Patent ID: 12220063

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multilayered germ resistant pillow covering for consumers and travelers. The protective pillow cover may be configured to accommodate a scented insert or gel cooling layer for the user's comfort. The protective pillow cover includes a cap-like cinching component on the underside for a secure fit over any pillow. The protective pillow cover may be a reusable washable model or single-use disposable one. The protective pillow cover offers users peace of mind and eases anxiety for a better night's sleep.

The protective pillow cover is similar in appearance to a large shower cap or pillowcase consisting of two or more biodegradable layers. A top layer is where the user rests their head. The exterior is constructed from a soft textured material for comfort. A second layer may comprise a gel cooling insert for users who like to keep cool at night. Alternatively, the second layer can also be comprised of an insert with calming scents for users who have trouble sleeping. An innermost layer is composed of sterile anti-microbial material and acts as a germ resistant barrier between the pillow and the user. The protective pillow cover further comprises a cap-like cinching on the underside. This flexible elastic rim allows the cap to easily stretch and fit over the user's pillow. The protective pillow cover hugs and grips the pillow so that it stays in securely in place when in use. Dimensions of the protective pillow cover will vary depending on whether the protective pillow cover is to be used for travel pillows or standard size 18″×24″ pillows.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIGS.1-7, the present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a protective pillow cover100. The protective pillow cover100is configured to fit over and at least partially encapsulate a pillow10as illustrated inFIGS.4and5. As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the protective pillow cover100comprises a barrier component110and a securing component150. The protective pillow cover100may be disposable or reusable and washable depending on construction.

The barrier component100is configured in a generally cuboid shape defining a cavity148adapted to receive the pillow10. The generally cuboid shape is typically rectangular, but may be square, oval, or circular depending on the shape of the pillow to be protected. The barrier component110may be constructed from biodegradable materials. A top of the pillow10will be completely covered and a bottom of the pillow10will be partially covered when the protective pillow cover100is in place around the pillow10.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the barrier component100comprises an inner layer140and an outer layer120. The inner layer140comprises an exterior surface142and an interior surface144. The exterior surface142may have a semi-rough texture to prevent sliding and abuts the pillow10when the protective pillow cover100is in place around the pillow10. The outer layer120comprises an exterior surface122and an interior surface124. The exterior surface122of the outer layer120is the user contact surface. The interior surface144of the inner layer140abuts the interior surface124of the outer layer120.

The inner and outer layers140and120terminate in a generally rectangular perimeter146. The inner and outer layers140and120may be laminated or adhered together or may be secured together along the generally rectangular perimeter146by stitching, reinforcing, bonding, welding, fusing, heat sealing, or the like, or any other type of seam construction.

The outer layer120is a comfort layer typically manufactured from a breathable soft material, such as a fabric. The fabric may be, but is not limited to a knit fabric, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or the like. The fabric may be constructed from natural fibers such as cotton, synthetic fibers such as polyester, or a combination of natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

The inner layer140is constructed from a barrier or nonbreathable material, may be waterproof or water resistant, and may comprise an antimicrobial additive. The antimicrobial additive may be an antimicrobial agent or compound with antimicrobial properties, an antibiotic agent, an antifungal agent, an antiviral agent, or a combination thereof. The antimicrobial additive may impregnated or be coated or layered onto the inner layer140or may be applied to the yarn used for the fabric. The inner layer140is configured to act as a barrier to microbes. The antimicrobial additive may include an antimicrobial effective amount of copper or silver. The inner layer140may also be constructed from a filter material having a high degree of filtration pathogens, such as that used in medical masks or other very tightly woven material. The inner layer140may also be coated with a monolithic or microporous material to prevent penetration by moisture and allergens such as dust mites, mold, and bacteria.

As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the securing component150is attached to or integrated into the perimeter146of the barrier component110. The securing component150is stretchable to allow the barrier component110to partially encapsulate the pillow10within the cavity148as illustrated inFIG.3. The securing component150may comprise a channel152and an elastic element154. The channel152and elastic element154may be attached to or integrated into the perimeter146of the barrier component110. Alternatively, the elastic element154is an elastic band integrated into the channel152attached to the perimeter146of the barrier component110. The securing component150is stretchable to allow the barrier component110to partially encapsulate and retain the pillow10within the cavity. As illustrated inFIG.6, the elastic element154may be adjustable in length to allow for different sized pillows.

As illustrated inFIGS.8-10, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a protective pillow cover200. The protective pillow cover200is configured to partially encapsulate a pillow10. The protective pillow cover200comprises a barrier component210and a securing component (similar to150). The protective pillow cover200may be disposable or reusable and washable.

The barrier component200is configured in a generally cuboid shape defining a cavity (similar to148) adapted to receive the pillow10. As illustrated inFIGS.8and9, the barrier component200comprises an inner layer240, a middle layer230, and an outer layer220. The inner, middle, and outer layers240,230, and220terminate in a generally rectangular perimeter (similar to146). The inner middle, and outer layers240,230, and220may be laminated together or may be secured together along the perimeter as described supra.

The outer layer220is a comfort layer typically manufactured from a breathable soft material, such as a fabric. The fabric may be, but is not limited to a knit fabric, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or the like. The fabric may be constructed from natural fibers such as cotton, synthetic fibers such as polyester, or a combination of natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

The inner layer240is constructed from a barrier or nonbreathable material and comprises an antimicrobial additive. The antimicrobial additive may be an antimicrobial agent or compound with antimicrobial properties, an antibiotic agent, an antifungal agent, an antiviral agent, or a combination thereof. The antimicrobial additive may impregnated or be coated or layered onto the inner layer240. The inner layer240is configured to act as a barrier to microbes. The antimicrobial additive may include an antimicrobial effective amount of copper or silver. The inner layer240may also be constructed from a filter material having a high degree of filtration pathogens, such as that used in medical masks or other very tightly woven material. The inner layer240may also be coated with a monolithic or microporous material to prevent penetration by moisture and allergens such as dust mites, mold, and bacteria.

The middle layer230is sandwiched between the inner and outer layers240and220. As illustrated inFIG.10, the middle layer230may comprise a pocket232. The middle layer230may be removable and replaceable. The middle layer230may comprise a layer of cooling gel. Alternatively, the middle layer230may comprise an olfactory element impregnated in or coated on the middle layer230. The olfactory element is a scented compound with soothing or calming odors emitted. The olfactory element may use lavender, citrus, peppermint, or other pleasing scents. Alternatively, the protective pillow cover200may further comprise an insertable olfactory element260. The insertable olfactory element260is configured to be retained within the pocket232of the middle layer230.

The securing component (similar to150) is attached to or integrated into the perimeter of the barrier component210. The securing component is stretchable to allow the barrier component210to partially encapsulate the pillow10within the cavity. The securing component may comprise a channel (similar to152) and an elastic element (similar to154). The channel and elastic element may be attached to or integrated into the perimeter of the barrier component210. Alternatively, the elastic element is an elastic band integrated into the channel attached to the perimeter of the barrier component210. The securing component is stretchable to allow the barrier component210to partially encapsulate and retain the pillow10within the cavity.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the protective pillow covers100and200can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the protective pillow covers100and200and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the protective pillow covers100and200are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the protective pillow covers100and200and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the protective pillow covers100and200and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the protective pillow covers100and200may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the protective pillow covers100and200is designed to be applied.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.