Patent Publication Number: US-8973191-B1

Title: Bi-elevation pillow system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/533,720 filed Jun. 26, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/880,148 filed Sep. 12, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/425,287 filed Apr. 16, 2009, the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     On many occasions, two people may wish to watch television simultaneously while lying close to each other while on a couch, a bed or the floor. It is often difficult for the two individuals to position their respective heads comfortably and still see the television. Sometimes, one or both individuals may prop their head up with a hand or an arm to see the television. Generally, it is common for the individual in the back to have difficulties seeing the television due to the head of the individual positioned in the front blocking their view. The present invention features a bi-elevation pillow system for allowing two users to lie side by side with each of their heads respectively positioned at a different elevation by using the pillow system. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention features a bi-elevation pillow system for allowing two users to lie side by side with each of their heads respectively positioned at a different elevation by using the pillow system. In some embodiments the system comprises a base pillow member comprising a general shape of a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, a base pillow bottom surface comprises a linear channel located thereon. In some embodiments, the base pillow member further comprises a cavity having a cushion component located therein. 
     In some embodiments, the system comprises a secondary pillow member comprising a general shape of a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the secondary pillow member further comprises a cavity having a cushion component located therein. 
     In some embodiments, in a first position for storage, the base pillow bottom surface interfaces with a secondary pillow bottom surface and is secured in the first position by a first attachment component and a second attachment component. In some embodiments, in a second position for use, the secondary pillow is rotated about a hinge 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the base pillow bottom surface and the secondary pillow bottom surface are placed on a ground surface for use. 
     Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention in a second position for use. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the present invention in a second position for use. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the present invention in a second position for use. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the present invention in a second position for use. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the present invention in a second position for use. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the present invention in a second position for use. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the present invention in a first position for storage. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the details of the cushion components of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the details of the stuffing material of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a strap and pocket. 
         FIG. 17  is detailed in-use view of the strap in conjunction with a remote. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a strap and pocket. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element referred to herein:
           100  Bi-elevation pillow system     200  Base pillow member     210  Base pillow top surface     220  Base pillow bottom surface     230  Base pillow first side     240  Base pillow second side     250  Base pillow third side     260  Base pillow fourth side     270  Base pillow edge     280  Linear channel     282  Channel first end     284  Channel second end     300  Secondary pillow member     310  Secondary pillow top surface     320  Secondary pillow bottom surface     330  Secondary pillow first side     340  Secondary pillow second side     350  Secondary pillow third side     360  Secondary pillow fourth side     370  Secondary pillow edge     400  Hinge     410  Base hinge side     420  Secondary hinge side     430  Attachment system     440  First attachment component     450  Second attachment component     460  Button     470  First loop     500  Access aperture     502  Access aperture edge     510  Zipper     520  Rap     530  Pouch     540  Stuffing material     550  Granular stuffing material     600  Cavity     610  Second loop     620  Third attachment component     630  Strap     632  Strap first end     634  Strap second end     640  First hook and loop system     650  Pocket     660  Pocket lip     670  Hand held device     680  Second hook and loop system     700  Cushion component     800  First height     810  Second height       

     Referring now to  FIG. 1-15 , the present invention features a hi-elevation pillow system ( 100 ) for allowing two users to lie side by side with each of their heads respectively positioned at a different elevation via the pillow system ( 100 ). In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) comprising a general shape of a rectangular prism having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ), a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ), a base pillow first side ( 230 ), a base pillow second side ( 240 ), a base pillow third side ( 250 ), and a base pillow fourth side ( 260 ). In some embodiments, the base pillow first side ( 230 ) is parallel to and opposes the base pillow second side ( 240 ). In some embodiments, the base pillow third side ( 250 ) is parallel to and opposes the base pillow fourth side ( 260 ). In some embodiments, the base pillow first side ( 230 ), the base pillow second side ( 240 ), the base pillow third side ( 250 ) and the base pillow fourth side ( 260 ), the base pillow top surface ( 210 ) and the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) are perpendicularly attached on a plurality of base pillow edges ( 270 ). 
     In some embodiments, the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprises a linear channel ( 280 ) located thereon. In some embodiments, the linear channel ( 280 ) comprises a channel first end ( 282 ) and a channel second end ( 284 ). In some embodiments, the channel first end ( 282 ) is located on the base pillow first side ( 230 ) at an intersection with the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) and the channel second end ( 284 ) is located on the base pillow second side ( 240 ) at an intersection with the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ). In some embodiments, the channel first end ( 282 ) is fluidly connected to the channel second end ( 284 ). In some embodiments, the linear channel ( 280 ) generally comprises the shape of a half-cylinder when a cylinder is longitudinally intersected by a coronal plane. 
