Patent Publication Number: US-2013227784-A1

Title: Pillow case with a functionalized flap

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Application 
     The present application provides a pillow case comprising a functional flap comprising a first side, a second side, and an air vent through the functional flap. 
     2. Background Description 
     Pillows are cushions used to provide support and comfort in various situations. During periods of rest or sleep, pillows provide additional cushioning beneath one&#39;s head. Pillows come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and interior stuffing options. 
     Typically, one&#39;s sleep is disturbed by a variety of sources, including unwanted artificial and natural light and noise. Eye masks have been used in the past to cover one&#39;s eyes in an attempt to block out unwanted light. Eye masks commonly include a string or elastic that wraps around one&#39;s head and usually come in a variety of shapes, colors, and some include gels. Eye masks have considerable drawbacks, and tend to irritate the user. For example, eye masks tend to tug on a user&#39;s face, hair, and tend to leave marks on the skin where the elastic or the mask sits. Eye masks also may become heavy and cumbersome to the sleeper during the night. Ear plugs are useful to block out unwanted noise. However, ear plugs do not block unwanted light. 
     Alternative solutions to ear plugs and/or eye masks are needed to reduce the effects of noise and light on a sleeping individual. 
     SUMMARY 
     The application provides a pillow case comprising a front side and a back side, the pillow case fixedly communicating with a flap adapted to extend across a side selected from the group consisting of the front side, the back side, and a combination thereof, the flap comprising a first sheet comprising a first material fixedly communicating with a second sheet comprising a second material and defining an air vent. 
     In one embodiment, the application provides a pillow case comprising a front side and a back side, the pillow case fixedly communicating with a flap adapted to extend across a side selected from the group consisting of the front side, the back side, and a combination thereof, the flap comprising a first sheet comprising a first material fixedly communicating with a second sheet comprising a second material and defining an air vent through the first material and the second material, wherein the first material provides greater degree of warmth than the second material and the second material provides a smoother texture than the first material. 
     In one embodiment, the application provides a method for making a pillow case, the method comprising: providing a flap defining an air vent, the flap comprising a first side comprising a first material communicating with a second side comprising a second material; attaching a front side of the pillow case to a back side of the pillow case along a closed edge producing an enclosure therebetween; leaving an opening along the closed edge sufficient to insert a pillow therethrough; and, attaching an edge of the flap along the closed edge, the flap being effective to extend over either the front side of the pillow case, the back side of the pillow case, or a combination thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a pillow case configured with a functional top flap in which illustrative embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented; 
         FIG. 2  is a pictorial representation of a pillow case configured for use in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a pillow case with a functional side flap in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a pictorial representation of a travel pillow with a top flap in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an overview of a process for configuring a pillowcase with a functional and reversible flap in which illustrative embodiments described herein may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The function of a pillow and a pillow case is commonly known. The pillow typically provides comfort and support in a variety of settings. A pillow when used to provide cushioning and support to one&#39;s head is usually placed between a surface and the user. In one embodiment, pillows are both functional and decorative. Pillows and pillow cases come in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors. Pillows and pillow cases typically are considered an element of one&#39;s bedding. 
     The pillow case has an additional role in that it serves as a barrier and a protector to the pillow. Pillow cases are often in contact with various parts of the human body, primary of which being the human face, nose, and ears. The ability to apply and remove pillow cases easily so that they may be washed and changed frequently to ensure hygienic care is one of the more useful and beneficial features of pillow cases. Pillow cases are also easily removed, carried, and transported from place to place as they do not take up a lot of space. 
     Pillow cases provide comfort and support while one is resting and/or sleeping. Achieving an improved and good quality rest or sleep cycle is something that many constantly strive to achieve. Many unwanted disturbances may affect one&#39;s sleep, for example, unwanted light, unwanted noise, and other environmental factors. Many people suffer side effects from poor quality sleep. 
