Patent Publication Number: US-2019168956-A1

Title: Packaging assemblies and display systems for bedding products

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present patent application generally relates to bedding products and more specifically relates to packages for bedding products such as pillows and blankets. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     It is well known to package compressible materials, such as pillows, in a package or bag made from flexible, polymeric material. The resulting packaging, however, can be bulky, which increases transportation, storage and display costs from the point of manufacture to the point of sale. 
     Moreover, the bedding product itself or the covering for the bedding product may become soiled as a result of handling and exposure during transport, storage and display. As a result, consumers may be less likely to purchase bedding products packaged in unwieldy, bulky containers. 
     There have been a number of developments directed to providing improved packaging for bedding products to make it easier to transport, store, display and sell bulky bedding products. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,204 to Keeton discloses an article made of flexible foam material, such as a pillow, that is compressed by encasing the article in a substantially air-tight sack, and withdrawing air from the sack, thereby reducing the size of the foam article. After compression, the article is packaged in a box. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,247 to Beier discloses a compressible travel pillow that is stored within a flexible plastic bag. One end of the flexible plastic bag has a zipper or the like to enable that end of the plastic bag to be selectively closed. A one-way air valve is provided at the other end of the bag to permit air within the bag and the pillow contained therein to be exhausted outwardly therefrom so that the thickness of the pillow may be reduced. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,644 to Scheurer discloses a travel pillow including a block of resilient, open cell foam material that can be compressed, rolled-up and secured within an outer protective covering. The outer protective covering includes a pre-stretched, dimensionally stable compression wrapper of a hook and loop-compatible fabric material, a strip of complementary hook or loop fastener material secured along one edge portion and a compression rod secured along an opposite edge portion of the wrapper. The foam pillow and the outer protective covering are wound together about the compression rod as the foam pillow is compressed. The pillow assembly is releasably secured in the rolled-up, compressed configuration by engagement of the complementary fastener strip with the hook and loop-compatible fabric material. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,960 to Diliberto discloses a disaster pack including a pillow, a blanket, and a mattress pad compressed to a volume of about five and one-half percent of their free state volume. A method for making the packaged product includes placing the compressible dry goods within a bag; placing the compressible dry goods disposed within the bag on a platen; compressing the compressible dry goods within the bag; sealing the open end of the bag to form a sealed bag; and removing the dry goods within the sealed bag from the platen. 
     US 2011/0266188 to Share et al. discloses a method and apparatus for compressing woven material or other compressible material, such as, but not limited to, a comforter set or bedding set. The bedding set or other woven material is placed into a re-closable storage bag through the open bottom thereof. The bag is compressed by a compression apparatus and the open bottom of the storage bag is sealed shut. The result is a package with reduced volume, which reduces shipping and display costs, and is more aesthetically attractive to the consumer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,185 to Hasan et al. discloses a space saver pillow system including a space saver pillow and a bag. The space saver pillow has a fill and a covering surrounding and enclosing the fill. The fill of the space saver pillow is adapted to generally rebound back to its natural state after being compressed. The bag encloses the space saver pillow and an amount of air. The space saver pillow enclosed in the bag is compressed to no more than about 80% of its original size. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,875 to Fux discloses a stackable package for bedding includes a flexible outer container having an upper end and a lower end, a bottom panel extending along the lower end of the flexible container and side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel toward the upper end of the flexible container for defining an open end of the flexible outer container. The stackable package includes an insert disposed inside the flexible outer container for reinforcing the bottom and side panels of the flexible outer container, and bedding disposed inside the insert. The side panels of the flexible outer container have upper ends that are joined together for hermetically sealing the bedding inside the flexible outer container. In one embodiment, a bedding product, such as a pillow, is compressed before being inserted into the insert for minimizing the size and/or footprint of the pillow within the package. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,876 to Fux discloses a stackable package for a bedding product, such as a pillow, that is similar to that disclosed in above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,875. In one embodiment, side panels of the flexible outer container have upper ends that are joined together for sealing the bedding inside the flexible outer container. At least one of the panels of the flexible outer container has at least one vent opening formed therein for allowing air to circulate through the package after the package has been sealed. 