     In some embodiments, the base pillow member ( 200 ) further comprises a cavity ( 600 ) having a cushion component ( 700 ) located therein. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 300 ) comprising a general shape of a rectangular prism having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ), a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ), a secondary pillow first side ( 330 ), a secondary pillow second side ( 340 ), a secondary pillow third side ( 350 ), and a secondary pillow fourth side ( 360 ). 
     In some embodiments, the secondary pillow first side ( 330 ) is parallel to and opposes the secondary pillow second side ( 340 ). In some embodiments, the secondary pillow third side ( 350 ) is parallel to and opposes the secondary pillow fourth side ( 360 ). In some embodiments, the secondary pillow first side ( 330 ), the secondary pillow second side ( 340 ), the secondary pillow third side ( 350 ), the secondary pillow fourth side ( 360 ), the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ), and the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) are perpendicularly attached on a plurality of secondary pillow edges ( 370 ). 
     In some embodiments, the secondary pillow member ( 300 ) further comprises a cavity ( 600 ) having a cushion component ( 700 ) located therein. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a hinge ( 400 ) having a base hinge side ( 410 ) located on the base pillow fourth side ( 260 ) at an intersection with the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) and a secondary hinge side ( 420 ) located on the secondary pillow fourth side ( 360 ) at an intersection with the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises an attachment system ( 430 ) having a first attachment component ( 440 ) located on the base pillow member ( 200 ) and a correspondingly mated second attachment component ( 450 ) located on the secondary pillow member ( 300 ). 
     In some embodiments, in a first position for storage, the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) interfaces with the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) and is secured in the first position via the attachment system ( 460 ). In some embodiments, in a second position for use, the secondary pillow is rotated about the hinge ( 400 ) 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) and the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) are placed on a ground surface for use. 
     In some embodiments, the attachment system ( 430 ) comprises a button ( 460 ) and loop ( 470 ). In some embodiments, the button and loop as used in the present invention may be replaced or substituted by a hook and loop system. In some embodiments, the attachment system ( 430 ) comprises a hook and loop system. 
     In some embodiments, the base pillow member ( 200 ) comprises an access aperture ( 500 ) located thereon and the secondary pillow member ( 300 ) comprises an access aperture ( 500 ) located thereon. In some embodiments, the access aperture ( 500 ) comprises a zipper ( 510 ) located on a pair of access aperture edges ( 502 ). In some embodiments, the access aperture ( 500 ) comprises a hook and loop system located a pair of access aperture edges ( 502 ). In some embodiments, the access aperture ( 500 ) comprises a flap ( 520 ) located on an access aperture edge ( 502 ). 
     In some embodiments, the cushion component ( 700 ) is removable. In some embodiments, the cushion component ( 700 ) is fully enveloped and contained by a pouch ( 530 ). In some embodiments, the cushion component ( 700 ) is stuffing material ( 540 ). In some embodiments, the cushion component ( 700 ) is granular stuffing material ( 550 ). 
     In some embodiments, the base top surface comprises a curved surface for cervical support. In some embodiments, the base pillow member ( 200 ) comprises a first height ( 800 ) from the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ) greater than a second height ( 810 ) of the secondary pillow member ( 300 ) from the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, an intersecting corner of three base pillow edges ( 270 ) or three secondary pillow edges ( 370 ) is rounded. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a general shape of a heart, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a heart generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow side wall perpendicularly attached to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ) and the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) on a plurality of base pillow edges ( 270 ). In some embodiments, base pillow member ( 200 ) is fully enclosed by the base pillow top surface ( 210 ), the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) and the base pillow side wall. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a general shape of a circle, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a circle generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a general shape of a star, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a star generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a general shape of a oval, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a oval generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a general shape of a rectangle, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a rectangle generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) comprising a general shape of a half-sphere. In some embodiments, the base pillow member ( 200 ) comprises a base pillow side wall contiguous with the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). In some embodiments, the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprises a generally planar round shape. In some embodiments, the base pillow side wall comprises a circumferential edge disposed on the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ). In some embodiments, the base pillow top surface ( 210 ), the base pillow side wall, and the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) form a shape of a half-sphere. In some embodiments, the base pillow member ( 200 ) is fully enclosed by the base pillow top surface ( 210 ), the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) and the base pillow side wall. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a geometric shape, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching geometric shape generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a polygonal shape, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching polygonal shape generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base pillow member ( 200 ) having a base pillow top surface ( 210 ) comprising a elliptical shape, a generally planar base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprising a generally matching elliptical shape generally parallel to the base pillow top surface ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) comprises a linear channel ( 280 ) located thereon. In some embodiments, the linear channel ( 280 ) comprises a channel first end ( 282 ) and a channel second end ( 284 ). In some embodiments, the channel first end ( 282 ) is located on the base pillow side wall at an intersection with the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ), and the channel second end ( 284 ) is located on an opposing side of the base pillow side wall at an intersection with the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ). In some embodiments, the channel first end ( 282 ) is fluidly connected to the channel second end ( 284 ). In some embodiments, the linear channel ( 280 ) generally comprises the shape of a half-cylinder when a cylinder is longitudinally intersected by a coronal plane. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a hinge ( 400 ) having a base hinge side ( 410 ) located on the base pillow side wall at an intersection with the base pillow bottom surface ( 220 ) and a secondary hinge side ( 420 ) located on the secondary pillow side wall at an intersection with the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 300 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a general shape of a heart, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a heart generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow side wall perpendicularly attached to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) and the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) on a plurality of secondary pillow edges ( 370 ). In some embodiments, secondary pillow member ( 300 ) is fully enclosed by the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ), the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) and the secondary pillow side wall. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 300 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a general shape of a circle, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a circle generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 200 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a general shape of a star, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a star generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 200 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a general shape of a oval, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a oval generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 200 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a general shape of a rectangle, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching shape of a rectangle generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 300 ) comprising a general shape of a half-sphere. In some embodiments, the secondary pillow member ( 300 ) comprises a secondary pillow side wall contiguous with the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). In some embodiments, the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprises a generally planar round shape. In some embodiments, the secondary pillow side wall comprises a circumferential edge disposed on the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ). In some embodiments, the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ), the secondary pillow side wall, and the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) form a shape of a half-sphere. In some embodiments, the secondary pillow member ( 300 ) is fully enclosed by the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ), the secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) and the secondary pillow side wall. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 300 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a geometric shape, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching geometric shape generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 300 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a polygonal shape, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching polygonal shape generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a secondary pillow member ( 300 ) having a secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ) comprising a elliptical shape, a generally planar secondary pillow bottom surface ( 320 ) comprising a generally matching elliptical shape generally parallel to the secondary pillow top surface ( 310 ). 
     In some embodiments, a second loop ( 610 ) is disposed on the base pillow second side ( 240 ), wherein a third attachment component ( 620 ) is connected through the second loop ( 610 ); wherein a strap ( 630 ) is attached to the third attachment component ( 620 ). 
     In some embodiments, the pocket ( 650 ) and the second loop ( 610 ) and strap ( 630 ) system may be on any side or on the underside of the pillow case when it is opened and laying flat. 
     In some embodiments, the third attachment component ( 620 ) has a bendable hooking mechanism so that it can be opened or closed to attach to the second loop ( 610 ). In some embodiments, the third attachment component ( 620 ) can be a ring, a keychain, a hook, a carabineer, or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the strap ( 630 ) has a strap first end ( 632 ) that is attached to the third attachment component ( 620 ), wherein the strap ( 630 ) has a strap second end ( 634 ) comprising a first hook and loop system ( 640 ). In some embodiments, the strap ( 630 ) comprises a fabric, an elastic material, a cord, or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the first hook and loop system ( 640 ) fastens onto a second hook and loop system ( 680 ) located on the back of a hand held device ( 670 ) to prevent the hand held device ( 670 ) from being lost, for example, between couch cushions or under a blanket. In some embodiments, the hand held device ( 670 ) is a television remote, a stereo remote, a cell phone, a house phone, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, a pocket ( 650 ) is disposed on the secondary pillow second side ( 340 ) for additional storage space; wherein the pocket ( 650 ) has a pocket lip ( 660 ) to reinforce an opening of the pocket. In some embodiments, the pocket ( 650 ) comprises a fabric, an elastic material, a mesh material, a polymer material, or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the pocket lip ( 660 ) comprises a fabric, an elastic material, a polymer material, or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the pocket ( 650 ) is located on the same pillow and on the same surface as the second loop ( 610 ). 
     In some embodiments, the second loop ( 610 ), the third attachment component ( 620 ) and the strap ( 630 ) may be located inside the pocket ( 650 ) in order to hide them from sight. The strap ( 630 ) will come out from the pocket ( 650 ) when it is attached to a hand held device ( 670 ). 
     As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number. For example, an embodiment wherein the hinge is about 10 inches in length includes a hinge that is between 9 and 11 inches in length. 
     The disclosures of the following U.S. patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,350. U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,245; U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,728; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2008/0028530; U.S. Pat. No. D 387,599; U.S. Pat. No. D 446,676. 
     Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. 
     The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings.