PILLOW APPARATUS

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a pillow apparatus that can be turned inside out to expose the internal filler material. Typically, the pillow apparatus in configured for thorough cleaning via a conventional home washing machine and dryer. In some embodiments, the cushion apparatus comprises an outer shell and a filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment. The pillow apparatus further comprises a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed compartment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/157,938, filed May 6, 2015, entitled “Pillow Apparatus,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to support devices and, more specifically, an anti-allergy, pillow apparatus that can be turned inside out to expose the internal filler material for a thorough cleaning via a conventional home washing machine and dryer.

BACKGROUND

A pillow is generally useful for the purpose of rendering comfort or support to a user. Conventional pillows are manufactured using “pillow-filler material” such as high resilient (“RR”) urethane foam formed by means of conventional molding processes providing the desired density and stability to the foam. However, these pillows retain, dust, bacteria and other contaminants since it is not possible to clean them.

Conventional solutions focus on keeping allergens out of the pillow by having the external shell or casing of the pillow made from a very tightly woven barrier, or a polymer coated barrier, to prevent mold spores, pollen, dust mites and other contaminants from entering the interior of the pillow. However, this shell or casing does not protect the pillow from contaminants that could penetrate the shell or casing like sweat, viruses or bacteria and then internally contaminate the pillow. Thus, there is a need for a pillow apparatus with anti-allergic properties that can be washed and cleaned.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a pillow apparatus, comprising: an outer shell; a filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment; and a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed compartment. Typically, the outer shell comprises at least one opening, the at least one opening being configured to be in a first position and a second position. In the first position the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outer shell. In the second position the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the filter barrier.

In some embodiments, in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the outer shell may be turned inside out so that the filter barrier is exposed.

In some embodiments or in combination with the previous embodiment, the second position is an inside-out position such that the outer shell and filler material are entirely contained within the filter barrier.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the opening is positioned along a first adjacent lateral side of the outer shell.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, wherein the opening is positioned along two or more adjacent lateral sides of the outer shell.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the outer shell is constructed out of synthetic fabrics, natural fabrics, allergy barrier materials, tightly woven barriers, and/or coated barriers.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the filler material is configured to provide resiliency and support to the pillow apparatus, wherein the filler material comprises fiber or poly beads, polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollow petrochemical beads, and/or expanded polystyrene beads.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the filler material comprises one or more apertures having a predetermined hole size, wherein the hole size of the one or more apertures is configured to be small enough to contain the filler material and large enough to allow contaminants to pass on washing.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the filter barrier comprises a mesh.

In some embodiments or in combination with any of the previous embodiments, the at least one opening is configured to be opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, and/or snaps.

Other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a method of manufacturing the pillow apparatus of the previous embodiments by: providing an outer shell comprising at least one opening; providing a filter barrier and a filler material; placing the filler material proximate an inner surface of the outer shell; connecting the filter barrier to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment such that the filler material is contained within the at least one enclosed compartment; wherein the at least one opening is configured to be in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the filter barrier.

Yet other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a method of washing the pillow apparatus of the previous embodiments by: opening the at least one opening to render the outer shell into the second position, wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the filter barrier; turning the pillow apparatus inside out, via the at least one opening in the second position, such that the outer shell and filler material are entirely contained within the filter barrier; and washing the pillow apparatus.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such embodiments and their equivalents.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detail description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, that has been turned inside out, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, with the zipper open, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, that has been turned inside out, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, with the zipper open, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3b is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, that has been turned inside out, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3a; and

FIG. 3c is a perspective view illustrating a pillow apparatus, with the zipper open, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate a pillow apparatus 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The pillow apparatus 100 includes an outer shell 110, filler material 120 and filter barrier 130. The configuration of these components is described below in detail. The pillow apparatus 100 can comprise more or fewer components as required for various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1a, the outer shell 110 of the pillow apparatus 100 comprises a first surface 111 and a second surface 112. The first surface 111 may be a flat surface or a three-dimensional contoured surface and the first surface 111 may be shaped like a rectangle, a polygon or any other suitable curvilinear shape with sharp or curved corners. The second surface 112 may be shaped like a rectangle, a polygon or any suitable curvilinear shape. The second surface 112 can be a flat surface or a three-dimensional contoured surface. The pillow apparatus 100 comprises a first lateral side 113, a second lateral side 114, a third lateral side 115 and a fourth lateral side 116, each of which extends between and separates the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The thickness of the pillow apparatus is defined as the distance between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, measured on a plane perpendicular to both the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The thickness of the pillow apparatus can either be constant or variable. Each of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116 has an edge at the first surface 111: first edge 113a, second edge 114a, third edge 115a, and second edge 116a. Each of the first edge 113a, second edge 114a, third edge 115a, and second edge 116a of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116, respectively, adjacent the first surface 111 can be defined by a sharp corner, a bevel, a chamfer, a fillet or any other suitable contour between the first surface 111 and the respective first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116.

Each of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116 has an edge at the second surface 112: first edge 113b, second edge 114b, third edge 115b, and second edge 116b. Each of the first edge 113b, second edge 114b, third edge 115b, and second edge 116b of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116, respectively, adjacent the second surface 112 can be defined by a sharp corner, a bevel, a chamfer, a fillet or any other suitable contour between the second surface 112 and the respective first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116.

The outer shell 110 has an external surface and an internal surface on the opposite side. The external surface comprises the first surface 111, second surface 112, first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116. The internal surface comprises inner surfaces of the first surface 111, second surface 112, first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116. The outer shell 110 preferably covers the filler material 120, wherein the filler material 120 is in contact with the internal surface of the outer shell 110 at one or multiple points.

The outer shell 110 can be constructed using a variety of materials, including synthetic and natural fabrics and natural/synthetic blends. The outer shell 110 is preferably made from allergy barrier materials comprising, but not limited to, tightly woven barriers, coated barriers to prevent mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and other contaminants from entering through the outer shell 100. The gauge measurement of the outer shell 110 (i.e., the number of needles per inch or per 1½ inches in a knitting machine) is preferably large enough to ensure a finer knit.

The filler material 120 provides resiliency and support to the pillow apparatus 100. In other words, the filler material 120 allows the pillow apparatus 100 to conform to the user's shape and is resilient enough to regain its original shape. The filler material 120 can have a shape similar to or different from that of the outer shell 110 and can have similar or different dimensions. In one embodiment, the filler material 120 has a first surface, a second surface, first lateral side, a second lateral side, a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side (not shown) parallel to the first surface 111, second surface 112, first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116 of the outer shell 110. In some embodiments, as noted above, the filler material 120 may be shaped differently than the outer shell 110. The filler material 120 can be fabricated as a single part or multiple parts. In some embodiments the filter material 120 comprises two or more parts. In some embodiments, the filler material 120 can be made from one or more materials, including in some embodiments a loose material such as fiber or poly beads. In some embodiments, the filler material 120 may comprise polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollow petrochemical beads, expanded polystyrene beads or any other materials that collectively allow the filler material 120 to have the resilient, conforming and supporting properties even after extended use and repeated washing and drying.

The filter barrier 130 may be connected to the outer shell 110 so as to form at least one enclosed compartment. For example, one or more edges of lateral sides of the filter barrier 130 may be attached to proximate edges/proximate inner surface of the outer shell 110, to defining a volume between the filter barrier 130 and the inner surface of the outer shell 110 for receiving the filler material 120. Typically, the filter barrier 130 together with the outer shell 110 contains the filler material 120 in the at least one enclosed compartments. The filter barrier 130 can be fabricated as a single part or multiple parts. The filter barrier 130 can be made from one or more materials. The filter barrier 130 can be a knit or woven, or non-woven textile material with a predetermined permeability to allow the larger dust mites or invaders as large as bed bugs to wash clear. The permeability of this material will also aid in drying the filler material 120 and the pillow apparatus 100 from the inside out. The pillow apparatus 100 can be dried in a clothes dryer, can be air dried, can be dried by shaking the pillow apparatus vigorously or can be dried by any other means. The filter barrier may comprise one or more apertures/holes or a plurality of apertures/holes, each having a predetermined aperture/hole size. The predetermined hole size of the apertures of the filter barrier 130 is configured to be small enough to hold and contain the filler material 120 and large enough to allow the contaminants to pass on washing. In some embodiments, the hole size of the apertures of the filter barrier 130 is smaller than sizes of apertures of the outer shell 110. In some embodiments the hole size is greater than 20 microns to allow small dust mites to wash out. In some embodiments the holes on the filter barrier 130 have a fixed, repetitive pattern. In some embodiments the holes are placed in a random fashion on the filter barrier 130. The frequency and the percentage hole area of the holes on the filter barrier 130 is configured such that it allows the contaminants to flow out freely along with the washing liquid, while maintaining the strength and structural integrity of the filter barrier 130. In some embodiments the hole size is sufficiently small to retain the filler material over repeated wash and dry cycles.

