Morrison; Jimmy; (Springville,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Frustration Free Solutions, LLC |
Twin Falls |
ID |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005884426 |
Appl. No.: |
17/373984 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63051078 |
Jul 13, 2020 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/1045 20130101;
A63H 3/02 20130101; A47G 2009/1018 20130101; A63H 3/28 20130101;
A47G 2009/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10; A63H 3/02 20060101 A63H003/02; A63H 3/28 20060101
A63H003/28 |
Claims
1. A pillow comprising: a cushioning element; and a cover with a
top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a back surface
that together define a void within the cover, the void being sized
and shaped to fit snuggly around the cushioning element; the cover
further comprising: a plurality of head features coupled to the
cover on at least one of the front surface or the top surface; a
plurality of additional features coupled to the cover on at least
one of the top surface, bottom surface, or back surface; a
plurality of limbs coupled to the cover on at least one of the top
surface, bottom surface, or back surface, the plurality of limbs
comprising: a sleeve of fabric with a cushioning material enclosed
within the sleeve of fabric; a plurality of pockets fixed to the
cover.
2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the cushioning element comprises
at least one of polyurethane memory foam, perforated polyurethane
memory foam, or high-density polyurethane memory foam.
3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pockets
comprises a first pocket positioned on the bottom surface and a
second pocket positioned on the back surface.
4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the cushioning element forms the
shape of an irregular cylinder with a flat side and a rounded
side.
5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein surfaces of the cover are made of
a combination of at least one of cotton, silk, polyester, linen,
wool, velvet, fleece, or leather.
6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the top surface, the bottom
surface, the front surface, and the back surface form one unitary
piece of material or fabric.
7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a zipper,
which may be used to open and close the pillow case.
8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of head features
comprises various facial features of an animal, creature, or
character, the plurality of head features being embroidered or sewn
onto the cover.
9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of head features
comprises various facial features of an animal, creature, or
character, the plurality of head features being made out of the
same or similar material that the cover is made out of and being
stuffed with a cushioning material.
10. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of additional
features comprises features that may cause the cover to appear like
an animal, or creature.
11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the plurality of additional
features comprises features made out of a fabric that is stuffed
with a cushioning material.
12. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the plurality of limbs comprises
four legs.
13. The pillow of claim 12, wherein two of the four legs are fixed
to the cover toward a junction between the front surface, the top
surface, and the bottom surface, and a remaining two legs are fixed
to the cover toward a junction between the back surface, the top
surface, and the bottom surface.
14. The system of claim 1, comprising a wireless speaker system
positioned on the cushioning element and covered by the cover.
15. A system comprising: a first cushioning element comprising a
front portion, back portion, a rounded top portion and
substantially planar bottom portion; and a cover configured to fit
around the first cushioning element, the cover comprising: a face
portion, a bottom portion, a top portion and a rear portion; a
first pocket; and a second pocket.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first pocket is positioned
on the bottom portion.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the second pocket is positioned
on the rear portion.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the first pocket and second
pocket each comprise an elastic opening to allow the opening and
pocket lay flush against the cover.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the cover further comprises
extremities extending from the cover in a plurality of positions,
wherein the extremities comprise the same fabric as the cover and a
second cushioning element within the extremities.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the face portion of the cover
comprises a third cushioning element within the face portion and
character features.
21. The system of claim 15, wherein the cover comprises a single
unitary piece of fabric.
22. The system of claim 15, wherein the cover comprises numerous
pieces of fabric fixed together at junctions of each portion.
23. The system of claim 15, comprising a wireless speaker system
positioned on the cushioning element and covered by the cover.
24. A system comprising: a first cushioning element comprising a
front portion, back portion, a rounded top portion and
substantially planar bottom portion; a speaker system recessed into
at least a portion the first cushioning element; and a cover
configured to fit around the first cushioning element, the cover
comprising: a face portion, a bottom portion, a top portion and a
rear portion.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the speaker system is wireless
and chargeable.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein the first cushioning element
comprises a plurality of voids to receive the speaker system.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the speaker system comprises a
control box wired in chain to three speakers.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the first cushioning element
comprises a plurality of channels to receive wires between the
control box and speakers.