     The present application provides a pillow case that is uniquely configured with a functional flap that allows a user to selectively configure his or her face so as to reduce disturbances from surrounding environmental factors. In one embodiment, the functional flap has alternate sides with differing fabrics. In this embodiment, a user may select a desired side for placement upon the face based on a set of material characteristics associated with the varying fabrics. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a pillow case is configured with a functional and customizable flap. Pillow case  110  is configured to allow user  120  to cover a portion or all of user&#39;s head  118  and face  122  in order to reduce bothersome environmental factors. Pillow case  110  is also configured to allow user to select which side of top flap  101  to place next to the face and/or head. 
     User  120  is any person seeking to use pillow case  110  to support user&#39;s head  118  and/or to use top flap  101  to cover all or part of user&#39;s face  122 . User  120  is a human person and may be of either gender, any age, height, and size. 
     Pillow case  110  is essentially a container that may be used in combination with pillow  114 . Pillow case  110  may be composed of a variety of combination of textiles or cloth to create the casing or container for pillow  114 . Pillow case  110  may be made of a blend of animal, plant, and/or synthetic textiles, including but not limited to cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Pillow  114  is a cushion support that may be used for one&#39;s head or other parts of one&#39;s body. Pillow  114  comports to the overall shape of pillow case  110  and fits within the measurements of pillow case  110 . Pillow  114  is composed of a filler to provide the cushion and body to pillow  114 . Pillow  114  may be comprised of a variety of fillers, including but not limited to, foam, synthetic plastic fibers, feathers, down, viscoelastic foam, and/or latex. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 1 , pillow case  110  has a top flap  101 . In one embodiment, top flap  101  is adapted to cover user&#39;s head  118 , face  122 , or a combination thereof. In other illustrative embodiments, referring to  FIG. 3 , pillow case  110  comprises a side flap  302  fixedly communicating with a side of the pillow case. In one embodiment, side flap  302  is adapted to cover user&#39;s head  118 , face  122 , or a combination thereof. Top or side, flap also may be referred to as a sham. Top flap  101  or side flap  302  comprises a first sheet comprising a first material fixedly communicating with a second sheet comprising a second material. In one embodiment, top flap  101  and side flap  302  define an air vent  111 ,  304 , respectively. 
     Pillow case  110  may come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Suitable sizes include, but are not necessarily limited to standard, queen, king size pillow cases, and more compact sizes, for example, for travel. Suitable shapes, include, for example, circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, and the like. In one embodiment, pillow  114  and pillow case  110  have substantially the same shape. Typically, standard size pillow cases  110  are about 20 inches by about 26 inches, in the customary system of measurement used in the United States, or 51 by 66 centimeters in the metric measurement system. Travel size pillow cases may come in a variety of sizes smaller than standard size. 
     Pillow case  110  comprises a front side  106  and a back side  124 . Pillow case  110  fixedly communicates with a flap  101  adapted to extend across a side of pillow case  110  selected from the group consisting of the front side  106 , the back side  124 , and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, front side  106  and back side  124  comprise a common external edge  109 . 
     Common external edge  109  of front side  106  and back side  124  fixedly communicates along a sufficient length to form an enclosure between front side  106  and back side  124 . In one embodiment, no fixed communication of the front side  106  and the back side  124  occurs along at least a portion of common external edge  109 . This leaves an opening along common external edge  109  adapted to permit insertion of pillow  110  into the enclosure between front side  106  and back side  124 . 
     In one embodiment, front side  106  and the back side  124  of pillow case  110  fixedly communicate along linear edges. In one embodiment, pillow case  110  is rectangular. In this embodiment, pillow case  110  comprises a first edge  107 , a second edge  108 , and a third edge  109 . In one embodiment, pillow case  110  is made of one or a combination of pieces of fabric securely attached along first edge  107 , second edge  108 , and third edge  109 . 
