Abstract:
A soft play pillow having a secret hiding place cavity concealed by a door. An item such as a small stuffed animal or toy is hidden in the secret hiding place to intrigue children and entice them to play a quiet game of game of peek-a-boo with the pillow and the item inside. The soft pillow preferably has indicia which together with the item visually indicate an illustrated theme, such as, an animal barn or building theme, frog and lily pad theme, horse theme, religious theme, vehicular theme or bear theme. The soft pillow may include additional cavities and additional doors, and may further include places to hold books and pictures.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to a pillow having one or more secret hiding places. More particularly, this invention relates to a pillow with one or more cavities, at least one of the cavities concealed by a door for the purpose of concealing at least one item removeably placed in the at least one cavity. Still more particularly, the pillow has indicia which together with the at least one item visually illustrate a theme. The invention further relates to a pillow where children are enticed to play a quiet game of peek-a-boo with the pillow and the item, especially when the item is a small stuffed animal or toy. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Pillows have long been used for a variety of purposes. Related patents show pillows which function as playthings, as storage for books and small toys, as a source for effectuating feelings of safety and security and as a source of physical comfort. 
   For example, U.S. Design Pat. 397,902, issued to Knorrek, shows an ornamental activity pillow. U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,468, issued to Saarela et al., discloses a pillow for toting an angelic companion with pockets storing a doll and a book. U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,965 B1, issued to Sheridan, discloses a method for designing and fabricating a bed. U.S. Design Pat. D476,184S, issued to Hall, shows a gift pillow with a pocket. U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,245, issued to Dutton, discloses a pillow with a book in a pocket. U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,265 B1, issued to Dix, discloses an interactive blanket and pillow for children. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,769 B1, issued to Koenig, discloses a plush character having a pouch for storybooks and puppets, and a puppet stage with fold down base which may be removeable from the character pillow. U.S. Pat. No. 3,400,413, issued to Grossa, shows a contour pillow. U.S. Pat. No. 1,490,295, issued to Stephens, teaches a book with a compartment holding a toy figure and with a door. U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,719, issued to Castagna, shows a pillow with a slit to a cavity for holding a phallic member and shows a slit closure hook and loop strip in  FIG. 6 . U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,621 B1, issued to Schettino, discloses a pillow alarm device having an alarm clock in a pillow compartment and mounted to a pillow flap. U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,268 B1, issued to Sellers, discloses a pillow for housing one or more electronic devices. 
   Despite the number of patents that have issued, the art lacks among other things a pillow that can fulfill the above functions and furthermore can be used by children for the game of hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo yet can also serve as a traditional pillow for comfort or decoration. The art lacks a pillow having at least one hiding space behind a door for one or more removeable items, and also lacks a hiding place that can snuggly hold the removeable items. The art also lacks, among other things, a pillow having a door and cavity as described and with an overall visual theme illustrated by indicia on pillow and by a removeable item stowed inside a cavity in the pillow. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Despite the number of patents that have issued, none are known to disclose a pillow with a hidden cavity as claimed that is intriguingly attractive to children and adults due to natural curiosity to want to peek behind a door. One would not anticipate a hiding place within a pillow. The related art does not teach or suggest a pillow with a cavity as described concealed by a door which serves as a hiding place for removeable items. Furthermore, none of the related art discloses or suggests a hiding place in a pillow for items, such as, toys and stuffed animals, for children to play hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo with the items. None of the related patents show a pillow with a cavity as described for holding a removable item and a door for alternately revealing and concealing a removeable item. Furthermore, none of the related art discloses or suggests a pillow with the aforementioned and for functioning as a typical throw pillow, decoration, or other for which a pillow is generally used. This invention differs in part because it fulfills the above and also presents other additional and new features not yet shown or taught in the related art. 
   A unique feature of the invention includes a deep cavity for a purpose of holding or storing small stuffed animals or toys, and a door which can cleverly close and conceal the cavity in such a manner that a child can pretend that the pillow contains a secret hiding place for items placed behind the door. The cavity is structured in such a manner that with minimal effort a child can take a small toy or item and insert and remove it, and store and hide it again. The hidden cavity, or secret hiding place concept attracts children and adults due to a natural curiosity to want to peek behind a door. 
   Another unique feature of this invention is that this pillow can be used by children with or without assistance for actively playing the favorite age-old games of peek-a-boo or hide-an-seek. The combination of the cavity within the pillow and the addition of a door to conceal the cavity allows children to actively entertain themselves and stimulate imagination by providing the opportunity to engage in quiet comfortable play. One or more cavities are structured in such a manner that small objects can be inserted and removed from the cavity. The door or plurality of doors are designed to cleverly cover one or more cavities in such a manner that the pillow may appear as a typical throw pillow. Children are intrigued by the idea of hiding spaces, especially hiding spaces that are in unusual places. One would not expect a hiding space within a pillow. Thus, the combination of a pillow cavity and a pillow door allows children or even adults to amuse themselves. 