     In spite of the above advances, there is a continuing need for improved packages for bedding products that make it easier to pack, ship, store, display and sell bedding products, such as compressible foam pillows. There is also a need for improved display cases used to sell bedding products in retail establishments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a display system for bedding products includes a top capsule half having a closed upper end, an open lower end, and an outer wall extending from the closed upper end to the open lower end, and a lower capsule half having a closed lower end, an open upper end, and an outer wall extending from the open upper end to the closed lower end of the lower capsule half. In one embodiment, the outer wall at the open upper end of the lower capsule half is inserted into the outer wall at the open lower end of the top capsule half to form an assembled capsule. 
     In one embodiment, a bedding product is contained within the assembled capsule. 
     In one embodiment, a label, such as a flexible polymeric label, an adhesive label, or a label made of a heat shrink material, is secured over the outer walls of the top and bottom capsule halves for sealing the bedding product within the assembled capsule and/or for holding the capsule halves together. In one embodiment, the label is wrapped completely around the outer perimeter of the assemble capsule. 
     In one embodiment, the top and bottom capsule halves are made of polymers or plastic materials. 
     In one embodiment, the closed upper end of the top capsule half has a dome shape, and the closed lower end of the bottom capsule half has a dome shape. 
     In one embodiment, the outer wall of the top capsule half at the open lower end of the top capsule half has a larger diameter than the outer wall of the lower capsule half at the open upper end of the bottom capsule half. 
     In one embodiment, the outer wall of the top capsule half is cylindrically-shaped and the outer wall of the bottom capsule half is cylindrically-shaped. 
     In one embodiment, the cylindrically-shaped outer wall at the open lower end of the top capsule half includes a first opening having a first diameter extending along a first axis and a second diameter extending along a second axis that crosses the first axis and that is larger than the first diameter. 
     In one embodiment, the cylindrically-shaped outer wall at the open upper end of the bottom capsule half includes a second opening having a first diameter extending along a first axis and a second diameter extending along a second axis that crosses the first axis of the second opening and that is larger than the first diameter of the second opening. 
     In one embodiment, the opposing openings of the top and bottom capsule halves do not define perfect circles so that the outer walls of the respective capsule halves form a friction fit when assembled together. 
     In one embodiment, the outer wall at the open lower end of the top capsule half overlaps with the outer wall at the open upper end of the bottom capsule half to define a mid-section of the assembled capsule. In one embodiment, the label overlies the mid-section of the assembled capsule. 
     In one embodiment, the capsule may be opened by peeling away the label or cutting the label at the mid-section of the assembled capsule. 
     In one embodiment, the display system preferably includes a display case having a base with a top surface and a plurality of spaced openings provided in the top surface. In one embodiment, the assembled capsule being disposed in one of the spaced openings with the closed lower end of the lower capsule half being located below the top surface of the base, and the label and the upper capsule half being located above the top surface of the base. 
     In one embodiment, the assembled capsule has a longitudinal axis that extends from the closed upper end to the closed lower end of the assemble capsule. In one embodiment, the top surface of the base defines a horizontally-extending surface, and the longitudinal axis of the assembled capsule disposed in the one of the spaced openings is perpendicular to the horizontally-extending top surface of the base. 
     In one embodiment, a plurality of assembled capsules are provided, and each one of the assembled capsules is disposed in one of the spaced openings formed in the top surface of the base. 
     In one embodiment, the top and bottom capsule halves of the capsules are made of plastic or polymer material and the display case is made of cellulose material such as cardboard. 
     In one embodiment, the base of the display case has a front edge, a rear edge, and first and second side edges extending from the front edge to the rear edge of the base. In one embodiment, the display case includes a first side wall extending upwardly from the first side of the base and above the top surface of the base, a second side wall extending upwardly from the second side of the base and above the top surface of the base, and a rear wall extending upwardly from the rear side of the base and above the top surface of the base. In one embodiment, the rear wall extends between and interconnects the first and second side walls, such as the rear edges of the first and second side walls. 
