Pillowcase changing tool

Abstract

The present invention provides a pillowcase changing apparatus comprising a pair of parallel X brace expanders and a pair of parallel base members. The expanders each include two slats connected at a middle pivot point. The expanders are positioned generally parallel to each other creating a slot for receipt of a pillow. The first base member extends between first proximal points of each of the expanders. The second base member extends between second proximal points of each of the expanders. Selective separation of the base members controls the expansion of the expanders.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/654,801, filed Feb. 18, 2005, and priority and the benefit of Ser. No. 60/654,801 is claimed in the present application to the extent the subject matter of this application is found in that provisional application. The content of that application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to housekeeping accessories, and more specifically provides a pillowcase changing tool and a method of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inserting pillows into pillowcases and removing pillowcases from pillows can be a time-consuming and frustrating event occurring in all types of institutions, such as hospitals and hotels, as well as individual residences. There have been attempts in the past to minimize this problem; however, previous devices tend to be bulky, awkward in use, and/or contain other limitations. An improved pillowcase changing tool is desired. Therefore, there is further need in this area, and more specifically a need for a device that can reduce resistance between a pillow and a pillowcase that makes changing pillowcases a difficult task. The present invention is directed to meeting those needs, among others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention deals primarily with a pillowcase changing tool, generally including, in one embodiment, a pair of parallel X braces or expanders connected to each other by a pair of parallel base members. Each expander includes two slats connected at a middle pivot point. The expanders are positioned generally parallel to each other creating a slot for receipt of a pillow. The first base member extends between first proximal points of the expanders, and the second base member extends between second proximal points of the expanders. The separation distance of the base members controls the expansion of the expanders. Optionally, the spacing between the expanders is adjustable along the lengths of the base members.

Objects of certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the description, figures and claims herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pillowcase changing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is side view of a component assembly of the pillowcase changing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pillowcase changing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pillowcase changing device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the pillowcase changing device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pillowcase changing device of FIG. 1 in use, relative to a pillow and pillowcase.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the pillowcase changing device of FIG. 1 in use, relative to a pillow and pillowcase.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the invention being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a pillowcase changing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of parallel X brace expanders and a pair of parallel base members. Each of the expanders includes two slats connected at a middle pivot point. Additionally, each expander includes a first end and a second end. The first ends include first proximal points and second proximal points. The X brace expanders are positioned generally parallel to each other creating a slot for receipt of a pillow. The first base member extends between the first proximal point of each of the X brace expanders. The second base member extends between the second proximal point of each of the X brace expanders. In accordance with this embodiment, selective separation of said base members controls expansion of the expanders. In another embodiment, the spacing of the expanders is adjustable along the length of the base members.

To change a pillowcase using the pillowcase changing device, the X braces of the device are inserted between a pillowcase and a pillow maintained in the pillowcase with the second X brace on the opposite side of the pillow from the first X brace. The X braces are inserted to a position where top ends of the first and second X braces are positioned near inner corners of the pillowcase and the base members of the device are positioned near an opening of the pillowcase, with the pillowcase at least partially covering each of the X braces. The base members may be pre-spaced or selectively spaced after insertion so that the expanders have a width approximately that of the pillow. Thereafter, the pillowcase is removed from the pillow and the device, with the pillow being maintained in the device.

To put a pillowcase on a pillow using the device, a pillow is inserted and held between the X braces of the device. A pillowcase is placed over the pillow and the X braces, resulting in the device being positioned between the pillowcase and the pillow. Thereafter, the X braces are removed from between the pillowcase and the pillow.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an example pillowcase changing device 10 including X braces 12 and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, X brace 12 includes slats 16 and 18 connected at middle pivot point 24, and X brace 14 includes slats 20 and 22 connected at middle pivot point 26. In certain embodiments, middle pivot points 24 and 26 are located at central points of slats 16, 18, 20 and 22. In other embodiments, changing the position of pivot points 24 and 26 along slats 16, 18, 20 and 22 creates varying degrees of expansion leverage for X braces 12 and 14.

In certain embodiments, slats 16 and 18, and slats 20 and 22, are pivotally connected with pivot bolts 24a and 26a, respectively, extending through holes in the slats. Alternatively, other methods of connecting the slats together can be used as would generally occur to one skilled in the art. Further, it should be appreciated that the X braces can be single, continuous members.

As shown in FIG. 1, X brace 12 has endpoints 28, 30, 32 and 34, and X brace 14 has endpoints 36, 38, 40 and 42. In the illustrated embodiment, base members 50 and 52 connect X braces 12 and 14 together to form pillowcase changing device 10.

The X braces are expandable and contractible relative to the midpoints along an x-axis to adjust for varying widths of pillows. Optionally, the spacing of the X braces is also adjustable along the lengths of the base members, along a y-axis, to adjust for varying thicknesses of pillows. In certain embodiments, the slats are flat bars, with a generally rectangular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, edges 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 22a and 22b of slats 16, 18, 20 and 22 are rounded. The rounded edges of the X braces prevent material from getting caught on the edges during operation of the device. It should be appreciated that the slats can be generally cylindrically shaped with a circular cross-section, or shaped differently as would generally occur to one skilled in the art. In certain example embodiments, the slats measure 30 inches in length; however, it should be appreciated that the slats could be shorter or longer as would occur to one skilled in the art. Additionally, in another embodiment, the slats can telescopically extend to accommodate longer pillows.

