Patent Publication Number: US-6216297-B1

Title: Pak-a-pillow

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to pillows wherein the exterior boundaries of the pillow also generally define the perimeter of a main pocket located in the interior of the pillow. The pillow and pocket combination can be suitably sized to accommodate the needs of adults, adolescents, pets and children to store various items such as for example, toys, pet supplies, recreational items and clothing apparel suitable for overnight trips, recreational outings, sporting events, trips away from home for either long or short term or sleep overs. The combination pocket in a pillow can either, after the removal of the pocket contents, or while the contents are still stored therein be used as a pillow, so as to preclude the necessity of having a pillow in addition to a carrying case for the items required for the trip or sleep over. This pocket in a pillow is for use as a travel bag, having a design providing improved durability, strength and comfort and to be carried or otherwise transported. Additionally, the pocket in a pillow may further include a blanket of suitable size to fit neatly within the interior pocket. The inclusion of this blanket further adds to the comfort and thickness of the pillow, and the protective utility of the padding between the outer casement and the inner lining. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Several forms of pillows with pockets or storage compartments are known in the art U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,784 to Cohen is directed to a pillow/display case for displaying various small objects. The pillow/display case in Cohen has a transparent, flexible overlay sheet secured to a wall of the pillow, creating a display pocket for the objects. U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,481 to Redman discloses a tooth-shaped pillow with a pocket for holding money and baby teeth. U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,283 to More shows a cushion with an exterior pouch for storing first-aid material particularly for carrying in an automobile. U.S. Pat. No. 2,962,731 to Bounds discloses a pillow with an interior pocket for carrying a radio, a handkerchief, or other valuable articles such that these articles are hidden. The prior art also includes pillow combinations which combine a pillow with some other article. U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,270 to. 
     Rivera is directed to a pillow with a baby bottle holder. British Patent 93,649 to Birch discloses a water bottle in a pillow. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. no. 4,768,245 to Dutton discloses a children&#39;s pillow with a book combination, including a conventional pillow with a pocket sewn to the exterior portion of the conventional pillow for receiving a book. The cover of the book contains some indicia, design, or color representing the contents or subject matter of the book and the identical or substantially similar indicia, designs, or color representations are likewise sewn into the cover of the pocket on the exterior of the pillow. U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,310 to Shields discloses a combined cushion and article carrier. This invention particularly provides a foam cushion held within a bag-like fabric covering, this fabric covering having a shoulder strap connected thereto to facilitate carrying of the bag. The foam cushion has an indentation formed in one surface for receiving articles such as closable cups or other bingo paraphernalia. U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,859 to Seaman discloses an inflatable traveling pillow, including an inner, rubber, inflatable portion and an intermediate fiber-filled case for the inflatable portion. The exterior cover is designed to prevent the head or other body part from contacting the plastic inflatable pillow portion. The carrying handle also provides a compartment for the storage of a small pneumatic pump to facilitate the inflation of the enclosed interior inflatable portion. The pillow&#39;s of the prior art disclose standard pillows with pouches and pockets superficially attached thereto whereby items may be protected and stored. Moreover the prior art teaches a pillow with additional cushioning supplied by inflatable or pneumatic cushion portions and/or where the pocket is superficially attached to the pillow where there is not sufficient padding between the layers of fabric which form the pocket, such that if items were stored within the pocket, and if the pillow were used, as a pillow, without removal of the items, the comfort of the user would be lessened as compared to the present invention. The prior art does not teach of a pillow to be transported by the use of a strap or handle, which is simultaneously a pocket for transporting and storing items, wherein the stored items are somewhat protected because of the padding which generally fills a compartment between the outer casement and the inner pocket lining. 