   Play pillows with the present features that provide a covered hiding space for small stuffed animals or children&#39;s toys are welcomed by those looking for new and unique gifts. Many children take their favorite pillow and/or favorite toy along while traveling or sleeping away from home. This invention could be used for this purpose and provide comfort. The features of the pillow stimulate curiosity and thus children, especially small children, can be entertained for long periods of time when they are engaged in peek-a-boo. The pillow allows children to insert one or more small objects into a cavity and then allows removal of the objects from the cavity. By opening and closing the door, the child can engage in the game of peek-a-boo with the object placed in the cavity. In addition, children can use the pillow for a source of comfort and security. 
   The shape of the pillow may vary from a typical square throw pillow and thereby be additionally attractive and enticing. For example, a front and back of the pillow may resemble a shape such as a building, animal, fish, boat, tree, doll, bed, star, flag, mailbox, flower, or vehicle, such as a car, truck or train, tractor, airplane, space ship or the like. For buildings or vehicles that generally have multiple windows, multiple cavities with respective doors could be provided. Shaped pillows are useful in visually illustrating a pillow theme. Various themes may be illustrated with the pillow. The pillow can also have cavities that are not covered by doors, or have cavities within cavities. Some embodiments, may have a sidewall that increases the pillow depth for installing deeper and larger cavities, and for providing more cavities within a single pillow. 
   In some embodiments, the pillow may comprise other geometric shapes, such as triangular, oblong, round or rectangular. The pillow door may comprise various other elements not shown in the preferred embodiment, for example, the door could have applique, iron-on pieces, removeably attached pieces, or soft three dimensional sculpture, which visually illustrate the theme of the pillow and are for enhancing the theme, play imagination, and appearance of the pillow. The pillow could include two doors covering one cavity. The doors could meet together like two barn doors, or be layered one on top of another to successively reveal a cavity. These are only examples of numerous possibilities which may be expounded upon from the hidden cavity and theme features. Note, all copyright, design and trademark rights for the various pillow designs are reserved by Applicant. 
   OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION 
   Objects of the present invention are: 
   (a) to provide a play pillow with at least one concealed cavity that has the capacity and structure to hold at least one small stuffed animal or toy; the at least one cavity being individually covered by a least one door; the at least one door being attached to at least one surface of the play pillow; the at least one door being attached in such a manner that it can be opened and closed to hide and then reveal a removeable item or stuffed toy placed inside the cavity.
 
(b) to provide a play pillow that has a theme which encourages imaginative play and stimulate curiosity for children and adults by offering a pillow with at least one cavity and at least one door covering cavity for the purpose of making a hiding place within the pillow.
 
(c) to provide a play pillow that when not being used for play may function as a typical throw pillow, decoration or any other suitable manner for which a pillow may be used.
 
(d) to provide a play pillow with at least one cavity structure that can snuggly hold yet allow small objects to be easily inserted and removed.
 
(e) to provide a play pillow with at least one door capable of opening and closing with little effort with or without assistance to provide opportunity for children to practice and develop their motor skills.
 
(f) to provide a play pillow kit that includes the play pillow and a blanket, and a container for carrying both; the blanket and container can match the pillow theme.
 
   The present invention fulfills these objects and others and fulfills what is lacking from the art in part by providing a cushioning article having a cavity with a door for hiding an item and which preferably has a theme. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pillow is generally square shaped, such that, the pillow resembles a typical throw pillow yet has a hiding cavity for concealing an item within the pillow. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cavity opening has an area that is about eighteen percent, more preferably about twenty-three percent, or more of a frontal area encircled by an outer perimeter of the pillow. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, indicia on the pillow and the item stowed away in the hiding cavity visually indicate an illustrated theme. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sound device on or in the pillow or item further indicates the illustrated theme. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is concealed by a door. The door is pivotally attached, such that, in a closed position the cavity and one or more items placed in the cavity are concealed and in a pivoted open position the cavity and one or more items are revealed. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the cavity has a perimeter sidewall surface and floor surface which create a three-dimensional void of sufficient size for removeably receiving an item. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pillow is made of quilted fabric for improved softness and appearance. 
   In another embodiment, the pillow has multiple cavities, one or more of which have doors for revealing and concealing items in the cavities. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow has at least one cavity with door, and at least one other cavity that is open and does not have a door for displaying an item in an nonconcealed manner. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow cavity has a sidewall that billows inward to snuggly yet releaseably hold an item in the cavity. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow has at least one cavity having a structure bridging at least a portion of the cavity for further illustrating the theme of the pillow, and in an embodiment the structural member may bridge across the cavity such that the structure can also hold an item in the cavity. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow is personalized with monogramming, pictures, text or other. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow has at least one cavity with a plurality of doors. The doors can meet together to conceal the cavity, or the doors can be layered one on top of another, or arranged otherwise to illustrate a theme or to provide a more intriguing play pillow. 
   In an embodiment, a tunnel connects two cavities to form a passageway therebetween. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow has securing means for securing the door in a closed position. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow has an outer outline shape visually illustrating the theme of the pillow. 
   In an embodiment, the pillow may be combined with a blanket and a container to form a pillow kit. The blanket has indicia that illustrates the pillow theme. The container can have a transparent portion and can have an indicia portion that illustrates the pillow theme. 
   Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when taken with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of a pillow with a pillow door in a closed position; 
       FIG. 1B  is a front view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 1A  where the pillow door in a partially open position; 
       FIG. 1C  is a front view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 1A  where the pillow door is fully open and showing a clear view of the pillow cavity without an item therein; 
       FIG. 1D  is a back view of the pillow of  FIG. 1A  showing a hidden line at the cavity floor; 
       FIG. 1E  is a perspective bottom view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 1F  is a perspective right view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 1G  is a cross-sectional view of the pillow of  FIG. 1A  taken along line  1 G- 1 G. 
       FIG. 1H  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative pillow taken along a line similar to  1 G- 1 G where a cavity within a cavity is shown; 
       FIG. 2  is front perspective view of another embodiment; 
       FIG. 3A  is front view of a pillow of another embodiment with a door in an open position; 
       FIG. 3B  is a front view of the pillow in  FIG. 3A  with the door in a closed position; 
       FIG. 4A  is a front view of a pillow of another embodiment with doors in closed positions; 
       FIG. 4B  is a front view of the pillow of  FIG. 4A  showing one door in an open position; 
       FIG. 4C  is a front perspective view of the pillow of  FIG. 4A  with another door in an open position; 
       FIG. 4D  is a back perspective view of the pillow of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 5A  is a front view of a pillow of another embodiment having more than one door in a closed position; 
       FIG. 5B  is a front view of the pillow of  FIG. 5A  with one door in an open position; 
       FIG. 5C  is a front view of the pillow of  FIG. 5A  with two doors in open positions; 
       FIG. 5D  is a front view of the pillow of  FIG. 5A  with three doors in open positions; 
       FIG. 5E  is a bottom perspective view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 5C ; 
       FIG. 5F  is right side perspective view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 5C ; 
       FIG. 5G  is a back view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 6A  is a front view of a pillow of another embodiment with a door closed; 
       FIG. 6B  is a front view of the pillow of  FIG. 6A  showing the door in an open position; 
       FIG. 6C  is a left perspective view of the pillow of  FIG. 6A ; 
       FIG. 6D  is a bottom perspective view of the pillow of  FIG. 6A ; 
       FIG. 6E  is a top perspective view of the pillow shown in  FIG. 6B ; 
       FIG. 7A  is a front view of a pillow of an alternative embodiment; 
       FIG. 7B  is a back view of the pillow of  FIG. 7A ; 
       FIG. 7C  is a front view of the pillow of  FIG. 7A  with a door open; 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of another embodiment shown with the door closed; 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of another embodiment shown with the door open and the door comprising multiple leaves; 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of a pillow kit. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings, the present play pillow article with hiding cavity is as illustrated in the various embodiments of  FIGS. 1-10 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1H , the pillow article is designated generally as pillow  100 .  FIG. 2  shows and alternative embodiment of the pillow and is designated as pillow  200 .  FIGS. 3A-3B  show yet another embodiment of the pillow designated as pillow  300 .  FIGS. 4A-4E  show another embodiment of the pillow designated as pillow  400 .  FIGS. 5A-5G  show another embodiment of the pillow designated as pillow  500 .  FIGS. 6A-6E  show another embodiment of the pillow designated as pillow  600 .  FIGS. 7A-7B  show another embodiment of the pillow designated as pillow  700 .  FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of the pillow designated as pillow  800 .  FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the pillow designated as pillow  900 .  FIG. 10  shows a kit including a pillow, a blanket and a container. 
   Referring now to the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1G . The present pillow has at least one cavity that is concealed by at least one door. An item such as a stuffed animal or toy that is appealing to children is placed inside the at least one cavity. The cavity is sized to hold the stuffed animal or toy. In further detail, the inventive play pillow article with hiding space is shown as a pillow  100 . Pillow  100  comprises a front surface  102  and door  104 . Door  104  is pivotally connected to front surface  102  at pivot connection  106 . Optional trim  108  encircles pillow  100  at an outline perimeter  110 . Trim  108  can be welting or seam tape to facilitate assembly of pillow  100  or can be decorative. Door  104  has a front surface  114  and is shown with optional trim  112 . 
     FIG. 1B  shows door  104  partially open, and  FIG. 1C  shows door  104  in a fully open position where a back surface  116  of door  104  is showing and where cavity  120  is revealed. Cavity  120  has a sidewall perimeter surface  122  encircling cavity  120 . Cavity  120  also has a floor surface  124 . Floor surface  124  appears smaller in  FIGS. 1B and 1C  (and in the other figures showing cavities of the present invention) because sidewall perimeter surface  122  billows inward to the cavity. The billowing sidewall perimeter surface  122  serves to frictional yet releaseably hold an item in cavity  120 . The billowing inward can also be seen in  FIG. 1G . Cavity floor surface  124  can be the size of opening  126  as shown or vary up to about an inch in any direction and still appear uniform due to the billowing of sidewall perimeter  122 . Cavity sidewall perimeter surface  122  tends to crease against itself at corners of the cavity (shown as diagonal lines into the cavity) when made of one piece of fabric. 