     Front side  106  may fixedly communicate with back side  124  in a variety of ways, including stapling, stitching, Velcro, and the like. In one embodiment, a hem is created along first edge  107 , second edge  108 , and third edge  109 . A hem is an edge that is created by turning a piece of cloth under and sewing it together. In one embodiment, front side  106  is sewn or stitched to the back side  124 . Sewing or stitching is a common technique known by persons having ordinary skill in the art to attach separate pieces of cloth or fabric together. In one embodiment, first edge  107 , second edge  108 , and third edge  109  of the front side  106  and the back side  124  are sewn together. In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 1 , pillow case  110  has an opening adapted to receive pillow  114  into enclosure formed when first edge  107 , second edge  108 , and third edge  109  of the front side  106  and the back side  124  are sewn together. In one embodiment, open edge  112  is an opening where front side  106  and back side  124  are not connected or attached to one another. In one embodiment, the opening is an open edge  112 . In one embodiment, the opening or open edge  112  and the pillow  114  are adapted to retain the pillow  114  within the enclosure. Pillow case  110  has front side  106  and back side  124 , whereby front side  106  represents a view of pillow case  110  visible to user  120  from the front side of pillow case  110  and back side  124  represents a view visible to user  120  from the back side of pillow case  110 . 
     In one embodiment, pillow case  110  includes top flap  101  fixedly communicating with first edge  107 . In one embodiment, the top flap  101  is retained between front side  106  and back side  124  of pillow case  110 . Top flap  101  represents a functional flap as described in accordance with illustrative embodiments herein. As seen in  FIG. 1 , pillowcase  110  fixedly communicates with top flap  101 . In one embodiment, top flap  101  is adapted to extend across front side  106 , back side  124 , or both. In one embodiment, top flap  101  extends from a side edge of pillowcase  110 . 
     Pillow case  110  and top flap  101  may come in a variety of colors, materials, sizes, and may be used both indoors and outdoors. In one embodiment, top flap  101  extends outwards over a top edge. Referring to  FIG. 1 , top flap  101  extends outwards over first edge  107  of pillow case  110 . User  120  may use top flap  101  to cover all or part of user&#39;s head  118  and/or face. In one embodiment, user  120  uses top flap  101  to cover all of user  120 &#39;s head  118 . In one embodiment, user  120  uses top flap  101  to cover all or part of user&#39;s face  122 . In one embodiment, user  120  uses top flap  101  to cover all or part of user&#39;s head  118  and all or part of user&#39;s face  122 . Top flap  101  is adapted to selectively block out noise, light, or other environmental factors that may disturb user  120 &#39;s sleep. 
     User  120  may use top flap  101  by placing user&#39;s head  118  on top of pillow case  110  with pillow  114  located inside of the pillow case  110  within the enclosure. The top flap  101  is pulled over user&#39;s head  118  and or face  122  as desired by user  120 . In one embodiment, user  120  covers only a portion or all of user&#39;s face  122 . In one embodiment, user  120  covers user&#39;s eyes, head, and ears, leaving a lower half of user  120 &#39;s face exposed. Oftentimes, a sleeping user  120  may want to cover his or her eyes primarily to protect against unwanted natural and/or artificial light streaming. There are various sources of light that may produce unwanted light including sunlight or various sources of light from artificial and manmade devices. Top flap  101  is a lightweight and comfortable device to block out unwanted light. In one embodiment, top flap  101  covers the head and eyes of a user, such as user  120 . In one embodiment, user  120  may select to cover the whole face up to one&#39;s chin to provide greater warmth. Indeed, an additional feature provided by top flap  101  is that it may also provide additional warmth for user  120 &#39;s greater comfort while asleep. When it covers user  120 &#39;s ears, top flap  101  also reduces and muffles unwanted noise that may be present in the surrounding environment. 