     In one embodiment, the bedding product disposed within the assembled capsule may be a pillow, a compressed and rolled pillow, a cushion, a head and neck pillow, a blanket, or a mattress topper. 
     In one embodiment, a display system for bedding products may include a display case having a base with a top surface and a plurality of spaced openings formed in the top surface, and assembled capsules disposed within the spaced openings of the display case, whereby each of the spaced opening holds one of the assembled capsules. 
     In one embodiment, each assembled capsule includes a top capsule half having a closed upper end, an open lower end, and an outer wall extending from the closed upper end to the open lower end, and a lower capsule half having a closed lower end, an open upper end, and an outer wall extending from the open upper end to the closed lower end of the lower capsule half. 
     In one embodiment, the outer wall at the open upper end of the lower capsule half is inserted into the outer wall at the open lower end of the top capsule half to form the assembled capsule. 
     In one embodiment, a bedding product is contained within the assembled capsule. In one embodiment, a label is secured over the outer walls of the top and bottom capsule halves for sealing the bedding product within the assembled capsule and/or holding the capsule halves together. 
     In one embodiment, the closed upper end of the top capsule half has a dome shape or a hemispherical shape and the outer wall of the top capsule half has a cylindrical shape. 
     In one embodiment, the closed lower end of the bottom capsule half has a dome shape or a hemispherical shape and the outer wall of the bottom capsule half has a cylindrical shape. 
     In one embodiment, the outer wall of the top capsule half has a larger diameter than the outer wall of the bottom capsule half. In one embodiment, the label may include a flexible material, such as a flexible polymeric material or flexible cellulose material that overlies a mid-section of the assembled capsule. In one embodiment, the label may be an adhesive label, a plastic label, a paper label, or a shrink wrap label. In one embodiment, the mid-section of the capsule is defined by an area where the outer wall of the top capsule half contacts or meshes with the outer wall of the bottom capsule half. 
     In one embodiment, a display system for bedding products preferably includes a display case having a base with a front edge, a rear edge, first and second side edges extending from the front edge to the rear edge, a top surface, and a plurality of spaced openings formed in the top surface. In one embodiment, the display case includes a first side wall extending upwardly from the first side of the base and above the top surface of the base, a second side wall extending upwardly from the second side of the base and above the top surface of the base, and a rear wall extending upwardly from the rear side of the base and above the top surface of the base. In one embodiment, the rear wall extends between and interconnects the first and second side walls. 
     In one embodiment, assembled capsules are disposed within the spaced openings of the display case, whereby each spaced opening holds one of the assembled capsules. 
     In one embodiment, each assembled capsule includes a top capsule half having a closed upper end, an open lower end, and an outer wall extending from the closed upper end to the open lower end, and a lower capsule half having a closed lower end, an open upper end, and an outer wall extending from the open upper end to the closed lower end of the lower capsule half. In one embodiment, the outer wall at the open upper end of the lower capsule half is inserted into the outer wall at the open lower end of the top capsule half to form the assembled capsule. 
     In one embodiment, a compressed pillow is contained within each capsule. 
     In one embodiment, a package label is secured over the outer walls of the top and bottom capsule halves for sealing the bedding product within the assembled capsule. 
     In one embodiment, the closed upper end of the top capsule half has a dome shape and the outer wall of the top capsule half has a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the closed lower end of the bottom capsule half has a dome shape and the outer wall of the bottom capsule half has a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the outer wall of the top capsule half has a larger diameter than the outer wall of the bottom capsule half. 
     In one embodiment, the label overlies a mid-section of the assembled capsule. In one embodiment, the mid-section of the capsule is defined by an area where the outer wall of the top capsule half overlaps with the outer wall of the bottom capsule half. 