   A back surface  116  of door  104  may have a pouch  117  attached that is shown as transparent pouch for holding a picture of a loved one. Pouch  117  could alternatively hold a book or the like and need not be transparent. The pouch could be located elsewhere on pillow  100  including within the cavity on the floor or sidewall, or on other surfaces of the pillow. Additionally or alternatively, the door or other part of the pillow may be personalized by being monogrammed or using photo fabric. Text indicia could further indicate the theme of the pillow, for example, a poem or even a single word that is suggestive of the pillow theme. 
   A sound device  119  may be inserted in the pillow such that it activates when the door is opened, when the pillow is pressed near the sound device, or when the pillow is shaken or the like. It is appreciated that sound device may be in or on the pillow in other locations. The sound emitted from the sound device can further enhance and illustrate the pillow theme. For example, a cow theme pillow could emit a “mooo” sound, or a pillow theme suitable for babies could be accompanied by a lullaby sound. 
     FIG. 1C  shows a stuffed bear  128  as an example of an item being removeably placed into pillow cavity  120 . Once an item  128  is placed in cavity  120 , door  104  can be pivotally rotated about pivot  106  from open position  132  to close to a closed position  130 . Door  104  is larger than cavity opening  126  and overlaps a portion of front surface  102  around cavity opening  126 . In a preferred embodiment an area encircled by cavity opening  126  is about twenty-three percent or more of a front view surface area of the pillow which is encircled by outer perimeter  110 . For example, when the pillow outer perimeter is about thirteen inches by thirteen inches and the cavity opening is about five and three-quarters inches by six and three-quarters inches, the frontal area is about 169 inches square and the cavity opening area is about 39 inches square, 39 being about twenty-three percent of 169. In some other embodiments, the cavity opening area is generally about eighteen percent or greater of the frontal area. The relative areas vary due to various seam allowances, whether welting is added or not, and stretch due to cushioning medium pushing at the pillow layers. A securing means  134  is used to releaseably secure door  104  in closed position  130 . Securing means  134  is shown as one or more hook and loop fastener pieces, but may be other means of securing, such as, magnets, button and button hole, tie string, lever, notch and catch, zipper, snap, sticky substance, lever, pad lock, rope or means that help children develop motor skills. Alternatively, the securing means could include a spring action that works in conjunction with pivot  106  to bias door  104  to the closed position. 
   A theme of the pillow is visually illustrated by the combination of the item and indicia on the pillow.  FIG. 1C  shows item  128  representing bear and indicia  131  representing a tree. Indicia  131  is a fabric repeat pattern which suggests a plurality of trees of a forest such that the theme is a bear in the woods. Cavity sidewall perimeter surface  122  and door  104  may have a similar pattern or have forest green indicia for example. Preferably the pillow is made soft by using fabric and more specifically quilted fabric, that is, fabric quilted to batting material. The quilting pattern can further illustrate the pillow theme, for example, a tree pattern could be quilted. It is appreciated that other materials could be used including natural or synthetic such as fur, felt, leather, fleece, plastic, or natural fiber. These materials could be selected to further illustrate the pillow theme, for example, fur or felt for the bear in the woods theme, or leather for a western theme. 
     FIG. 1D  shows back surface  136  of pillow  100  bearing an identification label  138 . The dotted line  150  will be explained later in further detail but it refers to a floor of the cavity.  FIG. 1E  shows a perspective bottom side view and  FIG. 1F  shows a perspective right side view showing a pillow depth similar to a typical throw pillow. Note, the drawings are not to scale and relative proportions may vary. Also, directions such as front, back, top, bottom, right, left are used for orientation during explanation but do not necessarily reflect how the present invention will ultimately be used. 
     FIG. 1G  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line  1 G- 1 G in  FIG. 1A . A front layer  140  bears front surface  102 , cavity sidewall perimeter surface  122  and cavity floor surface  124  which together form a first surface. Front layer  140  comprises three layers including outer front layer  142 , cavity sidewall perimeter layer  144  and cavity floor layer  146 . Back layer  148  bears exterior back surface  136  and interior back surface  137 . The dotted line  150  shown in  FIG. 1D  can be stitching at the perimeter of floor layer  146  used to hold floor layer  146  to interior back surface  137 . It is appreciated that floor layer  146  may be spaced from or bonded to interior back surface  137 , in which case dotted line  150  is a hidden line representing the perimeter of floor layer  146 . 
     FIG. 1G  also shows pillow  100  filled with cushioning medium  152 . Cushioning medium  152  is contained in between front layer  140  and back layer  148 , which together form a cushioning member. Cushioning medium  152  causes cavity sidewall perimeter surface  122  to billow inward to cavity  120 . Cushioning medium  152  may comprise a variety of cushioning mediums such as but not limited to polyester, synthetic fiber, cotton, natural fiber, batting, foam, air, feathers, foam and fiber fill combination or any other medium or combination. 
     FIG. 1H  shows an alternative embodiment similar to pillow  100 , but has a hidden cavity within a cavity. Cavity  120  has a cavity floor surface  124   s  that has an opening  126   s  and a door  104   s  for concealing and revealing a second cavity  120   s.    