29. The system of claim 26, wherein the voids allow the speaker
system to sit flush with the first cushioning element.
30. The system of claim 24, wherein in the speaker system comprises
a charging port.
31. The system of claim 24, wherein the cover further comprises a
first pocket and a second pocket separate from the first
pocket.
32. The system of claim 24, wherein the cover is secured around the
first cushioning element with a fastening mechanism.
33. The system of claim 24, wherein the cover further comprises
extremities extending from the cover in a plurality of positions,
wherein the extremities comprise the same fabric as the cover and a
second cushioning element within the extremities.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the face portion of the cover
comprises a third cushioning element within the face portion and
character features.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein the second cushioning element
and third cushioning element are the same material and different
material from the first cushioning element.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] A claim for priority to the Jul. 13, 2020, filing date of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/051,078, titled PILLOW
TOY ("the '078 Provisional Application"), is hereby made pursuant
to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e). The entire disclosure of the '078
Provisional Application is hereby incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to various embodiments of
pillow, or toy that may be a plush toy. More specifically, it
relates to a pillow including a cushioning element and a
pillowcase, or cover to the pillow, the pillowcase having various
features that may cause the pillow to look like an animal,
creature, or character. Additionally, speakers may be placed within
the cushioning element to provide playing of an audible sound, such
as music. The features disclosed herein are numerous in nature and
may be employed in various different ways to provide the same or
similar results. The following description may refer to the design
as a pillow, a toy, pillow toy, or plush toy, all of which refer to
the same element.
SUMMARY
[0003] This disclosure relates to a pillow or toy including a
cushioning element and a cover, or pillowcase. The cushioning
element may be made of a polyurethane memory foam. The pillowcase
may have a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a
back surface that together define a void within the pillowcase, the
void being sized and shaped to fit snuggly around the cushioning
element. The pillowcase may include: a number of head features
fixed to the pillowcase on at least one of the front surface or the
top surface. The pillowcase may also include a number of additional
features fixed to the pillowcase on at least one of the top
surface, bottom surface, or back surface.
[0004] The pillowcase may also include a number of limbs fixed to
the pillowcase on at least one of the top surface, bottom surface,
or back surface. The number of limbs may include a sleeve of fabric
with a small cushioning element or other cushioning material
enclosed within the sleeve of fabric. The pillowcase may also
include a number of pockets fixed to the pillowcase.
[0005] The cushioning element of the pillow may comprise perforated
polyurethane memory foam or high-density polyurethane memory foam.
The cushioning element may also form the shape of a rounded, oblong
prism, or an irregular cylinder with a flat side and a rounded
side.
[0006] The surfaces of the pillowcase may be made of a combination
of at least one of the following materials: cotton, silk,
polyester, linen, wool, velvet, fleece, or leather. The surfaces of
the pillowcase may also form one unitary piece of material of
fabric. The pillowcase may also include a zipper, which may be used
to open and close the pillowcase.
[0007] The number of head features may include various facial
features of an animal, creature, or character, the plurality of
head features being embroidered or sewn onto the pillowcase. The
number of head features may be made out of the same or similar
material that the pillowcase is made out of and may be stuffed with
a cushioning material.
[0008] The number of additional features may cause the pillowcase
to appear like an animal, creature, or other character. The number
of additional features may include features made out of a fabric
that is stuffed with a cushioning material. Additionally, the
plurality of additional features comprises features made out of a
fabric that is stuffed with a cushioning material, the number of
additional features being shaped and sized to have the appearance
of at least one of tails, wings, fins, flippers, spikes, spines,
spots, or other animal body parts.
[0009] The number of limbs may include four legs. Two of the four
legs may be fixed to the pillowcase near where the front surface
joins with the top surface and the bottom surface, and two other
legs may be fixed to the pillowcase near where the back surface
joins with the top surface and the bottom surface. The small
cushioning element or other cushioning material within the number
of limbs may include a combination of at least one of the
following: foam, cotton, down feathers, buckwheat hulls, or
microbeads.
