Abstract:
A clamping system for releasably affixing a replaceable sheet to the exterior of a pillow case to provide a replaceable sleeping or resting surface. Two opposing frame members that can be magnetically engaged together are positioned on opposite sides of the pillow case. A replaceable sheet can be positioned between the exterior frame member and the pillow to engage the replaceable sheet to the exterior of the pillow case. The frames can be pulled apart to release and replace the replaceable sheet. A stack of replaceable sheets can be clipped with the frames such that a fresh sleeping surface can be provided simply by removing the top most sheet.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is generally directed to a clamping system for affixing a cover or other object to a pillow with a pillow case that is fitted over a pillow case. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a clamping system for affixing a replaceable sheet or other generally planar item to a pillow case of a pillow. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Pillows are commonly fitted with a removable pillow case that can be easily separated from the pillow cushion and laundered to provide a clean sleeping or resting surface while prolonging the life of the cushion. A pillow case typically comprises a fabric pocket into which the cushion is inserted. The pocket often comprises an opening through which the cushion can be inserted or removed. Although a pillow case can be easily separated from the cushion, certain applications for pillow cushions require a more efficient and/or cost effective means of presenting a clean sleeping surface. 
         [0003]    One application is a hospital or other patient setting where a sterile sleeping surface is necessary to reduce the likelihood of secondary infections or ailment. Although the pillow case can be removed and laundered after each use, the laundering may not sufficiently sterilize the pillow case. In addition, laundering the pillow case with other contaminated pillow cases may cross-contaminate the pillow cases compounding the problem. A similar problem is that the pillow cases may have to be replaced on a daily or even more frequent basis requiring multiple spare pillow cases for each pillow while soiled pillows are being laundered. Depending on the frequency with which the pillow cases are being replaced, the supply of sterile pillow cases may be quickly exhausted. 
         [0004]    Another application where a conventional pillow case arrangement may be insufficient is in hospitality or other large scale housing settings where a relatively large number of pillow cases may have to be continuously replaced and laundered. In addition to potentially exhausting the supply of clean pillow cases, the overall time required to collect soiled pillow cases and put on the replacement pillow case can be significant with a large number of pillows. The volume of pillow cases can also require a significant amount of energy to launder. As energy efficiency is an increasing concern, continuous laundering of large amounts of pillow cases may be ineffective use of energy. Moreover, the use and cost of bleach, dyes, detergents and other cleaning chemicals as well as other consumables such as dryer sheets cab present both ecological and economical concerns. 
         [0005]    Finally, individual consumers may wish to have a clean sleeping or resting surface each day. Unlike patient care or large scale housing, the individual consumer may not have the resources or the time to launder even a relatively limited number of pillow cases each day or several times a week. Moreover, as many medical treatments for many common ailments often involve bed rest at home, individual consumers often have the same need of frequently providing a clean sleeping or resting surface. Similarly, individual consumers often desire to provide a clean sleeping surface for house guests, but do not have the time or resources to launder pillow case for each house guest. In addition, even if an individual regularly launders the pillow case, the cleanliness of the pillow case may still be compromised. The laundering process may not remove all the contaminants from the pillow case and may cross-contaminate the pillow case from other items being laundered. 
         [0006]    As such, there is a need for efficiently providing a clean or even sterile sleeping or resting surface. In addition to minimizing the time required to provide a new sleeping surface, there is a need for providing an energy efficient means of sterilizing and replacing the sleeping surface. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a clamping system that can be used to releasably affix a replaceable sheet to the exterior of a pillow case. The clamping system can also be used to releasably affix generally planar objects including, but not limited to dry-erase boards, clipboards, mirrors, tablet computers. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping system comprises two opposing frame members positioned on the interior and exterior side of the pillow case. Each frame member comprises a plurality of magnets corresponding to magnets on the opposing frame member such that the frame members can be magnetically engaged to pinch the pillow case between the frame members. A replaceable sheet can be positioned between the exterior frame member and the pillow case such that magnetically engaging the frame members releasably engages the replaceable sheet to the exterior of the pillow case. In another aspect, the replaceable sheet can be engaged against the interior face of the pillow case such that the replaceable sheet is positioned within the pillow case. After use, the frames can be pulled apart to release the used replaceable sheet such that a fresh replaceable sheet can be substituted for the used sheet. In one aspect, a stack of replaceable sheets can be placed between the frames such that a fresh sleeping surface can be provided simply by removing the top most sheet. 
