A reconfigurable pillowcase 10 has two congruent panels 12 of non-absorbent fabric connected at two lateral sides 14 and a closed distal end 16. Three handles 30 extend in a proximal direction from the proximal open end 18 of each panel 12. Fastening strips 22 inside the pillowcase's proximal open end 18 seal off the interior of the pillowcase. The handles 30 form one pair of medial handles 50 and two pairs of lateral handles 52 which may be folded over each other and held with a single hand. The folding of the pillowcase to align the handles creates creases in the pillowcase that improves the control a person has over the direction and motion of the pillowcase during a pillow fight.

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a reconfigurable pillowcase adapted for both pillow fighting and sleep. More particularly, the invention relates to a reconfigurable pillowcase having a compound handle and adapted to translate between a recumbent cushioning configuration to a more controllable pillow fighting configuration.

Description of the Related Art

Pillows are intended primarily to provide a more comfortable surface for resting, sitting or sleeping. They come in many forms and shapes. Over the years, pillows have also been used for a variety of other functions. One alternative function popular with both children and adults, is to engage in pillow fighting. In a pillow fight, two or more people grasp the open side of a pillowcase housing a pillow, and strike each other with the pillows. When striking an opponent, a pillow will typically not cause actual injuries, but can knock a person off balance and/or disorient someone. However, it is nonetheless considered great fun and even entertaining to watch.

There are several difficulties associated with pillow fighting. Pillows can be damaged and torn open during pillow fight. In addition, it is often difficult to securely and firmly grasp a pillow, particularly when using it to strike something or someone. It is also difficult to strike an opponent with precision. A pillow and/or pillowcase is capable of freely rotating, swinging and twisting about the point held by a pillow fight participant. This makes a pillow difficult to control during a pillow fight, as the pillow constantly acquires unwanted or undesired angular momentum about the point at which it is held. This makes it more difficult for a participant to maintain a secure grip on the pillow or pillowcase. It also limits the available velocity and acceleration of the pillow, because the participant's movements must both impart force on the pillow and counteract the rotating and twisting forces acting on the pillow. The forces applied to a pillow/pillowcase are also limited by the strength of the material from which it is formed.

Control of a pillow or pillowcase during a pillow fight may be improved by grasping two of the four corners of the pillow. However, this greatly reduces the range of motion available to a participant, limiting the forces and directions of motion available to the participants. This also eliminates the ability to strike an opponent using a wide sweeping swing with a single arm.

A further limitation of pillows/pillowcases in a pillow fight is that they are typically made of a soft, absorbent material such as cotton, linen, wool and the like. Use of these materials greatly improves a pillow's utility during sleep or rest, because they allow sweat to dissipate, and prevent sweat from collecting between the pillow and a user. However, this is not particularly hygienic. In the current pandemic, it is desirable to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of others. When a cotton pillow is used, it will readily retain any bodily fluids in comes in contact with, and will increase the spread of viruses and bacteria to anyone in contact with the pillow/pillowcase. These typical pillowcases thus only act to increase the spread of communicable diseases between participants.

Another disadvantage of pillowcases made of cotton or other absorbent materials is that they detract from the appeal of pillow fights as a spectator sport. When struck by a cotton, or other absorbent material, pillowcase, it emits only a dull thud. A pillow fight would be more entertaining for an audience if a blow from a pillow made a louder, more dramatic sound.

A strong handle on a pillow or pillowcase improves a participant's ability to hold the pillow with a single hand. The prior art provides handbags having padding, as well as pillows, that include handles for easing transport of the device. However, the handles of the prior art do not substantially improve a participant's ability to control and direct the forces applied to the pillow. There are also pillows configured to provide a handle region and which are designed for use in a pillow fight. For example, pillows are currently provided having the shapes of battle axes, a swords, shields and other weapons. Such pillows are aesthetically pleasing, but do not improve a pillow's performance during a pillow fight.

Adding structural strength and/or rigidity to a pillow may improve its utility in a pillow fight, by reducing undesired rotational and twisting motions. However, a rigid pillow is generally less comfortable to use for its primary purpose—comfort. A rigid or semi-rigid pillow/pillowcase is less comfortable. However, a completely unrigid pillow is more difficult to control during a pillow fight.

