PILLOW CASE WITH A FUNCTIONALIZED FLAP

Abstract

A pillow case, and method of making same, 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.

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's head. Pillows come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and interior stuffing options.

Typically, one'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's eyes in an attempt to block out unwanted light. Eye masks commonly include a string or elastic that wraps around one'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'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'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'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'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'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's head 118 and/or to use top flap 101 to cover all or part of user'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's head or other parts of one'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'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'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's head 118 and/or face. In one embodiment, user 120 uses top flap 101 to cover all of user 120's head 118. In one embodiment, user 120 uses top flap 101 to cover all or part of user's face 122. In one embodiment, user 120 uses top flap 101 to cover all or part of user's head 118 and all or part of user's face 122. Top flap 101 is adapted to selectively block out noise, light, or other environmental factors that may disturb user 120's sleep.

User 120 may use top flap 101 by placing user'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'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's face 122. In one embodiment, user 120 covers user's eyes, head, and ears, leaving a lower half of user 120'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'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's greater comfort while asleep. When it covers user 120'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'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'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'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'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'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'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's quality of rest as well as provides additional coverage to one's head and eyes. Top flap 101 is lightweight and designed with a user 120's comfort in mind, compared to existing eye masks available for use in covering one's eyes when asleep. Because top flap 101 is attached to an actual pillow case connected to one's pillow, a person need not bring an additional item to one's bed.

A comfortable and quality sleep experience is important to maintain one's sleep and peace of mind. Indeed, a healthy sleep schedule is often cited as being critical to providing balance for one's overall emotions and improving one's total health. A good sleep is rejuvenating and improves one'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'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'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'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'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'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'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's eyes and nose and most of user's head. User'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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's face. Covering the user'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'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'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'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's head. This eye mask usually ends up tugging on a user's head and hair and leaves indentation marks in the user'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'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.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The pillow case of claim 1, wherein the first material provides greater degree of warmth than the second material.

3. The pillow case of claim 1, wherein the second material provides a smoother texture than the first material.

4. The pillow case of claim 2, wherein the second material provides a smoother texture than the first material.

5. The pillow case of claim 4, wherein the first material is velour.

6. The pillow case of claim 4, wherein the second material is satin.

7. The pillow case of claim 1, further comprising one or more connector adapted to removably attach the extended edge of the flap to an adjacent side of the pillow case.

8. The pillow case of claim 1, wherein the flap comprises chemicals adapted to reduce sun exposure.

9. 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, 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.

10. The pillow case of claim 9, having a rectangular shape and the flap having a corresponding rectangular shape.

11. The pillow case of claim 10, wherein the corresponding rectangular shape is smaller than and fits within the rectangular shape.

12. The pillow case of claim 9 wherein the air vent also has a rectangular shape.

13. The pillow case of claim 11, wherein the air vent also has a rectangular shape.

14. The pillow case of claim 9, wherein:

the first material is velour; and,

the second material is satin.

15. The pillow case of claim 9, wherein the flap is adapted to reduce sun exposure.

16. The pillow case of claim 14, wherein the flap is adapted to reduce sun exposure.

17. 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;

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.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising treating a material selected from the group consisting of the first material and the second material with one or more sun blocking chemicals.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein attaching an edge of the flap along the closed edge comprises incorporating the edge of the flap between a front side of the closed edge and a back side of the closed edge.