   A method of making pillow  100  of the preferred embodiment is as follows. A piece of durable, washable fabric approximately forty-four inches wide and twenty-four inches in length is selected in which the layers of the pillow may be cut from. The size can vary based on the desired pillow size and on the fabric pattern repeat. Generally, a fabric print is selected that bears indicia of the intended type or style of stuffed animal, doll, or toy, which will be placed inside the pillow cavity. The fabric may also be selected to match a desired piece of furniture or may be a popular “Gingham”™ chex print, for example. The fabric piece is generally quilted in a meandering type of pattern to provide an extra soft pillow and texturally interesting pillow. The quilted fabric comprises the selected fabric and polyester or cotton batting and a backing of cotton or cotton blend fabric quilted together. Contrasting fabric can be selected for making door trim  112  and for making outline perimeter trim  108 ; these trims may be referred to as binding, welting or cording. For example, cotton piping cording or welt may be used for making door trim  112  and for perimeter trim  108 . Although perimeter trim  108  may be larger, for example, approximately two inches wide and thirty-three inches in length. 
   Conventional cutting and sewing methods are used to construct pillow door  104 . Two pieces of quilted fabric, generally rectangular in shape and about eight inches by eight and one-half inches are cut out of the selected fabric for pillow door  104 . Two pieces of hook and loop fastener tape, approximately ⅝ inch by ⅝ inch, are sewn onto a back surface of the quilted fabric at the top edge and bottom edge approximately one-half inch in from the corner edges. To make trim  112 , a bias strip of coordinated or matching fabric measuring approximately two inches wide and fifty-six inches in length is folded over a piece of cording, which is approximately 8/32 of an inch in diameter, and sewn over the cording by using a welt attachment foot. When trim  112  is made in this manner it is called piping. 
   The piping is sewn onto the right side of the door. The door front panel of fabric and door back panel of fabric are then placed right sides together and sewn along piping by using a welt attachment foot, leaving about three inches gap for turning door inside out. The gap and piping is then finished by hand sewing, but it may be done by a machine. 
   Preparation of pillow front layer  140  is as follows. A piece of quilted fabric that is thirteen inches by thirteen inches is cut from the selected fabric. A mark is made on a wrong side of the pillow front to designate the top of the pillow front. By using a template, a cavity opening, the size of which is approximately five and one-half inches by six inches, is marked for cutting onto the interior or wrong side of the pillow front. The cavity opening is then cut out with scissors. 
   Cavity sidewall perimeter layer  144  is about twenty-four inches long and five and one-half inches wide is cut from the selected fabric. Next, the five and one-half inch ends of the cavity sidewall perimeter layer are joined together. Cavity sidewall perimeter layer is then joined to outer front layer  142  by folding right sides together and joining. With the right side of cavity sidewall perimeter layer  144  and outer front layer  142  placed together, cavity sidewall perimeter layer  144  is sewn around cavity opening to form cavity opening  126  surrounded by the pillow front outer layer  142 . 
   Door  104  is pivotally attached to pillow front surface  102  in the following manner. Pillow door  104  is laid over the center of cavity opening  126  with back surface  116  of door  104  placed against the right side of front surface  102  and joined to the left side by stitching closely beside or at door trim  112 . The stitching forms pivot  106  in which door  104  can pivot between open position  132  and closed position  130 . In alternative embodiments, door  104  could be attached along a right side, top side, or bottom side or other. Further, pivot  106  could be formed other than by stitching such as but not limited to bonding or welding. Hook and loop fasteners  134  are stitched onto a right side of pillow front surface  102  to mate with hook and loop fasteners  134  attached to door  104 . 
   Perimeter trim  108  prepared by folding a two inch wide bias fabric strips over cotton piping cording or similar type. Trim  108  is joined to a right side of pillow front layer  140  starting at the bottom edge and encircling the pillow. When both ends meet, the ends are joined together by cutting the trim approximately two inches beyond where both ends meet. The trim fabric is separated from the cording on the extra length and the cording is cut to abut both ends together and the excess fabric is folded around both ends to provide a finished edge and stitched. 
   The pillow back layer  148  is prepared by gluing cavity floor layer  146 , which is about five and one-half inches by seven and one-half inches, to the wrong side of pillow back layer  148  on interior back surface  137  and generally at the center thereof. Cavity floor layer  146  can be a piece of the quilted fabric. An identification label which may include trademark, copyright and patent information is stitched to a bottom right side of the pillow back layer  148  at approximately one inch from both corner edges. 
   Finally, pillow front layer  140  and pillow back layer  148  are placed right sides together and stitched by using an industrial sewing machine equipped with welt foot. An approximately four inch gap is left open for turning the pillow layers right side out. After the pillow layers are turned right side out, cavity sidewall perimeter layer  144  is joined to back layer  148  by tucking approximately a one-half inch seam allowance underneath folded back edges of the cavity floor layer and stitching along perimeter edges of the cavity floor layer. The resultant pillow shell  145  is then stuffed with cushioning medium  152  and the remaining four inch opening is closed such as by hand needle and thread. Shell  145  and cushioning medium  152  together form a cushioning member with door  104  being attached thereto. An item such as stuffed animal or toy  128  is then placed inside the pillow. The pillow can then be package for shipment or assembled into a kit including a matching theme blanket and container. 