     The pillow of this invention solves these problems by means of a suitably sized pocket containing pillow which allows the individual to store items in the interior portion of the pillow, while still allowing for its use as a conventional pillow subsequent to, or coincident with, the articles being stored within the interior pillow pocket. The ability of the pillow of this invention to function as a pillow while simultaneously storing items is due, in part, to the inclusion of sufficient padding between the layers forming the exterior and interior lining portions. The pillow of this invention further comprises a handle, strap or other carrying means attached to the casement and different than the outer casement, to further facilitate use of the pillow as a transportable pillow and carrying bag. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Pursuant to the present invention, a pillow of conventional construction has an outer cover or casement of suitable material defining an interior space. As with a conventional pillow, the interior contains appropriate stuffing or padding held within the cover so it may, if desired, function as a pillow when empty and yet may simultaneous with the storage of items, also function as a suitably comfortable pillow. Unlike other designs, however, the present invention lacks a seam on one edge, thereby providing additional strength and durability and comfort to the pillow. The pillow can be of any desired configuration. However, for purposes of illustration it will be described in terms of a conventional pillow the perimeter of which is defined by opposing sides, an open edge and an edge lacking a seam, i.e. is generally rectangular in shape. Along one edge of the pillow is an opening that functions as an entrance to a pocket extending into the interior of the pillow. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the pocket is defined by means of opposing lining walls attached to the casement along either side of the opening at the pillow perimeter and attached to each other along opposing side edges. If desired, closure means may be located at the pocket entrance to secure the pocket in a closed position. In one preferred embodiment the closure means facilitates entrance into the pocket at any selected point of the entrance, while maintaining closed the remaining portions of the closure means. Still further, the closure means should be selected to provide optimum comfort, strength, durability and resistance to weather caused damage. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the pocket is as previously defined except were closure means may be along three sides of the pocket. In this embodiment, the pillow is only fixedly attached along one perimeter and is operably attached along the remaining perimeters. In this embodiment, the closure means could be opened, providing an elongated pillow. This type of opening can be visualized as the opening of a hanging file from a “V” configuration when each side perimeter is openable attached to the adjacent side but which can be opened up, pushing the two top edges away from each other, to lie flat on a surface, such as a desk or floor. In this embodiment, a pack a pillow according to this embodiment may open to provide a pillow of larger area, perhaps for use by a pet, more than one person or as a ground cover. Suitable closure means for accomplishing this embodiment are inter engaging snaps or perhaps hook and loop type systems such as a VELCRO system. The closure means should allow random access to the pocket through any point along the closure, without requiring that other sections be opened. This freedom and multiple pathway access to the pocket increases convenience and also provides an additional mode to practice this invention. 
     The pocket is situated in the pillow interior such that the stuffing or padding is positioned between the pocket walls and exterior cover on all sides of the pocket, i.e., the padding generally fills a compartment which is one continuous padding section, surrounding and defining the inner pocket. This arrangement is important to provide comfort, durability and provide a more pillow-like travel bag. 
     Moreover, where a handle, strap or other carrying means is attached to the pocket in a pillow, they should either be suitable pliable so as not to interfere with the comfort and/or with the desire to sleep and/or relax, and where desired, the carrying means may be removably adhered to an interior wall so they effectively hidden. This hiding of the handles or carrying means further provides the appearance of a standard pillow. 
     The dimensions of the pocket may be substantially the same as the perimeter of the pillow or smaller, i.e., the pocket may be of smaller dimension than the pillow. A pocket in a pillow which is smaller than the outer perimeter is important because it allows the pillow to have substantially more padding surrounding the pocket, providing even greater comfort when used as a pillow while contents are stored therein. The pillow is of appropriate size and shape to be used by a child, adolescent, animal or adult. 
     The closure means at the pocket entrance and/or along two adjacent additional sides may comprise snaps, fasteners, hooks and loops, e.g. Velcro (TM), or other similar closure means. The type of closure means used is important from two perspectives. If the pocket in a pillow is used by a child, the closure means should be of a type that is easily manipulated by the child, such as a Velcro type closure. Additionally, the closure means should provide for opening at the pocket entrance in random locations along the opening and/or at multiple positions along the opening. When this invention is used by the elderly the closure means should be easily manipulated, even if physical and/or mental abilities are limited. 
     The second concern relative to the closure means is that it not detract from the comfort provided by the pillow, regardless of whether the pocket is full or empty. Although still contemplated, a zipper is less desired because of the discomfort often associated therewith and potential damage caused by water. Additionally, the pillow can be equipped with handles or shoulder straps to facilitate the carrying of the pillow with the pocket in an upright position. To further the comfort of the pillow, the handle or shoulder straps can optionally be removed. This embodiment facilitates removal of straps or handles and placement in the pocket for later use. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pillow in a horizontal or resting position showing an interior pocket with the pocket entrance being in an open position. 