The above-described deficiencies of today's systems are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a pillow optimized for both sleeping and pillow fighting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a pillowcase that transitions from a sleeping configuration to a pillow fighting configuration by retracting and extending one or more handles at its open end. The pillowcase is secured in the pillow fighting configuration by fasteners inside the pillowcase proximal to the opening. To convert the pillowcase to the sleeping configuration, the open end of the pillowcase, including the region where the fasteners are located, is folded inward so that the one or more handles extends inside the pillowcase instead of outward away from the opening. Additional fastener mechanisms may be employed, preferably inside the pillowcase, to secure the pillowcase in the sleeping configuration.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pillowcase capable having retractable handles and capable of transforming between a more rigid, controllable fighting configuration and a less rigid, more comfortable recumbent configuration.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure could also include permutations of the various elements as if each dependent claim was a multiple dependent claim incorporating the limitations of each of the preceding dependent claims as well as the independent claims. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, such permutations are expressly within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, the disclosure should be interpreted as including permutations of the various elements disclosed in the Figures, unless the various elements are clearly mutually exclusive.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, dimensions reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. The term “a” or “an” as used herein means “at least one” unless specified otherwise. In this specification and the claims, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Moreover, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise.

For ease of understanding, the following definitions will apply throughout this description; however, no definition should be regarded as being superceding any art-accepted understanding of the listed terms.

FIG.1shows a reconfigurable pillowcase10in accordance with the principles of the invention. The reconfigurable pillowcase10has two opposing panels12connected along their two lateral sides14and along a closed distal end16. In this embodiment, the two opposing panels12are congruent and coextensive. In this embodiment, panels12are formed from a single panel folded along the closed distal end16, and stitched together along their lateral sides14. Optionally, the two congruent opposing panels12may be separate components stitched together along the closed distal end16. In this embodiment, pillowcase10has a standard pillowcase shape. I.e., the panels12are rectangular, with the longer sides of the rectangle constituting the lateral sides14of the pillowcase and the shorter sides constituting the closed distal end16and the proximal open end18. A total of six handles30are arranged along the proximal open end18, three on each panel, and extend in a proximal direction. The handles30are congruent and coextensive, all being of equal size and dimension. The opposing panels12are formed by a non-absorbent, substantially impermeable material, such as a flexible plastic. In this embodiment, the panels12are formed from nylon ripstop. Optionally, other nonabsorbent strong materials, for example silk, may be used.

FIGS.2and3show the proximal open end18, which has an opening defined by the proximal edges20of the two opposing panels12and provides access to the interior of the pillowcase10. Two opposing, complementary fastening strips22are located inside the pillowcase10, on the internal sides of the panels12adjacent to and coextensive with the panels' proximal edges20. In this embodiment, the opposing complementary fastening strips22are formed by complimentary hook-and-loop strips, e.g. Velcro®. Magnetic strips or other complementary fastener mechanisms may optionally be used. When the two fastening strips22are brought into contact, they seal the proximal open end18of the pillowcase10. The pillowcase10is opened by pulling the complementary fastening strips22apart. When the proximal open end18is closed, the pillowcase10becomes substantially air- and water-tight. This allows air to be added to or removed from the interior of the pillowcase10, thereby allowing an operator to adjust the amount of air in the pillowcase. This in turn will alter the sound generated by the pillow upon striking a surface or a participant in a pillow fight. The pillowcase panels12are also non-absorbent. As a result, the pillowcase10is more hygienic than a pillowcase made of cotton or other absorbent material. Pathogens such as viruses will not become incorporated into the fabric. It also generally produces a louder sound upon impact than that of a typical cotton pillowcase.

As best shown inFIG.3, each of the proximal edges20of the respective panels12are formed by a turned hem32having an internal stabilizer34. In this embodiment, the stabilizer34is an elongate, thin band of a plastic, such as for example polyethylene or polypropylene, which provides strength and rigidity to the turned hem32, but is also flexible enough to be folded between adjacent handles30. The panel12, handles30, fastening strip22, and stabilizer32are all held together by stitching and/or adhesives. The turned hem32of this embodiment is sewn with a proximal double stitch36, a distal double stitch38and a medial single stitch40. The proximal double stitch36and the medial single stitch40extend through the handles24and26, the panels12, the stabilizer32and the fastening strip22. The distal double stitch38extends through all of these components except for the fastening strip22. The fastening strip22is also affixed to the panel12by an adhesive. Optionally, all of the components may be affixed together using only adhesive, only stitching, or any combinations of adhesive and stitching.