[0010] The number of pockets may include: a sheet of fabric fixed
to at least one of the top surface, the bottom surface, or the back
surface of the pillowcase defining a space between the sheet of
fabric and the pillowcase; and a pocket opening that opens up into
the space between the sheet of fabric and the pillow case, which
may be sized and shaped to receive and hold various different
items. The number of pockets may each include an elastic band along
the pocket opening to keep the plurality of pockets closed or flush
with the remainder of the cover. The number of pockets may include:
a first pocket that is fixed to the bottom surface of the
pillowcase; and a second pocket that is fixed to the back surface
of the pillowcase.
[0011] Additionally, a speaker system may be positioned within the
cover on or within the cushioning element. The speaker system may
reside within voids in the cushioning element the complementary fit
with the speaker and a speaker control box. Channels may be
positioned between the speakers and control box to allow the wires
to lay within the channels and flush with the cushioning
element.
[0012] The speaker system may be wireless and connectable to mobile
devices such as phones and tablets. The speaker system may also be
chargeable with a charging port wired to the control box and
exposable on the outside of the cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of a cushioning element;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cushioning element of FIG. 1
showing dimensions;
[0016] FIG. 3 is the front view of the cushioning element of FIG. 1
showing additional dimensions;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view of a device, or pillow,
with a cover;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a back, perspective view of the pillow of FIG.
5;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of the pillow of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the pillow of FIG. 5 with a
bottom pocket;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the pillow of FIG. 5
with a book;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a first, or right, side view of the pillow of FIG.
5;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a second, or left, side view of the pillow of
FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a back view of the pillow of FIG. 5 with a pocket
in a closed configuration;
[0025] FIG. 12 is the back view of the pillow of FIG. 5 with a
pocket in an open configuration;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a front view of an alternate design of a
pillow;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the pillow of FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 15 is front view of an alternate design of a
pillow;
[0029] FIG. 16 is top view of the pillow of FIG. 16;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternate design of a
pillow;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective bottom view of a cushioning element
with a plurality of voids;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of the cushioning element
of FIG. 18 with at least one void cut into at least one side;
[0033] FIG. 20A-20D are a front, a left side, a right side, and a
back view of the cushioning element of FIG. 18:
[0034] FIG. 21 is a side view of the cushioning element of FIG. 18
with a set of speakers, wires and a control box;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the cushioning
element of FIG. 18 with a set of speakers residing in the voids;
and
[0036] FIG. 23. is a perspective side view of the cushioning
element of FIG. 18 with the control box residing in the one void
with wires.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of a cushioning element
100. Cushioning element 100 may comprise a top surface 102, a
bottom surface 104, a proximal surface 105 and a distal surface
106. The top surface 102 may be substantially rounded to form a
partial cylinder with the bottom surface 104 being substantially
planar or flat. The top surface 102 and the bottom surface 104 may
combine to form an oblong prism wherein the top surface 102 and
bottom surface 104 extend to terminate at the proximal surface 105
and distal surface 106. The proximal surface 105 and distal surface
106 may be rounded or convex. Alternatively, the proximal surface
105 and distal surface 106 may be flat, or planar, and may be
substantially parallel to each other. Each of the surfaces may
combine to form the shape of a rounded, oblong prism. The surfaces
of the cushioning element 100 may also form the shape of an
irregular cylinder, which has been slightly flattened on one side,
as is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. An alternate means to describe the
cushioning element 100 may be such that the surfaces of the
cushioning element 100 may combine to form the shape of an enlarged
pill, which has been flattened on one side.
[0038] Cushioning element 100 may also comprise a length (L), a
height (H), and a width (W). Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the length (L)
of the cushioning element 100 may be greater than or equal to the
width (W) and the height (H). The length (L) may be approximately
30-50 centimeters long. Referring to FIG. 2, the width (W) of the
cushioning element 100 may be greater than or equal to the height
(H). The width (W) may be approximately 15-30 cm wide. Referring to
FIG. 3, the height of the cushioning element may be approximately
5-15 cm high.