In the illustrated embodiment, X braces 12 and 14, along with base members 50 and 52, create a slot 66 for receipt of a pillow. In certain embodiments, the slats are made from a flexible material to accommodate thicker pillows. Additionally, the endpoints can include rounded tips to aid in placement and removal of the pillowcase over the device. Alternatively, the endpoints can include pointed tips to aid in placement and removal of a pillowcase over the device.

Optionally, the slats can each be enhanced to include a gripping interior surface 60 to better maintain contact with a pillow positioned within device 10. Examples of such enhancement include treating the surfaces, texturing the surfaces, roughening the surfaces, and/or adding textured materials to the surfaces. In certain embodiments, the slats can each also be enhanced to include a smooth, slick exterior surface 62 to aid in placement and removal of a pillowcase over device 10. Examples of such enhancement include treating the surfaces and/or adding materials to the surfaces.

In the illustrated embodiment, base members 50 and 52 are elongate bars with a rectangular cross-section. The illustrated base members provide stability for device 10 when resting on the base members. However, it should be appreciated that the base members can be configured differently as would generally occur to one skilled in the art. As an example, the base members can have circular cross-sections. In the illustrated embodiment, base members 50 and 52 extend along a y-axis, the y-axis being substantially perpendicular to the x-axis, as shown in FIG. 1. In certain preferred options, the X braces are adjustable along the lengths of the base members, thereby allowing for adjustability of the X braces along the y-axis. The adjustability of the X braces along the base members better enables use of the device with pillows of varying thickness.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, X braces 12 and 4 are connected to base members 50 and 52 via connecting assemblies 63. Connecting assemblies 63 can include support members 64, as shown in FIG. 1, located at the juncture of the X braces to the base members. In certain embodiments, pivot bolts 72 pivotally connect support members 64 to the X braces. Support members 64 can provide additional stability and support to device 10, as well as serve as components in the connection between the X braces and the base members.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example connecting assembly 63. The connection of X braces 12 and 14 to base members 50 and 52 is preferably made through the use of fasteners, such as screws 71, inserted through the base members and into support members 64. Screws 71 can be inserted through a pre-formed hole 70 in the base members.

Optionally, the base members can have two or more holes 70 to allow selective adjustment of the X braces along the base members corresponding to varying thicknesses of pillows. Providing numerous holes in the base members allows for adjustability of the X braces along the y-axis. Screws inserted through the base members into the support members secure the X braces to the base members. It should be appreciated that other hardware can be used to connect the X braces to the base members, such as quick release pins, clevis pins, hitch pins, and various types of other pieces as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, support members 64 are connected to endpoints 28, 30, 36 and 38 of slats 16, 18, 20 and 22 with a pivot bolt 72 secured by a pin 73. Pivot bolt 72 allows for pivotal connection between the support members and the slats. Other pivot connection mechanisms can be used to connect the slats to the support or base members as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.

Regarding the connection of the X braces to the base members, in another embodiment, the endpoints, such as endpoints 28, 30, 36 and 38, are received in holes in the base members in a manner as to permit pivoting of the slats relative to the base members. In alternative embodiments, there are holes in the slats near the endpoints, with the base members received through the holes, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the base members include trenches with holes therein, the endpoints, such as endpoints 28, 30, 36 and 38, being received in the holes. However, it should be appreciated that other manners of connecting the X braces to the base members can be used as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of device 10. As stated above, screws 71 can be inserted through the base members and into support members 64. In certain embodiments, the X braces can be positioned farther apart or closer together, depending on a selected pillow thickness. Positioning the X braces farther apart along the base members creates a larger slot 66 to accommodate a thicker pillow. Positioning the X braces closer together along the base members decreases the size of slot 66 to allow for the use of device 10 with a thinner pillow. Other methods for providing adjustability of the X braces along the y-axis can be employed as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates device 100, device 100 being similar in structure and operation to device 10. Device 100 includes X braces 120 and 140 connected to base members 150 and 152. As shown, the base members are configured to be received in and slide through holes 153 in the slats, and secured by pins 154. The pivotal connection of X braces 120 and 140 to base members 150 and 152 permits separation of the base members for expansion and contraction of the X braces as well as a spacing adjustment for thickness.