As best shown inFIG.4, each of the panels12includes three equally sized U-shaped handles30. The handles are formed from a ribbon, or web, of flexible material. In this embodiment, the handles30are formed from thick strips of vinyl. The anchoring ends46of each vinyl strip44lie flush against the panels12and extend distally from, and perpendicular to, the proximal edge20of each panel12. This further strengthens and adds rigidity to the turned hems32. The anchoring ends46of each handle30are parallel to and lie flush against either one of the lateral sides14of the panel, or an adjacent handle30. The gripping region48of each handle30extends substantially parallel to the proximal edge20of the panel12. All of the handles30are congruent, i.e. having the same dimensions, and extend in a proximal direction. Each handle30has a width approximately one third (⅓) the width of the proximal edge20, such that the combined widths of the three handles30of each panel is equal to the width of the proximal edge20of the panel. The region of the handles30where anchoring ends46meet the gripping region48can form a 45° crease49, which allows both the anchoring ends46and the gripping region48to lie parallel to the panel12. This facilitates easy storage, packaging and transport of the reconfigurable pillowcase10. When the proximal end18is close, the handles30on a panel12align with a corresponding opposing handle on the other panel. Thus, the pillowcase10has a pair of medial handles50and two pairs of lateral handles52.

To convert the pillowcase10to a sleeping configuration, shown inFIGS.5and6, the handles30and turned hems32are folded into the inside of the pillowcase10. This is accomplished by detaching the fastening strips22and folding the turned hems32of the panels12into the interior of the pillowcase10. In this configuration, the fastening strips cannot engage each other, and the pillowcase10will not seal closed. This improves comfort for a user of the pillowcase by allowing excess air to easily escape from the pillowcase. This configuration also retains the handles30, which are not comfortable to rest one's head against, inside the pillowcase10and away from a user. The rigidity of the turned hem32, created by the hem itself, the stabilizer34, the fastening strips22, the handles30prevent the pillowcase from unfolding out of the sleeping configuration.

FIGS.7-10show how the reconfigurable pillowcase10may be transformed into a fighting configuration. First, the fastening strips22are engaged to seal the proximal open end18and to align the handles30to form two to lateral handle pairs52and a medial handle pair50. Referring toFIG.7, one of the pairs of lateral handles52is folded over and aligned with the central handle pair50on a first side54of the pillowcase10, thereby forming a first crease58. Next, as shown inFIG.8, the other lateral handle pair52is folded over a second side56of the pillowcase10and aligned with the opposite second side56of the central handle pair50, thereby forming a second crease60. Thus, all six handles30are aligned with each other, as shown inFIG.9, using an accordion fold. This allows a user to engage all six handles30simultaneously with a single hand58, as shown inFIG.10.

The accordion folding formed by the fighting configuration improves control of motion of the pillowcase10during a pillow fight, because the accordion folding creates creases58and60between the medial handle pair50and each of the lateral handle pairs52. These creases make the pillowcase10more rigid. This can be seen inFIGS.11and12.FIG.11shows the pillowcase10held at two corners of the open end18, as is common in pillow fighting of the prior art. The pillowcase has no rigidity, is flimsy, and hangs downward.FIG.12shows the pillowcase10in the accordion folded fighting configuration, where the two creases58and60provide sufficient linear rigidity between the open end18and the closed end16, such that the pillowcase10extends horizontally rather than drooping downward under the force of gravity. The properly held pillowcase10will also maintain a conical shape during use. The rigidity of the pillowcase10can be further adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of air trapped within the pillowcase.

The pillowcase in accordance with the principles of the invention may be filled with a typical pillow, or any material generally considered suitable for use in a pillow, i.e. materials which are soft, low density and compressible. It is undesirable to sleep or pillow fight with a material that is heavy, solid or rigid, and dense, as such materials may cause injury.

FIG.13shows two participants in a pillow fight. Participant60is holding all six handles of a pillowcase62with one hand, which improves control of the pillowcase when swinging it toward participant64. Participant64however, is only holding the pillowcase by four of the handles, not all six. As a result, his pillowcase70is bent, without a linear bias along the length of the pillowcase, even when hanging vertically downward. Participant60has a clear advantage.

Similarly, inFIG.14, participant70is holding her pillowcase72using all six handles, and the creases are clearly visible, as is the conical shape of the pillow. This improves participant70's ability to make an effective hit against participant74. Participant74is only holding her pillowcase76by two of the handles, and as a result there are no creases and her pillow does not have the preferred conical shape. Participant74's ability to control the pillow and make an effective hit on Participant70is greatly diminished.