     These and other preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front elevation view of a capsule for a bedding product including a first capsule half and a second capsule half that are joined together, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a front elevation view of the top capsule half shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  shows a cross-sectional view of the top capsule half of  FIG. 2A  taken along line  2 B- 2 B thereof. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a front elevation view of the bottom capsule half shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom capsule half of  FIG. 3A  taken along line  3 B- 3 B thereof. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a front elevation view of a capsule for bedding products after the top capsule half of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  has been joined with the bottom capsule half of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         FIG. 4B  shows the capsule of  FIG. 4A  after a label has been applied over a mid-section of the assembled capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of a pillow prior to being compressed and inserted into a capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  shows the pillow of  FIG. 5A  after it has been compressed, rolled and prepared for insertion into a capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a capsule containing a compressed bedding product, the capsule including a top capsule half, a bottom capsule half, and a label covering a mid-section of the capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of a display case for capsules containing bedding products, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a front view of the display case shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  shows a top perspective view of the display case shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         FIG. 7D  shows a left side perspective view of the display case shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C . 
         FIG. 7E  shows a rear perspective view of the display case shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D . 
         FIG. 8A  shows a front perspective view of a display case and capsules containing bedding products inserted into openings of the display case, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a front elevation view of the displace case of  FIG. 8A  having capsules containing bedding products inserted into openings provided on the display case, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8C  shows a magnified view of one of the capsules containing a bedding product inserted into an opening of the display case of  FIG. 8B . 
         FIG. 9  shows a front elevation view of a display case that holds capsules containing bedding products, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of a capsule for a bedding product including a top capsule half, a bottom capsule half, and a label that covers a mid-section of the capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10B  shows top perspective views of the respective top capsule half and bottom capsule half shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  shows top plan views of the respective top capsule half and bottom capsule half capsule shown in  FIG. 10B . 
         FIG. 11A  shows a first step of a method for inserting a pillow into a capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  shows a second step of a method for inserting a pillow into a capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11C  shows a third step of a method for inserting a pillow into a capsule, in accordance with embodiment. 
         FIG. 11D  shows a fourth step of a method of inserting a pillow into a capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12A  shows a top plan view of a display case having openings for receiving capsules containing bedding products, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12B  shows a front perspective view of the display case of  FIG. 12A  with capsules containing bedding products inserted into openings of the display case, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows a front elevation view of the display case and the capsules shown in  FIG. 12B . 
         FIG. 14  shows a capsule containing a bedding product including a top capsule half, bottom capsule half joined with the top capsule half, and a label secured to a mid-section of the capsule, in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment, a capsule  100  preferably includes a top capsule half  102  and a bottom capsule half  104 . In one embodiment, one of the two capsule halves has a slightly larger diameter than the other one of the two capsule halves so that the capsules may be joined together by inserting one capsule half into the other capsule half. In one embodiment, the capsule  100  is adapted to hold a bedding product, such as a pillow. In one embodiment, the bedding product may be compressed, rolled, and/or folded prior to being placed within the capsule  100 . In one embodiment, the bedding product is inserted into an open end of one of the top capsule half  102  or the bottom capsule half  104  before the two capsule halves are assembled together for fully encapsulating the bedding product within the capsule  100 . In one embodiment, a label may be placed over a mid-section  106  of the capsule  100 . In one embodiment, the label may be placed over a cylindrical shaped portion of the capsule  100 . The label may extend over portions of the outer surface of the top capsule half  102  and the bottom capsule half  104 . The label may provide a seal that covers the mid-section  106  of the capsule. The label may be cut or pulled away from the outer wall of the capsule  100  to open the capsule, whereupon the first and second capsule halves  102 ,  104  may be separated from one another for accessing the bedding product disposed inside the capsule. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, the top capsule half  102  preferably has a dome-shaped upper end  108  and a cylindrical-shaped main body  110  that extends below the dome-shaped upper end  108 . The top capsule half  102  preferably has a lower end  112  that defines a substantially circular opening adapted to receive a bedding product. In one embodiment, the top half  102  of the capsule has a length L 1  of about 10-12 inches and more preferably about 10.75 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , in one embodiment, the lower end of the top capsule half  102  preferably defines an opening  114  adapted to receive a bedding product. The opening  114  is defined by the outer wall  116  of the cylindrical-shaped main body portion  110  ( FIG. 2A ) of the top capsule half  102 . In one embodiment, the opening  114  does not define a circle so that it has a first diameter D 1  that is smaller than a second diameter D 2  that intersects the axis defining the first diameter D 1 . In one embodiment, the first diameter D 1  of the opening  114  of the top capsule half  102  is about 7.21 inches and the second diameter D 2  of the opening  114  of the top capsule half  102  is about 7.28 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , in one embodiment, the bottom capsule half  104  preferably includes an upper end  118  defining an opening  120  and a dome-shaped lower end  122  that defines a lower end of the bottom capsule half  104 . The bottom capsule half  104  desirably includes a cylindrical-shaped main body portion  124  that preferably extends between the upper end  118  and the dome-shaped lower end  122 . In one embodiment, the bottom capsule half  104  has a length L 2  of about 10-12 inches and more preferably about 10.75 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , in one embodiment, the opening  120  at the upper end  118  ( FIG. 3A ) of the bottom capsule half  104  is preferably defined by an outer wall  126 . The outer wall  126  preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape that extends between the upper end of the bottom capsule half and the dome-shaped lower end  122  of the bottom capsule half  104 . In one embodiment, the opening  120  does not define a circle so that a first diameter D 3  of the opening  120  is smaller than a second diameter D 4  of the opening that intersects the axis defining the first diameter D 3 . In one embodiment, the first diameter D 3  of the opening  120  of the bottom capsule half  104  is about 7.15 inches and the second diameter D 4  of the opening  120  of the bottom capsule half  104  is about 7.21 inches. 
     In one embodiment, the top and bottom capsule halves are made of polymer or plastic materials. In one embodiment, the top and bottom capsule halves may have different colors. In one embodiment, the top capsule half may be blue or red and the bottom capsule half may be white. In one embodiment, one of the capsule halves may be opaque and the other one of the capsule halves may be transparent. 
     In one embodiment, the top capsule half has a first substantially cylindrical shaped wall having a slightly larger diameter than an opposing, second substantially cylindrical shaped wall of the bottom capsule half. As such, when the capsule halves are assembled together, the upper end of the bottom capsule half fits or nests inside the lower end of the top capsule half. In one embodiment, the top and bottom capsule halves may be held together by a snap fit connection. 
     In one embodiment, the openings of the capsule halves are do not define perfect circles so that the capsule halves may be wedged together of held together via a friction fit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , in one embodiment, the capsule  100  may be assembled together by inserting the upper end  118  of the smaller diameter bottom capsule half  104  into the opening at the lower end  112  of the larger diameter top capsule half  102 . In one embodiment, after the bottom capsule half  104  is inserted into the top capsule half  102 , the dome-shaped upper end  108  of the top capsule half  102  forms an upper end of the capsule  100  and the dome-shaped lower end  122  of the bottom capsule half  104  forms a lower end of the capsule  100 . After the top and bottom capsule halves  102 ,  104  are assembled together, a demarcation line  128  extends around an outer perimeter of the capsule  100  and defines a location where the top and bottom capsule halves  102 ,  104  of the capsule  100  are joined together. In one embodiment, a portion of the lower end  112  of the top capsule half  102  overlaps with a portion of the upper end  118  of the bottom capsule half  104 . In one embodiment, after the top and bottom capsule halves  102 ,  104  are assembled together, the capsule  100  has a length L 3  of about 18-22 inches and more preferably about 20.50 inches, which is shorter than the aggregate lengths of the top and bottom capsule halves. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , in one embodiment, after the top and bottom capsule halves  102 ,  104  have been assembled together, a label  130  is preferably positioned over the mid-section  106  of the capsule to include the demarcation line  128  of the capsule  100 . In one embodiment, the label  130  is desirably adhered to the outer surface of the outer wall  116  of the top capsule half  102  and the outer surface of the outer wall  126  of the bottom capsule half  104 . In one embodiment, the label  130  provides a breakable seal that holds the top and bottom capsule halves  102 ,  104  together until it is desirable to open the capsule for accessing the bedding product contained therein. In one embodiment, the assembled capsule  100  has a length L 3  of about 20.50 inches, and a diameter D 5  of about 7-8 inches and more preferably about 7.20-7.30 inches. In one embodiment, the assembled capsule  100  defines a longitudinal axis A 1  that extends along the length of the capsule from the closed upper end  108  to the closed lower end  122 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , in one embodiment, a bedding product, such as a pillow  132  may be packed into a capsule  100 . In one embodiment, the pillow  132  may be compressed, folded, and/or rolled prior to being placed inside the capsule  100 . In one embodiment, after the pillow  132  is packed into the capsule  100 , the label  130  may be applied over the outer surface of the capsule  100  for holding the top capsule half  102  and the bottom capsule half  104  together. In one embodiment, the label  130  preferably covers the midsection  106  of the capsule and provides a breakable seal that holds the top and bottom capsule halves together. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5B , in one embodiment, after the pillow  132  is compressed, folded, and/or rolled, the pillow  132  may be wrapped in a flexible wrapper  134 , such as cellophane or a plastic wrap, that maintains the pillow  132  in the compressed, folded, and/or rolled configuration. The pillow subassembly  136  shown in  FIG. 5B  may be inserted into the top and bottom capsule halves  102 ,  104 , with the label  130  affixed over the outer surface of the capsule  100  for holding the top and bottom capsule halves  102 ,  104  together. After the label  130  has been applied, in order to open the capsule  100 , the label  130  may be peeled away from the outer surface of the capsule or a cut line may be formed at the demarcation line  128  ( FIG. 4B ) of the capsule for separating the top capsule half  102  from the bottom capsule half  104  for accessing the pillow. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, a capsule  100  has a bedding product stored therein. The capsule  100  preferably has a top capsule half  102  that is assembled with a bottom capsule half  104 , with a label  130  overlying the top and bottom capsule halves for securing the top and bottom capsule halves together. A seal  130  preferably overlies a midsection  106  of the capsule  100 . In one embodiment, the top capsule half  102  has a dome-shaped upper end  108  that defines an upper end of the capsule  100  and the bottom capsule half  104  has a dome-shaped lower end  122  that preferably defines a lower end of the capsule  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , in one embodiment, a display case  140  preferably has a base  142 , such as a rectangular or square shaped base, with a top surface  144  having a plurality of spaced openings  146  formed in the top surface  144 . In one embodiment, the spaced openings  146  define a diameter that substantially matches the outer diameter of the mid-section  106  ( FIG. 1 ) of the capsule for holding the capsules in a vertical orientation relative to the top surface  144  of the base  142 . In one embodiment, the display case  140  preferably includes first and second sidewalls  148 ,  150  that extend upwardly from the top surface  144  and a rear wall  152  that extends upwardly from the top surface  144  adjacent a rear edge of the base  142 . The rear wall  152  preferably extends between and interconnects the rear ends of the first and second sidewalls  148 ,  150  for defining a closed region of the display case  140  adjacent the rear edge of the base  142 . In one embodiment, the front  154  of the display case  140  is open (i.e., not covered by a vertical wall) so that a consumer may access the capsules positioned within the spaced openings  146  formed in the top surface  144  of the display case  140 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7C , in one embodiment, the spaced openings  146  include a front row of spaced openings  160  and a second row of spaced openings  162 . In one embodiment, the first row of space openings  160  includes openings  146 A,  1466 , and  146 C that are evenly spaced from one another over the top surface  144  of the base  142 . In one embodiment, the second row of spaced openings  162  includes openings  146 A′,  1466 ′, and  146 C′ that are evenly spaced from one another across the top surface  144  of the base  142 . In one embodiment, each of the spaced openings  146  has a diameter that is substantially the same as and/or matches the outer diameter of the capsules  100  ( FIG. 1 ) inserted into the respective openings. In one embodiment, when the capsules are inserted into the spaced openings  146  of the display case  140 , a friction fit may be formed between the outer surfaces of the cylindrical-shaped walls of the capsules and the edge of the openings for holding the capsules in a substantially vertical orientation relative to a horizontal surface defined by the top surface  144  of the base  142 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7D , in one embodiment, the first sidewall  148  of the display case  140  defines a left side of the display case  140  and extends upwardly from the base  142 . The second sidewall  150  of the display case  140  also extends upwardly from the base  142  to define a right side of the display case  140 . The rear wall  152  preferably extends between the first sidewall  148  and the second sidewall  150 . The top surface  144  of the display case  140  may be accessed via the front opening  154  located between the first and second sidewalls  148 ,  150 . In one embodiment, the display case has a top opening  156  that is located between the first and second sidewalls  148 ,  150  and the rear wall  152 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7E , in one embodiment, the rear wall  152  extends between the first and second sidewalls  148 ,  150  and defines a rear side of the display case  140 . The rear wall  152  interconnects the rear edges of the first and second sidewalls  148 ,  150  to enhance the structural integrity of the display case  140 . 