   In use, as discussed above, pillow  100  can improve a child&#39;s motor skills and stimulate imagination while providing quiet time entertainment with a soft, non-breakable article. For adults, the pillow is intriguing because it can appear to be a typical throw pillow, yet appear to have a door which cleverly creates a since of mystery that entices a person to open the door revealing the hidden cavity and it&#39;s surprising contents. 
     FIG. 2  shows an alternative embodiment of a pillow which has a hidden cavity and a structure. More specifically, pillow  200  has a cavity  220  with an opening  226  which is encircled by front surface  202 . Cavity  220  has sidewall perimeter surface  222  and a floor surface  224 . Door  204  is shown folded over about pivot  206  to an open position  232  but can close to a closed position to conceal cavity  220  and items  228 . Items  228  are shown as a stuffed cowboy and a stuffed horse positioned behind a structure  225 . Structure  225  is assembled of bar members representing a log fence. Structure  225  can serve to illustrate the pillow theme, here a western theme, and hold items  228  in cavity  220 . Structure  225  bridges cavity  220  and is attached to cavity sidewall perimeter surface  222  at right, left and bottom sides thereof. Structure  225  and is made of fabric with cushioning medium therein to contribute to the overall softness of the pillow. It is appreciated that other materials could be used to form the structure and the structure could be attached to opening  226  or to front surface  202  to provide an alternate appearance. While a corral like log fence appropriately matches the cowboy and horse western theme, other bar members such as a jail bar members or window bar members may be suitable to illustrate another theme of the pillow. Further, the pillow material may have at least a portion that is leather to illustrate the western theme, or may include lasso rope appliqued on a surface or quilted. Still further, the structure bridging the cavity could be more organic in nature such as being tree like, and may bridge only a portion of the cavity. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , another embodiment is shown as pillow  300 . In this embodiment, pillow  300  depicts a frog theme where a frog item  328  is hidden in a cavity  320  underneath a lily pad shaped door  304 . Pillow  300  may have a generally square perimeter outline  310  like a traditional throw pillow as shown, or may have a circular outline further illustrating the frog and lily pad theme. Cavity  320  is circular having circular opening  326  and a perimeter sidewall surface  322  which encircles cavity  320 . The lines shown on the perimeter sidewall  322  are fabric creases where fabric overlaps itself, although it is appreciated that other material could be used which may not lend itself to creasing. Cavity  320  also has floor surface  324  which is round and is generally similarly sized to opening  326  but appears smaller in  FIG. 3A  because perimeter sidewall surface  322  billows inward into cavity  320 . Door  304  is in the open position in  FIG. 3A  and in the closed position in  FIG. 3B . Door  304  represents a lily pad with a flower  305  attached to front door surface  314 . The back surface  316  of door  304  may have a quilted pattern (shown) or other artistic feature to enhance the look of the back side of the lily pad door. Top surface  302  and/or cavity sidewall perimeter surface  322  may have blue indicia and quilted water waves indicia to illustrate water, the door  304  may have green indicia to represent a lily pad, and the flower  305  may be white like a lily pad flower, together the indicia and shapes visually illustrate the frog theme. In an alternative embodiment, front surface  302  may have frog indicia, such as a fabric with jumping frogs, which would also visually illustrate the frog theme. It is appreciated that other theme are suitable for round cavity pillows, such as nests or burrowing animals. 
     FIGS. 4A-4D  show another embodiment as pillow  400 . In this embodiment, pillow  400  depicts a space ship theme where a space creature or a spaceman may be hidden in cavity  420 . Pillow  400  includes a first door  404  and a second or cover door  454 . Second door  454  suggests a portal in the space ship. In addition, perimeter outline  410  is shaped to represent a space ship. The material used to make pillow  400  is chosen with indicia that represents an outer space or space ship theme, such as a planet or star pattern or astronaut pattern. A “Toy Story”™ movie theme such as “Buzz Lightyear”™ with a space ship may also be appropriate. 
   In further detail, pillow  400  has a first door  404  which has a door opening  456  edged by an optional trim  458 . Securing means  434  is shown as pieces hook and loop material but may be other means as discussed above with respect to securing means  134 . Securing means  434  is positioned on trim  458  and thus concealed by second door  454  when the second door in a closed position, see  FIGS. 4A and 4C . Second door  454  is connected to front surface  414  of first door  404  so as to pivotally open along pivot  455 . First door  404  is connected to front surface  402  so as to pivotally open along pivot  406 . Similar to pivot  106 , pivots  455  and  406  may be stitched lines, for example, or other as discussed. Also similar to the previous figures, cavity  420  is encircled by a cavity sidewall perimeter surface  422 . Cavity sidewall perimeter surface is shown as a fabric layer  444  having creases  423  at cavity corner areas. Cavity floor surface  424  can be sized as shown or can be sized similar to cavity opening  426  in which case sidewall perimeter surface billows inward obscuring a portion of floor surface  424  yet providing a snug fit for an item placed in cavity  420 . The billow is generally due to cushioning medium inside of the pillow shell (note shell  145  of  FIG. 1G ).  FIG. 4D  shows back surface  436  having perimeter outline  410  generally in the shape of a space ship, and having an identification label  438 . Dotted line  450  is the outer perimeter of floor surface  424  as seen through back surface  436 , or alternatively, dotted line  450  is stitching where a cavity floor layer is attached to an interior surface of the back layer (layers not shown, refer to  FIGS. 1D and 1G ). 