In some embodiments the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 are made of materials that have a predetermined high permeability and predetermined high wickability. As used herein, wickability of the filler material and the filter barrier means the ability of the filler material and the filter barrier to disperse moisture and allow it to pass through to the surface of the fabric, so that evaporation can take place. In some embodiments the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 comprise performance fabrics to provide functional qualities like moisture management, UV protection, anti-microbial, thermoregulation and wind and water resistance. In some embodiments the filter barrier 130 comprises a mesh. As used herein, a “mesh” is a type of fabric characterized by its net-like open appearance, and the spaces between the yarns. Mesh is available in a variety of constructions including wovens, knits, laces, or crocheted fabrics. In some embodiments the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 comprise a bacteriostat, fungal stat or antimicrobial material. As used herein, a bacteriostat means a material that kills the bacteria, slows growth or holding the death to growth rates of bacteria more or less in equilibrium, and/or inhibits bacteria growth. As used herein, a fungal stat means a material that kills the fungus, slows growth or holding the death to growth rates of fungus more or less in equilibrium, and/or inhibits fungus growth.

The outer shell 110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130 can be constructed from a hydrophobic material. This hydrophobic property can be achieved throughout the material or only on part of the material or a region of the material. In some embodiments the hydrophobic property can be achieved on the exposed surfaces by spraying hydrophobic coatings, by adsorption, by absorption or by other means. The hydrophobic property may be achieved by particle deposition, vapor deposition, plasma treatments, by sol-gel techniques or by any other suitable means. The coatings can be polymer coatings or any other non-toxic substances. The coatings may comprise non-polar substances. The coatings can be silicones and fluorocarbons. In some embodiments the hydrophobic coatings have anti-allergic properties, anti-microbial agents to protect against bacteria, fungi and viruses and other microorganisms. The coatings may be a nano-particle coating. The hydrophobic property means that the contact angle of a fluid droplet resting on the surface of the coated/treated surface is greater than 90 degrees. The coatings may be ultra-hydrophobic or super-hydrophobic substances; in this case the contact angle is preferably greater than 150 degrees. The super-hydrophobic coatings can comprise manganese oxide polystyrene, zinc oxide polystyrene, precipitated calcium carbonate, carbon nano-tube structures, silica nano-tube coating or any other suitable substance. The coatings may have a self-cleaning property that may be achieved by using low surface energy coatings, for example self-assembled monolayers (SAM) coatings. It is understood that the materials and coatings described above can be used to construct the outer shell 110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130 instead of coating such component in whole or in part, wherever applicable or utilized in any other method to impart the desired properties to the pillow apparatus 100.

In some embodiments the coatings can have lipophobic and oleophobic properties. The coatings can comprise fluropolymer based solids like perfluropolyether. The filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 may be constructed with plastic. The outer shell 110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130 may have antimicrobial properties. They can comprise of polymeric biocides or any other material with the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or protozoans. The antimicrobial properties may be achieved by using coatings. The coatings can comprise metallic ions that inhibit microorganism growth like silver ions, copper ions etc. The outer shell 110, filler material 120 and/or the filter barrier 130 can comprise odor repulsion properties. In some embodiments, the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 may comprise triclosan, chitosan, cyclodextrin, metallic salts, nano-sized metals, metal oxides like silver, titanium, zinc, copper oxides and the like.

The outer shell 110 comprises at least one opening 140. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1c, the opening 140 is positioned at the first edge 113a of the first later side 113. The opening 140 may run throughout the length of the first edge 113a or a portion of the length of first edge 113a. The opening may also be positioned at the second edge 114a, third edge 115a, or second edge 116a of the second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 or fourth lateral side 116, respectively, or at the first edge 113b, second edge 114b, third edge 115b, or second edge 116b of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116, respectively. In some embodiments there are multiple openings 140 on the outer shell 110 positioned at the first edge 113a, second edge 114a, third edge 115a, and/or second edge 116a of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116, respectively, or at the first edge 113b, second edge 114b, third edge 115b, and/or second edge 116b of the first lateral side 113, second lateral side 114, third lateral side 115 and fourth lateral side 116, respectively. The opening 140 may be straight, curved or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the openings 140 separate the pillow apparatus 100 into multiple distinct sections or compartments each with filler materials 120. The opening 140 can be opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, snaps or other suitable means. FIG. 1a illustrates the opening 140 with a zipper in a closed position. FIG. 1c illustrates the zipper opened, exposing the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130.