     In one embodiment, the upper ends of the first and second sidewalls  148 ,  150  and the rear wall  152  lie in a common plane so that a first display case similar to that shown in  FIGS. 7A-7E  may be stacked atop a second display case having similar features, such as by stacking boxes atop one another. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment, a plurality of capsules  100  similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  are inserted into spaced openings  146  provided in the top surface  144  of the display case  140 . In one embodiment, the bottom capsule halves  104  of the capsules  100  are inserted into the respective openings  146  for holding the capsules  100  in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the top surface  144 . In one embodiment, when the capsules are in the openings, the labels  130  on the capsules  100  are preferably visible above the top surface  144  of the base  142  so that the labels may be easily seen by a consumer through the front opening  154  of the display case  140 . The top opening  156  of the display case allows consumers to access the capsules  100  from the top of the display case (e.g., to access the capsules in the rear row of capsules). 
     Referring to  FIG. 8B , in one embodiment, the capsules  100  are inserted into the openings  146  ( FIG. 8A ) formed in the top surface  144  of the base  142 . The bottom capsule halves  104  are desirably inserted into the openings so that the labels  130  and the top halves  102  project above the top surface  144  of the base  142 . The front opening  154  of the display case  140  enables consumers to access the capsules  100  at the front edge of the base  142 . The top opening  156  of the display case  140  enables a consumer to access the capsules  100  from the top of the display case. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8C , in one embodiment, a bottom capsule half  104  is inserted into an opening  146  formed in the top surface  144  of the base  142  of the display case  140 . The outer diameter of the cylindrical-shaped wall of the bottom capsule half  104  preferably matches the diameter of the opening  146  so that the capsule  100  is held in a substantially vertical orientation relative to a horizontal plane defined by the top surface  144  of the base  142 . In one embodiment, with the bottom half  104  inserted into the opening  146 , the label  130  is preferably visible above the top surface  144  of the base  142 . The top capsule half  102  preferably projects above the label  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, a display case  240  has a rectangular-shaped base  242  having a top surface  244  with a plurality of spaced openings formed in the top surface  244 . A plurality of capsules  200 , each including a bedding product (e.g., a compressed pillow), are desirably inserted into the respective spaced openings for holding the capsules  200  in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the top surface  244 . The display case  240  includes first and second sidewalls  248 ,  250  and a rear wall  252  that defines a closed rear end of the display case  240 . In one embodiment, a consumer may reach between the first and second sidewalls  248 ,  250  for accessing one or more of the capsules  200  via a front opening or a top opening of the display case  240 . 