[0039] Although FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a cushioning element with the
aforementioned dimensions, other embodiments of cushioning elements
are contemplated and may have a variety of different forms, shapes,
and sizes depending on their intended use and may be larger or
smaller than those dimensions mentioned herein.
[0040] The cushioning element 100 may be made out of various
different types of materials, such as foam. More specifically, the
cushioning element 100 may comprise unperforated open cell
polyurethane foam. Other materials that the cushioning element 100
may comprise, by way of example and not limitation, include a
combination of at least one of the following types of memory foam:
open cell polyurethane foam, unperforated polyurethane foam,
perforated polyurethane foam, high-density polyurethane foam, or
low-density polyurethane foam. Unperforated polyurethane foam may
allow for, inter alia, additional insulation. Perforated
polyurethane foam may allow for, inter alia, greater breathability
and greater flexibility, which may allow the cushioning element to
be more easily stored and transported.
[0041] Other embodiments of the cushioning element 100 may
alternatively, or additionally, include a combination of at least
one of the following cushioning materials: foam, soft feathers
(e.g., down feathers), cotton, buckwheat hulls, microbeads, or any
other materials used in conjunction with, plush toys, mattresses,
or pillows. Regardless of the composition of the cushioning element
100, the cushioning element 100 may further comprise a fabric
sleeve, which may be fixed around the cushioning element 100.
Depending on its composition, the cushioning element 100 may have a
variety of different properties, including, by way of example and
not limitation, low-resilience, high-resilience, or
viscoelasticity. The surfaces of the cushioning element 100 may be
one continuous piece of material or fabric or alternatively
different pieces of material or fabric engaged at seems between the
different surfaces.
[0042] FIGS. 4-12 illustrate an embodiment of a device 200, or
pillow. The pillow 200 may comprise a cover 202, or pillowcase, and
a cushioning element, which may be substantially similar to
cushioning element 100. The cover 202 may comprise a top surface
204, a bottom surface 206, a front surface 208, and a back surface
210, which may together define the shape and contours of the cover
202. The top surface 204, the bottom surface 206, the front surface
208, and the back surface 210 may be one unitary piece or they may
be separate pieces that may be fixed to one another (e.g., by being
sewn, stitched, glued, welded, or otherwise connected to one
another). The surfaces of the cover 202 may be made from any number
of materials including, but not limited to, any combination of at
least one of the following: cotton, silk, polyester, linen, wool,
velvet, fleece, other natural or synthetic fibers, or leather. The
cover 202 and its surfaces may correspond with the surfaces of the
cushioning element 100 such that the top surface 204 of the cover
202 corresponds with the top surface 102 of the cushioning element
102. The bottom surface 206 of the cover 202 corresponds with the
bottom surface 104 of the cushioning element 100. Additionally, the
front surface 208 corresponds with the proximal surface 105 and the
back surface 210 corresponds with the distal surface 106,
respectively. It will be appreciated that the cushioning element
100 may be interchangeable with the proximal and distal surfaces
105, 106.
[0043] It will be appreciated that the front surface 208 of the
cover 202 may include additional cushioning or plush material to
help define characteristics of the pillow 200.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 11, an opening 220 may be
defined proximate the back surface 210 and at least one of the
bottom surface 206 and the top surface 204. The opening 220 may be
sized and configured to provide an opening for the cushioning
element 100 to be inserted into the cover 202 and cover an entirety
of the cushioning element 100. Thus, the cushioning element 100 may
be inserted into the cover 202 via the opening 220, and the
cushioning element 100 may be positioned within the cover 202 much
like a normal pillow would be placed in a typical pillowcase. When
the cushioning element 100 is placed within the cover 202, the
cover 202 may fit snuggly around the cushioning element 100.