     FIG. 2 is also a perspective view of a pillow in a vertical or carrying position showing an interior pocket with the pocket entrance being open and further showing carrying means attached to the pillow. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  3 — 3  of the pillow shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pillow in a vertical or carrying position showing carrying means attached to the pillow at the opening of the pocket. Closure means such as snaps are shown attached to the inner walls of the pocket opening. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pillow in a vertical or carrying position showing carrying means attached to the pillow at the opening of the pocket. Closure means such as VELCRO type hook and loop closures are shown attached to the inner walls of the pocket opening. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pillow in a vertical or carrying position showing carrying means attached to the pillow at the opening of the pocket. Closure means such as a zipper are shown attached to the inner walls of the pocket opening. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow in a vertical or carrying position wherein the pillow is of substantially round or circular shape. Carrying means is shown attached to the pillow near the opening to the pocket thereof. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow in a vertical or carrying position wherein the pillow is of substantially animal shape. Carrying means is shown attached to the pillow near the opening to the pocket thereof. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pocket in a pillow invention in a vertical or carrying position wherein is shown the optional second inner pocket. An attachment means whereby the inner pocket is attached to the inner wall of the large, main pocket is shown. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  3 — 3  of the pillow shown in FIG. 2 with the smaller second pocket removably attached to the inner wall of the larger first pocket by an attachment means. Closure means for the second smaller pocket is shown. Carrying means is also shown attached to the larger first pocket. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment showing a pillow  10  having an outer surface or casement  11  and an interior pocket  13  defined by adjoined facing pocket walls  12   a  and  12   b . FIG. 2 shows a similar embodiment in an upright, or carrying position having carrying means, e.g., a carrying strap  15   a  attached thereto. The interior pocket  13 , delineated by the pocket sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  by an attachment means,  26  as in FIG. 9 and 10, is profiled by dotted line  15  in FIGS. 1 and 2 to be substantially rectangular. FIG. 3 is a cross section of the view shown in FIG. 2 showing the pocket  13 , sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b such as a VELCRO™ type closure means as shown  30  in FIG. 10, padding material generally filling the continuous padding compartment  21 , and casement walls  11   a  and  11   b . In each figure, the pocket  13  is wide open. 
     More specifically, the pillow  10  is made up of a single continuous outer casement or covering  11  having opposing sides  11   a  and  11   b . The casement sides are bounded by a perimeter designated by side edges  16  and  17  and an unbound bottom edge  19  and an open top edge  18 . The padding compartment  7  is enveloped by the casement wall  11  to the exterior and the inner pocket lining,  12 . There is an opening  20  in the top edge of the casement perimeter that provides access into the pillow pocket  13 . The pocket  13  is defined by opposing pocket walls  12   a  and  12   b  attached to the casement wall  11  along either side of the opening  20  and at the top edge  18  of the casement. The edges of the opposing pocket lining walls are joined to each other and to the outer casement along the side perimeters. In short, the joined pocket walls  12   a  and  12   b  delineate the pocket  13  having an opening  20 . Padding  21  is contained in the interior space  7  so as to provide cushioning between the pocket walls  12   a  and  12   b  and the adjacent casement walls  11   a  and  11   b . In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 the padding material  21  is shown minimally in amount or thickness to emphasize the pocket  13 . The actual amount or thickness of padding relative to the size of the pocket may vary depending upon whether the pillow  10  is to be used primarily as a carrying and travel case or as a pillow providing optimal head rest comfort. 