     FIGS. 5A-5G  show another embodiment as pillow  500 . In this embodiment pillow  500  depicts a barn theme. Animals or farmer dolls or the like may be hidden in cavity  520   a  and revealed by opening a barn door. The barn door is shown to comprise a pair of doors  504   a - b  which open in opposite directions. Barn pillow  500  is also shown to have third door  504   c  which represents a barn stall hidden behind the pair of doors. A second cavity  520   b  is also shown which does not have door. In this embodiment, an outer perimeter sidewall  560  is added to provide depth to the pillow. 
   More specifically, pillow  500  has an outline perimeter  510  generally in the shape of a barn building for illustrating a barn theme. A dog house building theme may have a similar perimeter outline. Pillow  500  has a first door  504   a  and a second door  504   b  which in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 5A  conceal cavity  520   a , and open in opposite directions to open positions to reveal cavity  520   a . A third door  504   c  conceals a portion of cavity  520   a  when in a closed position, and opens downwardly to an open position, as shown in  FIG. 5D . Third door  504   c  represents a barn stall and serves to hold animals or other items in cavity  520   a.    
   Cavity  520   a  is as described in the previous embodiments with a cavity sidewall perimeter surface and a floor surface (not labeled). A securing means  534   a  is shown as a hook and loop piece on a tab that resembles a latch on barn like door  504   a , and a mating piece of hook and loop is on door  504   b . Additional securing means  534   b  can be used to hold third door  504   c  in place. The securing means is as described in previous embodiments above. Trim  508  accents pillow  500  as does trim  512  which accents the doors. Pillow  500  preferably has red indicia with white indicia trim so as to further illustrate the barn theme. A second cavity  520   b  suggests a loft in the barn. Cavity  520   b  is similar to the previous cavities but does not necessarily have a door. Cavity  520   b  has a cavity sidewall perimeter surface  522   b  and a floor surface  524   b  and is shown in  FIG. 5A  with a chicken item  529  positioned in the cavity. 
     FIGS. 5E-G  show an outline perimeter sidewall  560  which emphasizes the barn shape and provides depth to pillow  500 . This depth creates deeper and more uniform cavities closer to the outline of the pillow as compared to the pillows that do not have an outline perimeter sidewall. This allows cavities  520   a  and  520   b  to hold more barn animals or other items.  FIG. 5F  also shows the use of quilted material for barn door  504   a - b  which further illustrates the barn theme by appearing like boards of the barn.  FIG. 5G  shows back surface of pillow  500 . Back surface  536  can bear an identification label  538  and dotted lines  550   a  and  550   b  may appear as stitching on back surface  536  when the floor layer of cavities  520   a  and  520   b  are sewn to an interior surface of a back layer of pillow  500 . As above, alternatively, the dotted lines may be hidden lines indicating the perimeters of respective floor surfaces  524   a  and  524   b . Attaching the floor layer to the back layer is preferred to prevent the cavity from collapsing or turning inside out. It is appreciated that a floor layer may be bonded to an interior surface of a back layer, or that the back layer may be two sided material, or that a floor surface or floor layer need not extend all the way to the back layer. It is also appreciated that a smaller barn could omit the barn loft cavity  520   b.    
     FIGS. 6A-6E  show another embodiment as pillow  600 . In this embodiment pillow  600  depicts a boat, specifically a pillow that has a religious, Noah&#39;s ark theme. Pillow  600  has a plurality of cavities which can hold a plurality of animal items or other items on the ark. Two cavities are on the front of the pillow and two cavities are on the deck in an outer perimeter sidewall. At least one of the cavities has a door to close and conceal items inside the boat. Here, the door conceals animals inside the hull of Noah&#39;s ark. This door opens downward to appear like a ramp into the hull of the ark. Two of the cavities can be linked together with an additional tunnel feature that forms a passageway for an item to be passed from one cavity to another. Indicia on the surface of the boat illustrates a boat theme, or an ark theme by being the color of an ark or by having an animal pattern, or quilting pattern such as ark boards, other indicia consistent with the Noah&#39;s ark theme. 
   More specifically, door  604  opens downward like a ramp into the ark and closes to conceal cavity  620   a . A second cavity  620   b  does not have a door and is shown has having item  628   a  inserted, item  628   a  being a stuffed toy monkey. Both of these cavities are constructed similar to the above embodiments, crease lines are shown in sidewall corners of the cavities but could be seams in material or be smoother with a material that does not tend to crease. Door  604  includes a securing means  634  which is shown as pieces of hook and loop material, but can be as described above with respect to securing means  134 . 