[0045] The opening 220 of the cover 202 may also comprise an open
position and a closed position. Various methods may be applied to
move the opening 220 from the open position to the closed position
(and vice versa). Referring to FIG. 5, the opening 220 may comprise
a zipper 222 along a seam between the bottom surface 206 and the
back surface 210 to define the opening 220, the zipper providing a
method of moving the opening 220 from the open position to the
closed position (and vice versa). Alternatively, other embodiments
may comprise at least one of hook and loop surfaces, elastic bands,
buckles, snaps, buttons, or clips to allow for the opening and
closing of the cover 202. Alternatively, the seam may be fixed and
the cushioning element 100 is not removable from the cover 202.
[0046] Providing a user with the ability to open and close the
cover 202 may facilitate removal of the cover 202 for cleaning of
the cushioning element or cover 202. It may also facilitate
replacement of the cushioning element 100 or the cover 202.
[0047] The pillowcase 202 may also comprise various additional
features that may allow the pillow 200 to appear like an animal,
creature, or other character. The cover 202 illustrated contains
various features that cause the pillow 200 to look like a
triceratops. The various features that may be added to the cover
202 to cause the pillow 200 to look like an animal or other
character will be discussed at length below. These additional
features may serve various different functions including, but not
limited to, providing additional portions of cushioning to the
pillow and allowing the pillow to be used as a decoration, toy, or
other form of entertainment.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, the cover 202 may comprise a plurality
of head features 230, which may include facial features, hair,
horns, manes, etc. The cover 202 may comprise eyes 230a, a nose
230b, horns 230c, and a frill 230d. The head features 230 may take
various different forms and be made of various different materials.
For example, features like the eyes 230a may be incorporated into
the material that the cover 202 is made of, for example, by
embroidering or sewing the features into the material. Other
features, like the horns 230c, may be made out of the same or
similar fabric that the cover 202 is made of and may be stuffed
with other cushioning material(s). These cushioning materials may
include a combination of at least one of the materials described
above that may be used to form cushioning element 100.
[0049] The head features 230 may take various different forms and
be made of various different materials. Other features, like the
horns 230c, may be made out of the same or similar fabric that the
cover 202 is made out of and may be stuffed with other cushioning
material(s). These cushioning materials may include a combination
of at least one of the materials described above that may be used
to form cushioning element 100.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover 202 may also comprise
a plurality of other features 232, which may include tails, wings,
fins (e.g., dorsal fins for a shark, dolphin, or whale), flippers,
spikes, spines, spots, or other animal body parts. FIGS. 5 and 6
illustrate that the cover 202 may comprise a tail 232a, spikes 232b
and spots 232c. The other feature 232 may also take various
different forms and be made of various different materials, not
unlike the head features. The tail 232a may be positioned near the
back surface 210 and may be made of the same or similar material
that the cover 202 is made of The spikes 232b may be fixed to the
top surface 204 and may extend from the front surface 208 to the
back surface 210 and extend along the tail 203a. The spikes 232b
may be made out of a natural or synthetic fabric. Like the eyes
230a, the spots 232c may be incorporated into the material that the
cover 202 is made of, for example, by embroidery or sewing into the
material.
[0051] The cover 202 may also comprise a plurality of limbs 234,
which may include arms, legs, hands, feet, fins, flippers, hooves,
etc. The plurality of limbs 234 may be attached to (or be
extensions of) the cover 202. The plurality limbs 234 may be
located along any of the surfaces of the cover 202 to make the
pillow resemble an animal, creature, or character.