         [0008]    A clamping system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an interior frame member having a first plurality of magnets and an exterior frame member having a second plurality of magnets corresponding to the first plurality of magnets. The interior frame member is positionable on the interior side of a pillow case fitted over a pillow. Correspondingly, the exterior frame member is positionable on the exterior side of the pillow case such that the first and second pluralities of magnets are aligned to engage the first and second frame members together. A replaceable sheet can be positioned between the exterior frame member and the pillow case to clamp a replaceable sheet to the pillow case. The interior and exterior frame members each define an opening sized to allow a user to rest their head or other body part against the pillow without contacting either frame members. The replaceable sheet can be sized to cover the entire opening. 
         [0009]    In one aspect, the clamping system can be used to engage a planar object to the pillow case of a pillow, such as a tablet computer or a white board, to a pillow. In one aspect, the clamping system can further comprise a planar support surface having a third plurality of magnets corresponding to the first plurality of magnets and a fourth plurality of magnets corresponding to the second pluralities of magnets. The planar support surface can be integrated into either the interior or exterior frame member to provide a surface for receiving the planar object or provided separately and engaged to either frame member. As with the replaceable sheet, the planar surface can be positioned against the exterior face of the pillow case or within the pillow case. The third and fourth pluralities of magnets can be adapted to engage a metal portion of the planar object or corresponding magnets affixed to the planar object such that the planar object is affixed to the support surface. Alternatively, the entire planar support surface can be magnetic to engage the corresponding magnets or metal surfaces of the planar object. In either configuration, the planar surface can be engaged to the planar object directly or through the pillow case. In another embodiment, the exterior and interior frames can cooperate to pinch the planer object to the planar support surface as with the replaceable sheet. 
         [0010]    A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of releasably affixing a replaceable sheet to a pillow case comprises positioning an interior frame member having a first plurality of integrated magnets against the interior face of the pillow case, wherein the interior frame member defines a first opening. The method can further comprise positioning a replaceable sheet against the exterior face of the pillow case and aligning the replaceable sheet with the interior frame member, wherein the replaceable sheet is larger than the first opening. The method can also comprise aligning an exterior frame member having a second plurality of integrated magnets with the interior frame member and positioning the exterior frame member against the exterior face of the pillow case such that the first and second pluralities of integrated magnets magnetically engage to secure the interior and exterior frame members together and releasably affix the replaceable sheet to the pillow case. Finally, the method can comprise pulling the interior and exterior frame members apart to disengage the pluralities of magnets and remove the replaceable sheet. 
         [0011]    The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention can be completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a representative pillow for use with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the representative pillow of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , a pillow  10  for use with the present invention comprises a cushion  12  and a pillow case  14  defining a pocket for receiving the cushion  12 . The pillow case  14  can comprise an interior face  16  positioned proximate to the cushion  12  when the cushion  12  is positioned within the pillow case  14 . The pillow case  14  can also comprise an exterior face  18  opposite the interior face  16 . As depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , the pillow  10  comprises a conventional rectangular pillow for a bed, but can comprise any conventional pillow type of shape. As depicted, the pillow  10  is a bedroom pillow, but can include any cushion  12  covered by a case  14  including, but not limited to throw pillows, removable sofa cushions and floor pillows. The present invention can be used with any cushions with covers including cushions that are integrated into other furniture items including, but not limited to headrests, integrated sofa cushions, or padded chairs. The description of the pillow  10  is not intended to be limiting, but is provided to aid in the description of the present invention. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 3-4 , a clamping system  20 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an interior frame member  22  and an exterior frame member  24 . The interior frame member  22  further comprises a first plurality of magnets  26  positioned around the periphery of the interior frame member  22 . Similarly, the exterior frame member  24  further comprises a second plurality of magnets  28  positioned around the periphery of the exterior frame member  24 . In one aspect, the first and second pluralities of magnets  26 ,  28  can comprise magnets between ¼ and ¾ inch in diameter. In another aspect, the magnets can be between ¼ and ½ inch in diameter. Similarly, in one aspect, the magnets have a thickness of less than 1/16 inches. In yet another aspect, the magnets have a thickness of less than 1/32 inches. 
         [0022]    As depicted, the interior and exterior frame members  22 ,  24  each comprise a planar rectangular frame defining an opening. The openings are sized to receive a user&#39;s head or body part without contacting the frame members  22 ,  24 . In one aspect, the frame members  22 ,  24  can each comprise a 14 inch by 18 inch rectangular shape, wherein the frame member  22 ,  24  is one inch wide such that the opening is 12 inches by 16 inches in size. 