In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1c, the pillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out to expose the filler material 120 and the filter barrier 130 as illustrated in FIG. 1b. The pillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out by pulling the zipper to render the opening 140 in an open position as illustrated in FIG. 1c. Next, a slight force is applied on the third lateral side 115 (or any lateral side opposite the opening) towards the opening 140 to push the third lateral side 115 through the opening 140. This causes the pillow apparatus 100 to be turned inside out. The inside out pillow apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1b can cleaned from inside out. In the first position illustrated in FIG. 1a, the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier 130 and filler material 120 are entirely contained within the outer shell. Here, the outer shell 110 is substantially exposed. In the second, inside-out position illustrated in FIG. 1b, the filler material 120 and the outer shell 110 are entirely contained within the filter barrier 130, while the filter barrier 130 is substantially exposed.

In some embodiments the opening or opening(s) 140 exists on two adjacent edges, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2a-2c. Here, the pillow apparatus comprises a first portion of the filter barrier 130 and the first surface 111 defining a first enclosed compartment between them. Furthermore, the pillow apparatus comprises a second portion of the filter barrier 130 and the second surface 112 of the outer shell 110, defining a second enclosed compartment between them. According to this embodiment, the pillow apparatus 100 can be turned inside out by pulling the zipper to render the opening or openings 140 in an open position as illustrated in FIG. 2c. Next, a slight force is applied on the third lateral side 115 (or any lateral side opposite the opening) towards the opening 140 to push the third lateral side 115 through the opening 140. This causes the pillow apparatus 100 to be turned inside out to reveal two compartments containing filler materials 120, both having a filter barrier 130. The inside out pillow apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2b can cleaned from inside out.

In some embodiments, the opening or opening(s) 140 exists on a first edge and two adjacent edges also, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3c. In this embodiment, when the opening or opening(s) are opened, the pillow apparatus 100 can be opened like a book, as illustrated in FIG. 3c to reveal two compartments containing filler materials 120, both having a filter barrier 130. The inside out pillow apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3b can cleaned from inside out. This embodiment is advantageous in that it is easier to balance in a washing machine during the spin cycle as weight is less concentrated and is distributed over twice the area.

In some embodiments (not shown), the opening or opening(s) 140 exists on each edge around the entire perimeter of the outer shell 110 such that the pillow apparatus 100 can be separated into two sections to wash and can then be reassembled after drying.

The pillow apparatus can be washed and cleaned by hand, via a conventional home washing machine or any other suitable means. The filter barrier 130 serves to contain the filler material 120, while allowing water and other cleaning fluids to enter freely and remove contaminants through this filter barrier 130, thereby effectively aiding the cleaning and the drying process. The filter barrier 130 is a filter in the context that it retains the filler materials and allows the contaminants and cleaning fluids to freely pass through. This construction of the filter barrier 130, the filler material 120 and the inside out configuration of the pillow apparatus 100 allows the pillow apparatus 100 to be cleaned and dried quickly and efficiently. A side benefit of this method of cleaning is that the pillow apparatus 100 will regain its original loft or form after extended use by easily washing and drying.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa. As used herein, “at least one” shall mean “one or more” and these phrases are intended to be interchangeable. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or “an” shall mean “at least one” or “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” or “at least one” is also used herein.

Claims

1. A pillow apparatus, comprising:

an outer shell;

a filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment;

a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed compartment; and

wherein the outer shell comprises at least one opening, the at least one opening configured to be in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the filter barrier.

2. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the outer shell may be turned inside out so that the filter barrier is exposed.

3. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second position is an inside-out position such that the outer shell and filler material are entirely contained within the filter barrier.

4. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening is positioned along a first adjacent lateral side of the outer shell.

5. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening is positioned along two or more adjacent lateral sides of the outer shell.

6. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell is constructed out of synthetic fabrics, natural fabrics, allergy barrier materials, tightly woven barriers, and/or coated barriers.

7. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filler material is configured to provide resiliency and support to the pillow apparatus, wherein the filler material comprises fiber or poly beads, polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollow petrochemical beads, and/or expanded polystyrene beads.

8. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filler material comprises one or more apertures having a predetermined hole size, wherein the hole size of the one or more apertures is configured to be small enough to contain the filler material and large enough to allow contaminants to pass on washing.

9. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter barrier comprises a mesh.

10. A pillow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is configured to be opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, and/or snaps.

11. A method of manufacturing a pillow apparatus, comprising:

providing an outer shell comprising at least one opening;

providing a filter barrier and a filler material;

placing the filler material proximate an inner surface of the outer shell;

connecting the filter barrier to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment such that the filler material is contained within the at least one enclosed compartment; and

wherein the at least one opening is configured to be in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the filter barrier.