[0052] On cover 202, the plurality of limbs 234 may comprise four
legs, which may be attached on either side of the cover 202. Two of
the four legs may be fixed to the cover 202 near where the front
surface 208 joins with the top surface 204 and the bottom surface
206, and two other legs may be fixed to the cover 202 near where
the back surface 210 joins with the top surface 204 and the bottom
surface 206. The plurality of limbs 234, or four legs, in the case
of cover 202, may comprise a sleeve of fabric with a small
cushioning element or other cushioning material(s) enclosed within
it (e.g., by being sewn inside it). The sleeve of fabric may be
coupled to the cover 202. The sleeve of fabric may be made of any
number of materials including, but not limited to, any combination
of at least one of the following: cotton, silk, polyester, linen,
wool, velvet, fleece, other natural or synthetic fibers, or
leather. The cushioning material enclosed within the sleeve of
fabric may comprise any number of materials including, but not
limited to, foam, cotton, down feathers, buckwheat hulls,
microbeads, or any other material described above which may be used
to make cushioning element 100.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the plurality of limbs 234,
or four legs, may have a first end 234a, which may be tapered and
may be coupled to the cover 200, and second end 234b, which may be
opposite the first end 234a. The first end 234a may have a smaller
footprint than the second end 234b simply by coupling joint 235 at
the first end 234a having little to no cushioning whereas the
second end 234b being heavily cushioned. The second end 234b may
comprise a different color of fabric, which may allow the second
end 234b to have the appearance of a paw, foot, or bottom of a
foot. Overall, the four legs may appear to be stubby as a result of
the cushioning materials therein.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cover 202 may further
comprise a first pocket 240. The first pocket 240 may comprise a
first sleeve of fabric 242 which may be fixed to the cover 202
along the perimeter of the first sleeve of fabric 242 and at the
points where the top surface 204 and bottom surface 206 intersect.
Additionally, the first sleeve of fabric may be fixed where the
bottom surface 206 intersects the back surface 210; however, it
will be appreciated that the fabric may be fixed toward the front
surface 208 rather than the back surface 208 just as easily. The
first pocket 240 may take various different forms depending on the
intended use of the first pocket 240. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8,
the first sleeve of fabric 242 may be sized and shaped so that it
may be fixed to the cover 202. The first sleeve of fabric may be
fixed to cover 202 around a perimeter of the bottom surface in such
a way that the first sleeve of fabric 242 covers a portion of the
bottom surface 206. The first sleeve of fabric 242 may be coupled
to the cover 202 where the bottom surface 206 meets the back
surface 210 and where the top surface 204 meets the bottom surface
206 on either side of the cover 202. However, it will be
appreciated that the fabric may be fixed toward the front surface
208 rather than the back surface 208 just as easily. The first
sleeve of fabric 242 may also extend from where the bottom surface
206 meets the back surface 208 toward the front surface 206 for a
specified length. The first pocket 240 may extend a distance from
the back surface 210 that takes a substantial portion of the bottom
surface 206 (i.e., greater than half) or alternatively that is not
a substantial portion of the bottom surface 206 (i.e., less than
half).
[0055] The first pocket 240, including the first sleeve of fabric
242, may be made of various different materials including, but not
limited to, any combination of at least one of the following:
cotton, silk, polyester, linen, wool, velvet, fleece, other natural
or synthetic fibers, or leather. FIGS. 7 and 8 demonstrate that the
first pocket 240 may be made of the same materials that the cover
202.
[0056] The first pocket 240 may also comprise a first pocket
opening 244, which may be configured to receive and hold various
different items within an interior of the first pocket 240. The
first pocket 240 may be defined as a space between the first sleeve
of fabric 242 and the bottom surface 206 of the cover 202.
[0057] The first pocket 240 may comprise various different methods
for opening and closing the first pocket 240. The first pocket
opening 244 may, for example, comprise a zipper which may be used
to open and close the first pocket opening 244. Alternatively,
other embodiments may comprise at least one of hook and loop
surfaces, elastic bands, buckles, snaps, buttons, or clips to allow
for the opening and closing of the first pocket opening 244. FIGS.