         [0023]    In one aspect, the frame members can comprise a rubberized, foam or other cushioning material to avoid causing discomfort to the user when resting on the pillow  10 . Similarly, the frame members  22 ,  24  can further comprise rounded edges  30  to further minimize the likelihood the frame members  22 ,  24  will cause the user discomfort when using the pillow. In one aspect, the frame members  22 ,  24  can further comprise at least one tab  32  protruding outward from at least one edge of the frame member  22 ,  24 . In another aspect, the tab  32  can extend outwardly ½ inch from the frame member  22 ,  24 . 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , in operation, the interior frame member  22  is inserted into the pillow case  14  and positioned between the interior face  16  and the cushion  12 . The exterior frame member  24  is positioned against the exterior face  18  and aligned with the interior frame member  22  such that the first and second pluralities of magnets  26 ,  28  magnetically engage each other. A replaceable sheet  36  is positioned between the exterior face  18  of the pillow case  14  and the exterior frame member  24  such that the replaceable sheet  36  is affixed to the exterior face  18  of the pillow case  14  when the frame members  22 ,  24  are magnetically engaged to each other. In one aspect, a stack of replaceable sheets  32  can be positioned between the exterior frame member  24  and the pillow case  14 . In this configuration, the frame members  22 ,  24  can be pulled apart to remove the topmost sheet  36  and expose a clean sheet  36 . 
         [0025]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame members  22 ,  24  can each further comprise a flat face  38  and a rounded face  40 . In this configuration, the first and second pluralities of magnets  26 ,  28  are oriented such that the flat faces  38  of the frame members  22 ,  24  face each other when the frame members  22 ,  24  are magnetically engaged. 
         [0026]    In one aspect, the replaceable sheet  36  can comprise a disposable sheet  42  that can be discarded after use or a reusable sheet (not pictured) that can be laundered and reused. In one embodiment, the disposable sheet  42  comprises at least two absorbent layers placed over a barrier layer. As shown in  FIG. 5 , in one aspect, the disposable sheet  42  can comprise a textured rayon top layer  44 , an un-textured rayon middle layer  46  and a waterproof plastic or wax bottom layer  48 . Similarly, the reusable sheet can comprise a washable material that can be removed and laundered before being reengaged to the pillow case  14  by the clamping system  20 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the claims system  20  can be used to engage a generally planar object  50 . The object  50  can include, but is not limited to a mirror, writing surface, dry erase board, a tablet computer and other generally planar objects  50 . In this configuration, the pillow  10  can act as a support or lap cushion to assist the user in using the planar object  50 . In one aspect, the inner or exterior frame member  22 ,  24  can further comprise a planar support surface  52  integrated into the frame member  22 ,  24 . In this configuration, the planar support surface  52  can further comprise a third plurality of magnets  54  engagable to a metallic planar object  50  or a corresponding set of magnets affixed to the planar object  50 . In another aspect, the planar support surface  52  is a separate element that can be engaged to either the inner frame member  22  or exterior frame member  24 . In this configuration, the third plurality of magnets  54  can be engaged to the first plurality of magnets  26  and/or the second plurality of magnets  28 . In another aspect, the planar support surface  52  can further comprise a fourth plurality of magnets  56  engagable to the second plurality of magnets  28 . In another aspect, the entire planar support surface  52  can be magnetized to engage the planar object  50 . The planar support surface  52  can independently retain the planar object  50  to the pillow  10  or cooperate with inner and/or exterior frame member  22 ,  24  to retain the planar object  50 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , a method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of releasably affixing a replaceable sheet  36  to a pillow case  14  comprises positioning an interior frame member  22  having a first plurality of integrated magnets  26  against the interior face of the pillow case  14 , wherein the interior frame member  22  defines a first opening. The method can further comprise positioning a replaceable sheet  36  against the exterior face  18  of the pillow case  14  and aligning the replaceable sheet  36  with the interior frame member  22 , wherein the replaceable sheet  36  is larger than the first opening. The method can also comprise aligning an exterior frame member  24  having a second plurality of integrated magnets  28  with the interior frame member  22  and positioning the exterior frame member  24  against the exterior face  18  of the pillow case  14  such that the first and second pluralities of integrated magnets  26 ,  28  magnetically engage to secure the interior and exterior frame members  22 ,  24  together and releasably affix the replaceable sheet  40  to the pillow case  14 . Finally, the method can comprise pulling the interior and exterior frame members  22 ,  24  apart to disengage the pluralities of magnets  26 ,  28  and remove the replaceable sheet  36 . 
         [0029]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. It is understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.