     In one embodiment, a display case may have a base with a top surface having openings for receiving the capsules, with no side or real walls extending upwardly from the top surface of the base. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10C , in one embodiment, a capsule  300  is adapted to receive a bedding product. In one embodiment, the capsule  300  preferably includes a top capsule half  302  having a lower end defining an opening  314  and a bottom capsule half  304  having an upper end defining an opening  320 . In one embodiment, after the top and bottom halves  302 ,  304  of the capsule  300  are assembled together, a label  340  may be applied over the outer surfaces of the top and bottom halves for holding the top and bottom halves of the capsule together. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11A , in one embodiment, a bedding product such as a pillow  332  is preferably insertable into the top and bottom capsule halves  302 ,  304 . The pillow  332  may be compressed, folded, and/or rolled prior to being inserted into the top and bottom capsule halves  302 ,  304 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11B , in one embodiment, the pillow  332  may be compressed, folded, and/or rolled prior to being inserted into the opening  314  at the lower end of the top capsule half  302 . Referring to  FIGS. 11B and 11C , in one embodiment, the free end  335  of the pillow  332  may be inserted into the opening  320  of the bottom capsule half  304  whereupon a first portion of the pillow is disposed within the top capsule half  302  and a second portion of the pillow  332  is disposed within the bottom capsule half  304 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11D , after the top and bottom capsule halves  302 ,  304  have been assembled together, a label  330  is preferably secured around a midsection  306  of the capsule  300  for holding the top and bottom capsule halves  302 ,  304  together and for sealing the pillow  332  ( FIG. 11C ) within the capsule  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12A , in one embodiment, a display case  340  preferably includes a base  342 , such as a rectangular-shaped base, having a top surface  344  with a plurality of spaced openings  346  formed in the top surface  344 . In one embodiment, the openings  346  are preferably evenly spaced from one another over the top surface  344 . In one embodiment, the display case  340  includes first and second sidewalls  348 ,  350  that extend upwardly from the top surface  344 . The display case  340  also preferably includes a rear wall  352  that extends upwardly from the top surface  344  and interconnects rear ends of the first and second sidewalls  348 ,  350 . In one embodiment, a plurality of the capsules  300  shown in  FIG. 11D , each containing a bedding product, are inserted into the respective openings  346  provided in the top surface  344  of the base  342 . The openings  346  preferably have inner diameters that are substantially equal to the outer diameters of the respective capsules  300  so that the capsules form a snug fit or friction fit with the openings  346  for holding the capsules in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the top surface  344  of the base  342 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12B , in one embodiment, the display case  340  includes a first row of openings  360  located adjacent a leading edge of the base  342  and a second row of openings  362  located adjacent rear edge of the base  342 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 12B  has a total of six openings formed in the top surface  344  of the base  342 , however, other embodiments may have more openings and/or more rows and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in one embodiment, the display case  340  desirably holds a plurality of capsules  300  in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the top surface  344  of the base  342 . The display case  340  has a front opening  354  that extends between first and second sidewalls  348 ,  350  to provide access to the capsules  300  at a front edge of the base  342 . The display case  340  preferably includes a top opening  356  that enables a consumer to access and remove the capsules from the top of the display case  340 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , in one embodiment, a capsule  400  for a bedding product  432  preferably includes a top capsule half  402  and a bottom capsule half  404  that are assembled together for forming the assembled capsule  400 . In one embodiment, the top capsule half  402  may be transparent for providing visibility of the bedding product  432  stored therein. In one embodiment, the bottom capsule half  404  preferably has an annular groove  425  formed in an outer surface thereof that may form a friction fit with an inner edge defining an opening  346  ( FIG. 11A ) formed in a top surface of a base of a display case for holding the capsule  400  in a vertical orientation relative to the top surface. In one embodiment, the bottom capsule half  404  may be opaque (i.e., not transparent like to top capsule half  402 ). In one embodiment, after the top and bottom capsule halves are joined together, a label  430  may be placed over an outer surface of the top and bottom capsule halves  402 ,  404  for sealing the capsule and holding the top and bottom capsule halves in an assembled configuration. The label  430  may be broken for separating the top and bottom capsule halves from one another and accessing the bedding product contained within the capsule  400 . 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by the scope of the claims that follow. For example, the present invention contemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may be incorporated with any of the features shown in any of the other embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.