     Top flap  101  defines air vent  104 . In one embodiment, air vent  104  is an opening through top flap  101 . In one embodiment, a portion of the fabric from front side  106  of the top flap is removed to allow air to flow through the air vent  104 . In one embodiment, a portion of the fabric from back side  124  is removed to allow air to flow through the air vent  104 . In one embodiment, portions of the fabric from both front side  106  and back side  124  are removed to allow air to flow through the air vent  104 . In  FIG. 1 , air vent  104  has a rectangle shape. However, air vent  104  may have various other shapes as well. For example, air vent  104  may be a circle or oval, or a series of circles or ovals. In one embodiment, air vent  104  is a series of circles located along an edge of top flap  101 . In this embodiment, the air vent  104  allows air to move through the circles and provides greater air flow and comfort to user  120  when top flap  101  is engaged in use and covering a portion or all of user&#39;s face  122 . 
     Top flap  101  includes first side  101  and second side  103 . In one embodiment, the first side  101  and the second side  103  are made of the same material. In one embodiment, the first side  101  and second side  103  are made of different materials. In one embodiment, first side  101  is made of a first set of material and second side  103  is made of a second set of material. 
     In one embodiment, first side  101  comprises a first material having a set of characteristics that may be desirable to user  120  compared to the material used for second side  103 . In one embodiment, first side  101  and second side  103  are securely attached along all edges. In one embodiment, first side  101  and second side  103  are securely attached along four edges. 
     The set of characteristics of a given material include, but are not necessarily limited to, texture and weight of the material, the degree of warmth provided by the material, the degree of softness provided by the material, and the like. By providing a first material for first side  101  that is different than the material for second side  103 , top flap  101  provides options to user  120  in terms of the overall feel, texture, warmth, and other characteristics of the first and second material. Additionally, top flap  101  serves to block out unwanted artificial and natural light, noise, and other environmental factors. 
     Various desirable fabrics may be used for top flap  101 . In one embodiment, first side  101  comprises a smoother fabric than the second side  103 . In one embodiment, first side  101  comprises silk, satin, or sateen. In one embodiment, first side  101  comprises satin or sateen. In one embodiment, first side  101  comprises silk. In one embodiment, first side  101  comprises sateen. In one embodiment, first side  101  comprises satin. 
     Satin is a weave that typically has a glossy surface and a dull back. If a fabric is formed with a satin weave using filament fibres such as silk, nylon, or polyester, the corresponding fabric is termed a satin. If the yarns used are short-staple yarns such as cotton, the fabric formed is considered a sateen. A satin fabric tends to have a high luster due to the high number of floats on the fabric. Satin is often used in making bed sheets. Various variations of satin also exist. Velour, on the other hand, is a plush, knitted fabric or textile. It is usually made from cotton, but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester. 
     Sleeping on satin and silk materials has been reported to assist with a reduction in hair loss and has greater benefits for preventing wrinkling of one&#39;s skin as compared to sleeping on a non-satin or non-silk type of material. User  120  may select a side of top flap  101  based on whether it is satin and/or silk in order to cover their face and receive some of the benefits of protecting their skin with one of these fabrics or a combination thereof. On the other hand, velour offers greater warmth and texture as compared to the cooler satin fabric. User  120  may select a side to top flap  101  that is made from velour to utilize in covering his or her face or a portion thereof, because user  120  wants to reduce the effects of coldness in the air while asleep and provide a warm fabric to cover user&#39;s head  118 . 
     In one embodiment, second side  103  comprises a warmer fabric than the first side  101 . In one embodiment, second side  103  comprises a soft wool or velour. In one embodiment, second side  103  comprises soft wool. In one embodiment, second side  103  comprises velour. Velour usually has a warmer, more textured feel to the touch than satin. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, a side of top flap  101  may be purposefully selected by user  120  based on his or her preferences of materials associated with first side  101  or second side  103 . 