FIGS.15-17show an alternative embodiment of a proximal end80of a reconfigurable pillowcase82in accordance with principles of the invention. The pillowcase82has the same structure and configuration as the pillowcase10except that it includes a soft lining84on the internal surface86of the two opposing congruent and coextensive panels88.FIG.15shows a typical pillow87inside the pillowcase82. Pillow87is a typical pillow which may be used in any embodiment of the invention. The inclusion of the soft lining84allows for a third possible configuration, a second sleeping or recumbent configuration, for the pillowcase82.FIG.13shows the proximal end82which, like pillowcase10, has three handles90extending in a proximal direction from the proximal end80. Two complementary fastening strips94extend across the entire length of the proximal edge96of the opposing panels88, and allow the proximal end80to be closed. Panels88are formed from a nonabsorbent, substantially airtight and watertight material, such as for example nylon ripstop, silk, vinyl or the like. The soft lining84extends across the entire inside surface86of both panels88. The soft lining84may be formed from a soft material such as cotton, linen or other materials commonly used on a pillowcase. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the material used to fill the pillowcase must be removed and reinserted during this process.

To transform the pillowcase82into an alternative sleeping configuration, the internal pillow is removed and the pillowcase82is inverted. I.e., it is turned inside out as shown inFIG.14, so that the soft lining84now extends across the outside of the pillowcase82, the inside surface86now serving as an outside surface. The pillow is then reinserted. To complete the reconfiguration to the second sleeping or recumbent configuration, the proximal end80of the pillowcase82is folded inward such that the handles90life flush against the opposing panels. This configuration is practically the same as the sleeping or recumbent configuration described above, except that the pillowcase82was reversed prior to folding the handles90into the pillowcase82. One feature of this alternative reconfiguration is that the complementary fastening strips94face each other and may be affixed together to seal the pillowcase82while in a sleeping position. The soft lining84also provides a more comfortable surface when the pillowcase82is used to provide cushioning, such as for use as a typical pillow. The addition of an internal soft lining84and the inversion of the pillowcase prior to folding the handles inward will be recognized by those skilled in the art as readily incorporated into the above described embodiments of the invention.

Example of Competitive Pillow Fighting Rules

The reconfigurable pillowcases in accordance with the principles of the invention may be utilized in a spectator sport of competitive pillow fighting. The following are exemplary rules and guidelines for one embodiment of a competitive pillow fighting spectator sport:

Matches are evaluated by 3 judges and scored on a points-based system. Points will be awarded for landing hits and special moves, and points will be deducted for penalties. Hits must land above waist and must be swung at “full force” in order to count as points.

Knockdown—When a player causes an opponent to “fall down” or somehow touch the floor of the ring with a third point of support, which can be any part of the body. If an opponent falls, but it was not caused by a strike from the player, the opponent will simply get a 1 point deduction.

A floored/knocked down fighter has ten seconds to get up before losing the match by knockout.

A fighter may not push or charge into their opponent with any part of the body or the pillow.

You can only hold the pillow by the handles, one or both hands may be used, and you may hold one, two or all three handles at once.

You cannot grab or hold on to your opponent or opponent's pillow.

You cannot hold the pillow stationary over your head.

At all times fighters must keep3′ between themselves during a round—no crowding.

No open wounds or jewelry.

Points Awarded Per Round:

Knockdown=3 points360°=2 pointsStrike to Head=1 pointAvoids Opponent's Hits, Display Showmanship=1 point per round (If both fighters equally avoid hits or display showmanship, then no points are awarded to either fighter for that round)

Definitions

Headshot—A clean blow landed above the shoulders.

Torso Shot—A clean blow landed on arms or torso that lies below the shoulders as well as above the groin.

360—a full spin followed by a clean strike on the opponent that results in a point.

Foul—An inappropriate or unfair act as deemed by the referee, which may be intentional or unintentional, and will result in a point deduction. This can be an illegal strike or any other illegal move that the referee deems worthy of a foul.

Blocking—illegal usage of any part of the body to block a strike other than the pillow. Blocking is not allowed. You may only avoid being hit by dodging opponents' pillows. Players may not raise arms above chest and no purposeful blocking with arms or hands. 3 or more offenses will result in a point deduction.

Charging—To rush forward, or to make illegal contact by pushing or moving any part of the player's body into the opponent's torso.

Grabbing—illegal use of the player's hand, arm, or leg to restrain or impede an opponent or an opponent's pillow.

Dropped Pillow—When a player, by his own fault, drops or loses control of his pillow, and will result in a 1 point deduction. Dropped pillows as a result of an illegal move by the opponent will not garner a point deduction.

Swing pillow at full force

Be the aggressor

Dodge all possible hits

Incorporate showmanship into fight

Perform special moves as defined

Only strike with pillow

Do not strike opponent with any part of your body

Don't drop your pillow

Do not grab opponent or their pillow

No pushing or charging opponent

Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. That is, the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated. The claims should be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.