   Front surface  602  comprised a hull portion, a deck portion, a deck cabin portion, and deck cabin awning portion. Front surface  602  is connected to cavity sidewall perimeter surfaces  622   a - b  and cavity floor surfaces  624   a - b . Trim  608  accents the ark and the deck cabin generally at outline perimeter  610  and also at the starboard and port sides of the boat deck. 
   An outer perimeter sidewall  660  generally encircles the pillow and provides depth to the pillow which makes the cavity depth more uniform especially as the cavities approach an outer perimeter of the pillow. Outer perimeter sidewall  660  includes two additional cavities, cavity  620   c  and  620   d , where more items can be stored in pillow  600 .  FIG. 6A  shows two bears  628   b - c  placed respectively in cavities  620   c - d . These cavities have perimeter sidewall surfaces and floor surfaces (not labeled) similar to the other cavities, except that the floor surface is not necessary connected to an interior surface of a back wall layer. The perimeter sidewall surfaces extend between front surface  102  and back surface  636  and can billow inward into the respective cavities for snuggly holding items. 
   Pillow  600  has an additional feature and that is a tunnel  662 , see  FIGS. 6B and 6E . Tunnel  662  forms a passageway between cavity  620   a  and  620   b  so that an item may be passed from within cavity  620   a  to  620   b  and back again. An item can also be partly in a cavity and in tunnel  662  such as shown in  FIG. 6A  where monkey item  628   a  is in cavity  620   b  and in tunnel  662 . Tunnel  662  is located between front surface  602  and back surface  636 . Tunnel  662  can be encircled by cushioning medium inside a pillow shell that is made of material layers similar to previous embodiments. 
     FIGS. 7A-C  show another embodiment as pillow  700 . Pillow  700  has a front surface  702  and a door  704  behind which is a hidden cavity. Door  704  has a cow front, and pillow back surface  736  shows a cow back, both of which may be appliqued, or may be three-dimensional attached sculptures, or may be indicia.  FIG. 7C  shows cavity  720  of pillow  700  similar to the cavity of the previous embodiments and having an additional feature of a structure  725  connected to cavity sidewall perimeter surface  722 . Structure  725  represents a cow udder bridging a portion of cavity  720 . A cow item (not shown) could be hidden inside cavity  720 . 
   It is appreciated that one or more of the pillow doors need not overlap the respective cavity opening around the cavity&#39;s entire opening perimeter, especially if a portion of the cavity is otherwise concealed. For example,  FIG. 8  shows a pillow  800  having a front surface  802  and a cavity  820  hidden behind door  804  and structure  825 . Structure  825  bridges over the top of cavity  820  and is connected to front surface  802 . Structure  825  can help hold items in cavity  820 . Door  804  has pivot  806  and when door  804  is in a closed position mates with structure  825 . In this embodiment, structure  825  visually illustrates a canoe. In use, items placed in cavity  820  appear to be in the canoe. When door  804  is in a closed position the items appearing to be in the canoe are concealed. In an alternative embodiment, door  804  could be large enough to conceal both the cavity and the structure. 
     FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the present invention. Here, pillow  900  has a cavity  920  and first door  904   a  that reveals and conceals cavity  920 . Another door  904   b  and yet another door  904   c  overlay first door  904   a . The doors in this embodiment may function like leaves of a book and can have indicia that tell a story which is related to the theme of the pillow and an item placed in cavity  920 . 
     FIG. 10  shows a pillow  11  of this invention assembled into a kit  10  with a blanket  12  and a container  14 . Pillow  11  can be any one of the previously described pillows or variations thereof within the scope of the claims. Blanket  12  preferably has indicia that further indicates the illustrated theme of the pillow. Container  14  is shown as a draw string bag but it is appreciated that other containers could be used. Container  14  is preferably transparent such that the indicia of the pillow and the indicia of the blanket are visible. Container trim portion  16  can have matching indicia to make a kit that further visually indicates the illustrated theme of the pillow. 
   It is appreciated that other pillows shapes may be used to illustrate other themes. For example, a vehicle pillow outline could be used to illustrate a school bus theme where one or more of the school bus windows or other part of the bus could have concealing door. A building outline could be used to illustrate a building theme with lots of doors or windows, one or more of which have a concealing door, or a dog house building theme. A travel pillow theme could include items to play with during traveling. Other themes include holiday themes or religious themes such as a Christmas theme or nativity theme. A baby theme could have typical pastel colors such as pink or blue indicia and may have a lullaby or rattle sound, and/or could include a rattle item. A product pillow such as a “Coke-a-Cola”™ theme pillow could have a “Coke-a-Cola”™ fabric pattern and a polar bear item inside. A pillow could also be made custom to match existing furniture or made of popular print such as “Gingham”™ chex. It is also appreciated that other items could be placed in the hidden cavity besides stuffed animals, such as, dolls, crayons, books, cars, edibles, flowers or other items. 
   While the preferred embodiments of this invention have been illustrated and described, variations and modifications will be apparent to those skill in the art. Therefore, the scope and breadth of this invention is to be determined from the claims which follow.