     Many people choose to lay out and engage in sun bathing while doing recreational activities outdoors. However, currently the effects of sunbathing are known to be harmful over an extended period of time. People are encouraged to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. User  120  may choose to use pillow case  110  with top flap  101  in an outdoor environment. Accordingly, user  120  may utilize pillow case  110  with top flap  101  in an outdoor setting to increase rest and sleep, block out unwanted noise and light, and/or reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure to one&#39;s face. While resting against any surface, user  120  may cover his or her face with either side of top flap  101  in the outdoors. In one embodiment, the harmful effect of sunlight to user  120  head  118  and/or face  122  is reduced by using first side  101  or second side  103  to cover one or more of these body parts. 
     In one embodiment, the fabric acts as a barrier to the sun. In one embodiment, first side  101  and/or second side  103  include sun blocking capabilities. In one embodiment, the material of top flap  101  reflects sunlight away from top flap  101 . In one embodiment, the material of first side  101  and/or second side  103  of top flap  101  is treated with chemical treatments or other treatments to reflect sunlight away from the fabric. 
     In one embodiment, first side  101  and/or second side  103  of top flap  101  is treated with sun screening protective chemicals. In one embodiment, first side  101  and second side  103  are treated to include an SPF (Sun Protective Factor) component. In one embodiment, the one or both of the fabrics used to create top flap  101  are treated by infusing with chemicals that absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays. Such chemicals include but are not limited to a titanium dioxide, Tinosorb, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, a third fabric that has been SPF treated is inserted between first side  101  and second side  103  of top flap  101 . In one embodiment, the third fabric that is SPF treated reduces or eliminates exposure of the user&#39;s head and/or face  122  to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays when either side of top flap  120  is in use and placed over user&#39;s head and/or face  122 . In one comprising the third fabric, first and second side  101  and  103  of top flap  101  are not chemically treated to reflect or block sunlight. In one comprising the third fabric, first and second side  101  and  103  of top flap  101  are chemically treated or adapted to reflect or block sunlight. 
     In this embodiment, top flap  101  blocks out unwanted artificial and/or natural light. In one embodiment, top flap  101  reduces or blocks out noise. In this embodiment, top flap  101  helps to increase one&#39;s quality of rest as well as provides additional coverage to one&#39;s head and eyes. Top flap  101  is lightweight and designed with a user  120 &#39;s comfort in mind, compared to existing eye masks available for use in covering one&#39;s eyes when asleep. Because top flap  101  is attached to an actual pillow case connected to one&#39;s pillow, a person need not bring an additional item to one&#39;s bed. 
     A comfortable and quality sleep experience is important to maintain one&#39;s sleep and peace of mind. Indeed, a healthy sleep schedule is often cited as being critical to providing balance for one&#39;s overall emotions and improving one&#39;s total health. A good sleep is rejuvenating and improves one&#39;s overall energy. There are many medical related issues such as dry eye syndrome, migraines, and sleep apnea that can be improved by preventing light and noise from disturbing one&#39;s sleep and rest. Therefore, pillow case  110  with functional and selective top flap  101  is a much needed, unique solution for providing a better, overall sleep experience. 
     Pillow case  110  may assist people with differing work schedules that may cause one person to have to wake up at an earlier time than another. Pillow case  110  provides an alternative to the eye masks, ear muffs, ear phones, or ear plugs used to prevent unwanted light or noise from disturbing one&#39;s sleep, which require additional effort by a user to utilize. In one embodiment, pillow case  110  with top flap  101  serves multiple functions and replaces all of these other items that serve only one function. In one embodiment, pillow case  110  with top flap  101  serves as a decorative pillow. In one embodiment, top flap  101  blocks out unwanted environmental factors and irritants, as well as provides some warmth and a more comfortable, lightweight material to cover one&#39;s head and face. 
     Air vent  104  is of sufficient size and shape to allow air to circulate through air vent  104 . Air vent  104  reduces user  120  discomfort when top flap  101  is located over his or her face for a prolonged period of time. Oftentimes, people attempt to cover their whole head and face with an object such as a pillow, blanket, or comforter. However, after a while a user is bothered by the weight as well as the lack of air that a user senses when covering their head and face under such objects. Air vent  104  functions to provide air to user  120  while still allowing top flap  101  to cover user&#39;s head  118  and face  122  to reduce the effects of surrounding light, noise, cold air, and other environmental factors, while still allowing for air circulation under the surfaces of top flap  101  to ensure user  120  can still breathe and has an adequate supply of air. 