The primary components of devices 10 and 100, in certain example embodiments, are made of wood-based materials. However, it should be appreciated that the components of devices 10 and 100 can be made from various other alternative materials, such as plastic or metal, or other materials as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates device 100 in a contracted or compressed position. As stated above, the X braces are expandable and contractible along the x-axis. The expansion and contraction of the X braces is a function of movement of the base members. For example, the base members can be moved close to each other, thereby contracting the X braces. Additionally, the base members can be separated, thereby expanding the X braces.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the compact nature and compressibility of the device, which can assist in storage and portability. In certain embodiments, the device can be dis-assembled for storage or transport. The use of quick release pins within the device can also optimize storage, portability and breakdown.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of device 100 illustrating the flexibility of X braces 120 and 140 (exaggerated for clarity). It should be appreciated that device 10 can include similar flexibility features. Providing flexible X braces can be in lieu of or in addition to allowing for adjustability of the X braces along the base members. In the illustrated embodiment, the X braces are made from a flexible material. The flexibility of the X braces can increase the size of slot 66 to allow for insertion of thicker pillows, while maintaining the connection of the X braces to the base members at fixed positions, as illustrated in FIG. 5. A tapered slot may also hold the pillow more snugly as the pillow is placed in the lower volume of the slot.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 5, the overall operation of pillowcase changing device 10 will be discussed in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. It should be appreciated that the operation of device 100 is similar to the operation of device 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates X braces 12 and 14 inserted at least partially between a pillowcase 80 and a pillow 82. The X braces can be adjusted along the x and y axes, as described above, to accommodate pillow 82. To remove pillowcase 80 from pillow 82, the X braces are inserted between pillowcase 80 and pillow 82 to a position where endpoints 32, 34, 40 and 42 of X braces 12 and 14 are positioned substantially near the inner corners of pillowcase 80 when on pillow 82. In certain embodiments, insertion of device 10 is performed with pillow 82 resting on one side and lying flat on a surface, such as bed 84, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Insertion of the X braces, as described above, operates to separate pillowcase 80 from pillow 82, thereby reducing resistance between pillowcase 80 and pillow 82 to better enable removal of pillowcase 80. In one embodiment, device 10, including pillow 82 and pillowcase 80, is turned to an upright position, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In an upright position, device 10 rests on base members 50 and 52. Pillowcase 80 can be removed from pillow 82 and device 10 by pulling pillowcase 80 over the X braces.

To place a pillowcase on a pillow, device 10 can be stood upright, as shown in FIG. 7. Pillow 82 is placed in slot 66 between the X braces and maintained therein. Pillowcase 80 can be slid over the X braces, using the X brace ends to form a rectangle with resistant corners enhancing feeding of the pillowcase, and thereby placed over pillow 82. Device 10 reduces the resistance between pillow 82 and pillowcase 80 to enable easier placement of pillowcase 80 over pillow 82.

Referring again to FIG. 6, device 10 can be turned to a position in which the device is resting on one of the X braces, and pillow 82 is generally lying flat. Device 10 is removed by sliding the X braces out an open end of pillowcase 80. In an alternative embodiment, after placement of pillowcase 80 over pillow 82 with device 10 in an upright position, device 10 can be flipped approximately 180 degrees, so that device 10 is resting on endpoints 32, 34, 40 and 42, allowing for easy removal of device 10 from pillowcase 80 and maintaining pillow 82 in pillowcase 80.

Various alternative embodiments of the configuration and use of the device are contemplated. In one alternative embodiment, a handle or central crossbar is used to connect the base members. The handle can be used to move the base members closer together or farther apart and optionally to secure them at desired separations. In another embodiment, spring means can be used to bias the X braces either towards each other or away from each other to aid in the use of the device.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A pillowcase changing apparatus, comprising:

a pair of parallel X brace expanders, wherein: each of said expanders includes two slats connected at a pivot point; and each of said expanders included a first end and a second end, said first end including a first proximal point and a second proximal point;

wherein the parallel spacing of said expanders creates a slot for receipt of a pillow; and

a pair of parallel base members, including a first base member extending between said first proximal points of said expanders, and a second base member extending between said second proximal points of said expanders, wherein selective separation of said base members controls the expansion of said expanders.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacing of said expanders is adjustable along the lengths of said base members.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the expansion corresponds to a selected pillow width and the spacing corresponds to the selected pillow thickness.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second ends of said expanders each include a first distal point and a second distal point, said first and second distal points of said expanders forming a rectangle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said expanders is flexible along a direction parallel to said base members.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising support members to secure said expanders along said base members.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein fasteners secure said support members to said base members.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said fasteners are screws.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein pivot members connect said expanders and said support members.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each slat of said expanders includes a hole, adjacent said proximal points, designed for receipt of said base member therein.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pivot points of said expanders are located at central points of said slats.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said expanders are enhanced to include slick exterior surfaces.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said expanders are enhanced to include gripping interior surfaces.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said expanders includes two distal points with rounded tips.

15. A pillowcase changing device, comprising:

a pair of parallel X braces; and

a pair of parallel base members secured to said X braces to define a slot for a pillow, wherein a first base member connects a first bottom end of a first X brace and a corresponding first bottom end of a second X brace, and a second base member connects a second bottom end of the first X brace and a corresponding second bottom end of the second X brace, and wherein selective separation of said base members controllably expands and contracts said X braces.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the spacing of said X braces is adjustable along said base members.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein at least one of said X braces is flexible along a direction parallel to said base members.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein each of said X braces includes two slats, said slats being flat bars with rectangular cross-sections.

19. The device of claim 15, comprising support members to secure said base members to said X braces.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein said X braces include top ends opposite said bottom ends, said top ends including rounded tips.