7 and 8 illustrate that the first pocket opening 244 may comprise a
first elastic band 246 integrated into it, which may serve to keep
the first pocket opening 244 substantially shut, or flush, until
the first elastic band 246 is stretched in order to open the first
pocket opening 244. Additionally, the first pocket 240 may simply
be an open pocket with no fastening or securing other than the
tension of the first sleeve of fabric 242 against the bottom
surface 206.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, a user may grasp the first pocket
opening 244, stretch the first elastic band 246 to open the first
pocket 240, and insert an object 248 within the first pocket 240
for storage or portage.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first pocket 240 of the
cover 202 may be fairly inconspicuous when the pillow 200 is placed
on another surface with the bottom surface 206 facing down.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the cover 202 may comprise a
second pocket 250, which may be substantially similar to first
pocket 240, except that it may be situated along a different
surface of the cover 202 than the first pocket 240. Referring to
FIGS. 5, 11, and 12, the second pocket 250 defined on the back
surface 210 and may traverse the back surface 210. The second
pocket 250 may hold items within the second pocket 250 of the
pillow 200, for example, a key to a journal or diary which may be
secured within the second pocket 250 by a ribbon or clip. Similar
to the first pocket 240, the second pocket 250 may have a means for
keeping the pocket "closed" such as zippers, hook and loop
surfaces, elastic bands, buckles, snaps, buttons, or clips.
Additionally, the second pocket 250 may comprise a first elastic
band similar to the first pocket 240 integrated into it, which may
serve to keep the second pocket closed, or flush, until the elastic
band is stretched in order to open the second pocket 250.
[0061] Alternatively, the second pocket 250 may be sized and
configured to provide an opening for the cushioning element 100 to
be inserted into the cover 202 and receive the cushioning element
such that the cover 202 covers an entirety of the cushioning
element 100. Thus, cover 202 may not need opening 220 in order to
insert the cushioning element 100 into the cover 202. Or, in the
alternate, the opening 220 may be positioned within the second
pocket 250 toward a base of the second pocket 250.
[0062] The cover 202 may also comprise at least one patch 252,
which may include branding information, trademarks, logos, or other
information. The at least one patch 252 may be fixed to any number
of surfaces on the cover 202. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the at
least one patch 252 may be fixed to the second pocket 250 and may
include branding information on it.
[0063] The cover 202 may also comprise at least one identification
marker 254. The at least one identification marker 254 may
comprise, for example, identifying information for the owner of the
pillow 200, including but not limited to, a name, an address, a
phone number, or other contact information. It may alternatively
comprise a name for the animal, creature, of character that the
pillow 200 is meant to look like. The at least on identification
marker may take many different shapes and be made of various
different materials. Referring to FIG. 11, the at least one
identification marker 254 may comprise an embroidered name for the
triceratops that the pillow 200 is meant to look like, which may be
situated on one of the plurality of limbs 234.
[0064] In different embodiments of pillows, the various types of
features on the cover 202, such as the head features 230, the other
features 232, and the plurality of limbs 234 may be changed,
rearranged, or omitted in order to make such pillows more
comfortable or appear like a different animal, creature, or
character.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an alternate embodiment of a
pillow 300 is depicted, which may be substantially similar to
pillow 200. Pillow 300 may comprise a cover 302, which may be
substantially similar to cover 202, except that it may comprise
different additional features that may make the pillow appear to be
a dragon instead of a triceratops.
[0066] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment of a pillow 400,
which may be substantially similar to pillow 200. Pillow 400 may
comprise a cover 402, which may be substantially similar to cover
202, except that it may comprise different additional features that
may make the pillow appear to be a pig instead of a
triceratops.