     In one embodiment, top flap width  126  is the same as total width  105  of the pillow case  110 . In one embodiment, top flap width  126  is less than total width  105  of pillow case  110 . This embodiment reduces bulkiness of top flap  101 . In one embodiment, top flap length  102  is the less than the total length  109  of the pillow case  110 . In alternate embodiments, top flap length  102  is the same as total length  109  of pillow case  110 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , a pictorial representation of a pillow case configured for use in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure is presented. In  FIG. 2 , user  204  is laying on resting surface  212 . Resting surface  212  is a location whereby user  204  is able to rest or sleep. Pillow case  210  and attached top flap  201  contains pillow  208 . The combination of pillow  208  with enclosing pillow case  210  is placed on resting surface  212 . In  FIG. 2 , pillow case  202  is illustrated to be attached to the top edge of pillow case  210  so as to fall over user  204 &#39;s face. User  204  is lying on his back with his head resting on pillow case  210 , which contains pillow  208 . User  204  has selected first side  216  to cover the top portion of user  204 &#39;s face. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment as previously described, first side  216  is comprised of a differing material than second side  218 . For example purposes only and without limitation as to the types of materials or fabrics used herein, first side  216  may be comprised of satin and second side  218  may be comprised of velour. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , user  204  has positioned top flap  201  so that top flap  201  is covering user  204 &#39;s eyes and nose and most of user&#39;s head. User&#39;s head has some exposure as seen in  FIG. 2  because of air vent  206  and the positioning of top flap  201 . Air vent  206  is illustrated as an opening in between the material used for top flap  201  and pillow case  210 . Air vent  206  is an opening that allows for air to pass through air vent  206  so as to prevent over heating or discomfort to user  204  from having his head and face covered by top flap  201 . The design of pillow case  210  with top flap  201  allows user  204  to select an optimal feeling between achieving a warm material to cover his face and eyes by selecting a corresponding side with the desired set of characteristics, but without overheating or having difficulty with breathing while positioned beneath top flap  201 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , resting surface  212  is illustrated to be a bed. Pillow  208  is a cushion inserted into the interior space of pillow case  210  in accordance with the description of pillow  114  from  FIG. 1 . Resting surface  212  may be any surface against which user  204  chooses to rest against while utilizing pillow case  210  in combination with top flap  201 . Resting surface  212  may be a bed that lays flat or inclines as needed by user  204 . Resting surface  212  may also be a recliner chair located indoors or outdoors. Resting surface  212  may be a seat used in mobile forms of transportations, including without limitation, cars, trains, airplanes, or boating vehicles. Pillow case  210  may exist in a variety of sizes and shapes and also come in a compact size that is easily transported by user  204  when seated in mobile forms of transportation such as cars, trains, planes, or boats. Pillow  208  may be standard size, queen, and/or king size depending on the size selected by user  204  for pillow case  210 . 
     In order to select the alternate side, user  204  may flip over pillow  208  with accompanying pillow case  210  so that the alternate side is able to be pulled over user&#39;s  204  face. Based on this technique and design whereby user  204  may easily reverse top flap  201  and select which side to utilize to cover his or her face, user  204  does not have to make an additional effort to remove pillow  208  from pillow case  210  in order to select the desired side of top flap  201 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a pictorial representation of a pillowcase with side flap is illustrated in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. User  320  is seen as locating his upper body and head against pillow case  310 . Pillow  314  is a cushion located within the interior of pillow case  310  through a fourth open edge located on the side of pillow case  310 . In  FIG. 3 , side flap  302  is a functional flap similar to top flap  101  in  FIG. 1  and top flap  201  in  FIG. 2 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , side flap  302  has a first side  322  and a second side  324  whereby two different sets of fabrics are used for first side  322  and second side  324  so that each fabric selected in manufacturing first side  322  and second side  324  has a desirable set of characteristics particular to the fabric selected. A variety of characteristics may be considered in selecting a fabric, including without limitation, the overall texture, the softness, and the warmth provided by the fabric. 