     FIGS. 1-3 further portray closure means  14  for facilitating the closure of the pocket  13  by bringing the edges of casement walls  11   a  and  11   b  together at the upper perimeter  18  thereby preventing the loss of the contents contained in pocket  13 . The closure means  14  may be of any type known in the art so long as the desired results are obtained, namely the secure closure of the opening, optimal comfort, random access to the pocket and security as determined by practice and custom. For example, the closure means  14  may be a VELCRO type hook and loop, zipper or snap closure means and may be located on the casement at the pillow opening or at the upper edge of pocket sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  as shown in the drawings. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, there is preferably provided carrying means, such as a strap or a handle (not shown) to facilitate the carrying of the pillow. The strap or handle is preferably attached to the upper portion of the pillow whereby the user may more easily utilize the pillow as a carrier to convey pajamas, a blanket or any other desired sleep over items on a trip. This handle or strap can be of any length so as to be used as a shoulder strap or, in a shorter version, a hand held strap. Furthermore, this handle or strap can be made of any material or fabric possessing sufficient strength to hold the pillow and any contents placed in the pocket. Additionally this handle may be of any suitable length and can be attached at any portion along the upper end of the pocket in a pillow. FIG. 2 further contains a optional graphic depiction  6  on outer surface. While this has noting to do with the functionality of the invention it is illustrative of a depiction that would be pleasing to a young person. While not illustrated, the pillow of the invention can assume any desired shape or configuration. For example the pillow can be contoured in the shape of an animal, plant or inanimate object An opening, extending into the interior of a padded animal that is lined to serve as a pocket may serve the same function. The pocket walls may be attached to the outer fabric covering of the animal body at an opening in the same manner as in the pillow casement of FIGS.  1 — 3 . It must be further understood that the animal shape is also a pillow in that it must contain sufficient padding on either side of the pocket to provide the desired comfort when used as a pillow and to also provide protection to stored and/or carried items. This embodiment may be configured to represent any variety of animals such as the bear, dog, cat, turtle or any other shape so long as the embodiment functions as a pocket in a pillow as herein described. Indeed, this embodiment also may be in the form of imaginary animals such as dragons or aliens. It is envisioned that the formed pillow, regardless of shape contain sufficient padding on either side of the interior pocket so the desired level of comfort is provided when used as a pillow and the desired level of protection to stored and/or carried items be provided. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Pursuant to the present invention, a pillow of conventional construction has an outer cover or casement of suitable material defining an interior space. As with a conventional pillow, the interior contains appropriate stuffing or padding held within the cover so it may, if desired, function as a pillow when empty and yet may simultaneous with the storage of items, also function as a suitably comfortable pillow. Unlike other designs, however, the present invention lacks a seam on one edge, thereby providing additional strength and durability and comfort to the pillow. The pillow can be of any desired configuration. However, for purposes of illustration it will be described in terms of a conventional pillow the perimeter of which is defined by opposing sides, an open edge and an edge lacking a seam, i.e. is generally rectangular in shape. Along one edge of the pillow is an opening that functions as an entrance to a pocket extending into the interior of the pillow. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the pocket is defined by means of opposing lining walls attached to the casement along either side of the opening at the pillow perimeter and attached to each other along opposing side edges. If desired, closure means may be located at the pocket entrance to secure the pocket in a closed position. In one preferred embodiment the closure means facilitates entrance into the pocket at any is selected point of the entrance, while maintaining closed the remaining portions of the closure means. Still further, the closure means should be selected to provide optimum comfort, strength, durability and resistance to weather caused damage. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the pocket is as previously defined except were closure means may be along three sides of the pocket. In this embodiment, the pillow is only fixedly attached along one perimeter and is operably attached along the remaining perimeters. In this embodiment, the closure means could be opened, providing an elongated pillow. This type of opening can be visualized as the opening of a hanging file from a “V” configuration when each side perimeter is openable attached to the adjacent side but which can be opened up, pushing the two top edges away from each other, to lie flat on a surface, such as a desk or floor. In this embodiment, a pack a pillow according to this embodiment may open to provide a pillow of larger area, perhaps for use by a pet, more than one person or as a ground cover. Suitable closure means for accomplishing this embodiment are inter engaging snaps or perhaps hook and loop type systems such as a VELCRO system. The closure means should allow random access to the pocket through any point along the closure, without requiring that other sections be opened. This freedom and multiple pathway access to the pocket increases convenience and also provides an additional mode to practice this invention. 
     The pocket is situated in the pillow interior such that the stuffing or padding is positioned between the pocket walls and exterior cover on all sides of the pocket, i.e., the padding generally fills a compartment which is one continuous padding section,