[0067] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a pillow 500, which may
be substantially similar to pillow 200. Pillow 500 may comprise a
cover 502, which may be substantially similar to cover 202, except
that it may comprise different additional features that may make
the pillow appear to be a shark instead of a triceratops. For
example, the cover 502 may comprise a plurality of fins 534, which
may be similar to the four legs of cover 202, but which may be
shaped like the fins of a shark. Additionally, the plurality of
fins 534 may comprise two fins as opposed to four legs.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 18 thru FIG. 23, an alternate embodiment
of a cushioning element 600 is depicted. This cushioning element
600 may include additional features than previously described
herein. It will be appreciated that this embodiment may be
interchangeable with the previous cushioning element 100 and the
cover 202 may receive this cushioning element 600 in the same, or
substantially the same or similar positioning and format as with
the previous embodiment 100.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 18, the cushioning element 600 may include
the same or substantially the same, or similar, features as the
previous embodiments. A bottom surface 604 may include at least one
void 605 and even a plurality of voids 605. The voids 605 may be
substantially cylindrical in shape and configured to receive a
speaker or speakers. The voids 605 may be positioned linearly along
the longitudinal length of the cushioning element 600 and somewhat
central to lateral sides of the cushioning element 600. A first
channel 607, or conduit, or series of channel, may be recessed into
the cushioning element 600, between each of the voids, in a
substantially linear position. The first channel 607 may be
configured to receive a wire that connects a set of speakers to
each other. A second channel 609, or second conduit, may be
recessed into the cushioning element 600 along the bottom surface
and following a pathway that may be substantially linear and
non-parallel with the first channel 607. The second channel 609 may
extend from the bottom surface to a top surface 602.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 19, the top surface 602 may be
substantially similar, or the same, as the previous embodiment,
wherein it is at least partially rounded. A lateral void 611 may be
positioned toward a lateral side of the top surface. The lateral
void 611 may be substantially rectangular in shape and configured
to hold a control box (656) that may include a power supply to
power the speaker(s). A third channel 613, or conduit, may extend
from the lateral side of the top surface 602 to a distal surface
606.
[0071] Each of the voids and channels are configured and positioned
to allow for speakers and wires to lay flush within the voids
and/or channels so as not to protrude from the cushioning element
600; however, a small protrusion may occur and is contemplated
herein.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 20A thru 20D, the cushioning element 600
from each of the different viewpoints is depicted. FIG. 20A depicts
a view from a head portion. FIG. 20B depicts a view from a lateral,
left side portion. FIG. 20C depicts a view from a lateral, right
side portion. FIG. 20D depicts a view from a back, or rear,
portion.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 21-23, a speaker system 650 is depicted
with a series of speakers 652 which may be connect in a chain
configuration. The speakers 652 may substantially cylindrical, and
flat, in a shape to match the voids 605 and wires 654 may connect
the speakers 652 wherein the wires may be positioned or lay within
the first channels 607. One portion of the wires 654 may extend
from a control block 656 to the first speaker in the chain. The one
wire portion residing within the second channel 609. Another wire
may extend from the control block 656 along the third channel 613
and include a charging port at the end of the wire to allow for
charging of the control block 656. The charging port may be a DC
charging port or USB charging port, or any other charging port
known in the art.
[0074] The control box 656 may reside within the lateral void 611
and be of substantially the same shape as the void 611 to lay flush
within the void.
[0075] The control box 656 may include Bluetooth, or similar,
capability to wirelessly connect to a phone, tablet or other
device. The control box 656 may also include a power supply that is
rechargeable via the charging port described herein. The control
box may include a power button and volume buttons as well that
reside on the outside of the control box and allow for turning on
and off of the speaker system 650 and adjust the volume. However,
by connecting the speaker to a device such as a phone and
controlling the device in that manner.
[0076] The speakers 652 may be low volume speakers and may require
a user to place the cushioning element 600 to the ear of the user
in order to hear sufficiently. However, a full volume speaker is
also contemplated herein.
[0077] The cover 202 may be the same, or substantially the same, as
the covers set forth previously herein. However, a hole or inlet
may be sewn to allow for passage of the charging port out of the
back surface 210 of the cover 202. The inlet may be positioned
within the second pocket 250 so has to hide the charging port.
Alternatively, the opening 220 to place the cushioning element 600
within the cover 202 may allow for passage of the charging port and
storage within the cover 202, thus hiding the charging port within
the fastening mechanism such as the zipper, hook and loop, etc.
[0078] Although the foregoing disclosure provides many specifics,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope any of the
ensuing claims. Other embodiments may be devised which do not
depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different
embodiments may be employed separately or in combination.
Accordingly, all additions, deletions and modifications to the
disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims
are to be embraced thereby. The scope of each claim is indicated
and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of
available legal equivalents to its elements.
* * * * *