     In  FIG. 3 , side flap  302  is securely attached along closed edge  326  and located on the side of pillow case  310 . Open edge  328  on the opposite side of pillow case  310  has an opening to allow pillow  314  to be inserted into pillow case  310 . Side flap  302  may be attached to pillow case  310  by various means known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to, techniques for connecting fabric and cloth such as sewing, adhesives, a variety of connectors and fasteners, or a combination of such techniques. 
     Air vent  304  is an enclosed opening located at the top of side flap  302 . Air vent  304  is located at the top of side flap  302  in the middle and allows for air to pass through the fabric so as to increase air flow for user  320  when side flap  302  is located over user  320 &#39;s face. Air vent  304  functions as an air vent in accordance with air vent  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , side flap  302  is an embodiment of a functional flap with a first side  322  and a second side  324  that user  320  may select to cover his or her face depending on user&#39;s preferences as to fabric associated with first side  322  and second side  324 . In order to assist with keeping side flap  302  in place and to prevent side flap  302  from sliding off user  320 &#39;s face, this illustrative embodiment includes top connector  306 , bottom connector  208 , and top receiver  312  and bottom receiver  316 . Top connector  306  corresponds to top receiver  312  and bottom connector  308  corresponds to bottom receiver  316  so that the connectors may be connected as needed by user  320  to the receivers. Connectors and receivers used may be Velcro, ribbons and ties sewn into pillow case  310  and side flap  302 , buttons, fasteners, and other means known to one of ordinary skill for connecting in a removable and non-permanent fashion, side flap  302  to pillow case  310 . Similar techniques for connecting top flap  101  in  FIG. 1  to pillow case  110  may also be employed. Connectors and receivers may also be located on the reverse side of side flap  302  and pillow case  310  so that user  320  may attach side flap  302  on either side of pillow case  310 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , a pictorial representation of a travel pillow with top flap is illustrated in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In  FIG. 4 , travel pillow  402  represents a pillow with accompanying pillow case. Top flap  406  is attached to travel pillow  402 . Air vent  408  is similar to an air vent as described in accordance with air vent  104  in  FIG. 1  and air vent  304  in  FIG. 3 . Top flap  406  allows for a user to select which fabric to utilize to cover his or her head and face by selecting whether to apply first side  410  or second side  412  to cover all or a portion of the user&#39;s head and face. Travel pillow  402  is may be of a variety of sizes, however, in a preferred embodiment, travel pillow  402  is of a compact size to allow for easier transport and storage for a user during transit and travel. Travel pillow  402  varies from pillow case  110  and pillow  114  in  FIG. 1 , in that travel pillow is an embodiment of a cushion that has both a covering and pillow securely connected to one another, whereby the pillow case used for the pillow used in travel pillow  402  is connected and closed along all sides. In  FIG. 1 , pillow case  110  has an open edge  112  whereby pillow  114  may be inserted and removed. In  FIG. 4 , travel pillow does not have an open edge and is enclosed by the fabric located on travel pillow  402  along all sides. However, in another illustrative embodiment, travel pillow  402  may have a accompanying travel pillow case with attached top flap, such as top flap  406 , that may be placed on or removed from travel pillow  402  as needed by user. Such an embodiment would provide greater ease to the user to remove the pillow case and top flap for washing and drying purposes to ensure continued care and hygiene to travel pillow  402 . 
     In  FIG. 5 , a flowchart of an overview of a process for making and using a rectangular pillowcase with a rectangular functional flap is presented in which illustrative embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented. In  FIG. 5 , the process begins by creating a top flap with a first side and second side composed of differing fabric from each other (step  502 ). Next, a front side and back side of a pillow case are attached so as to form three closed edges and one open edge for the pillow case (step  504 ). The functional flap of the pillow case is attached along one of the closed edges so that the flap can fall over either side of the pillow case (step  506 ). As seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , an air vent is provided through the flap. 
     In order to use the pillow case, a pillow is inserted into the open edge of the pillow case with the attached flap (step  508 ). A side is selected by the user from either the first side or the second side of the flap according to a set of characteristics associated with the materials and the user&#39;s corresponding preference as to materials used for making the first side and the second side of the flap (step  510 ). Next, the pillow case is oriented with the inserted pillow placed against a resting surface so that the selected side of the functional flap lays over the front side of the pillow case (step  512 ). The user places his head against the pillow case located on the resting surface (step  514 ) and then pulls the flap with the selected side over the user&#39;s head and face (step  516 ). The user may choose whether to cover the full face or only the head and eyes. The pillow case and functional flap may include connectors and receivers as seen in  FIG. 3 . If so, the user may choose to connect the flap to the pillowcase while utilizing the flap to cover user&#39;s face or when the flap is not in use to attach it to the pillow case. 
     In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, a pillow case and method for making a pillow case with a functional flap is described herein. The pillow case with functional top or side flap provides a user with the ability to select which side to utilize to cover a portion or all of the user&#39;s face. Covering the user&#39;s head or face in such a way utilizing the top flap or side flap of the pillow case achieves the desired effect of reducing and/or entirely blocking out any unwanted artificial or natural light, noise, cold or warm air from the surrounding environment around the user. Thus, a user is able to obtain a better experience while resting and sleeping. Additional benefits provided by the flap is to help shield a user from unwanted exposure from sunlight to a user&#39;s head and face. This is achieved by the provision of additional fabric attached to the pillow case that serves as a shield from the sun. Furthermore, it has been previously disclosed herein that the flap material may be treated with chemical treatments that infuse the fabric on both sides of the functional flap with additional sun-resistant abilities. Such a pillow case with functional flap will assist a user utilizing the pillow case while resting outdoors in the sun. 
     The pillow case with functional top flap provides a more luxurious and comfortable alternative to other methods for covering a user&#39;s eyes or face. An enclosed air vent is included in the illustrated embodiments of the pillow case with functional flap so as to provide some air flow to ensure adequate air supply for proper breathing and to prevent discomfort to a user. The functional flap offers the advantage that it is easily pulled on and off or positioned as needed on a user&#39;s head and face. 
     The pillow case with functional flap is a better alternative to the eye mask which tends to have a string or elastic band that goes around a user&#39;s head. This eye mask usually ends up tugging on a user&#39;s head and hair and leaves indentation marks in the user&#39;s skin from where the string or elastic used to hold the eye mask is located. The pillow case with functional flap also is a connected, complete unit that does not require the user to bring an additional component to serve as a cover. Furthermore, the eye masks do not provide the option to the user to choose between different fabrics on either side of the masks with which to cover one&#39;s eyes. The pillow case with functional flap also can reduce unwanted noise by blocking or muffling outside noises. The eye mask tends to only reduce unwanted light, but not unwanted noise. In accordance with illustrative embodiments, various fabrics may be used for making up the first and second side of the pillow case according to a set of desired characteristics offered by the selected fabrics. The pillow case may also be made of a variety of fabrics and materials. In some embodiments, the pillow case with functional flap may be a travel size pillow whereby the pillow case and pillow are encased without any open edges and the functional flap is attached to both the pillow case and the pillow. One of ordinary skill in the art may envision that the pillow case with functional flap may also have additional items located such as buttons, fasteners to hold the functional flap in place while in use by the user. Various decorative elements may also be included with the functional flap and pillow case by one of ordinary skill in the art.