BACKPACK CONFIGURED TO CARRY A PILLOW

Abstract

A backpack configured to carry a pillow includes a carrying case and a strap operably connected to a surface of the carrying case. The strap is connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the backpack over his or her shoulder. The carrying case includes an opening configured to permit insertion and removal of the pillow.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/344,486, filed Aug. 5, 2010. The subject matter of this earlier filed application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to backpacks. More specifically, the present invention relates to backpacks that are configured to carry a pillow.

BACKGROUND

Pillows and plush pillow toys are generally known. Plush toys also exist that convert into backpacks. Carriers for pillows exist as well. However, such systems lack the convenience and utility of a carrier specifically designed to fit a pillow and to be carried as a backpack.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by conventional pillows and pillow carrying systems. For example, certain embodiments of the present invention pertain to a backpack-style carrier that is specifically designed to carry a pillow.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a carrying case configured to carry a pillow and a strap operably connected to a surface of the carrying case. The strap is connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the apparatus containing the pillow over his or her shoulder as a backpack. The carrying case includes an opening configured to permit insertion and removal of the pillow.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a carrying case configured to house a pillow via an opening in the carrying case and one or more straps operably connected to a surface of the carrying case. The apparatus also includes one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case to enclose the pillow within. The one or more straps are connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the apparatus containing the pillow as a backpack.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus includes a carrying case configured to enclose a pillow via an opening in the carrying case and a plurality of straps operably connected to an external surface of the carrying case. The plurality of straps is configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus as a backpack. The apparatus also includes one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case to enclose the pillow within. The apparatus further includes one or more handles configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when not used as a backpack. The carrying case includes a non-rigid fabric configured to conform to a shape of the pillow. The carrying case is also configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of certain embodiments of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. While it should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a backpack configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the backpack configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the backpack configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the backpack configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the backpack configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a backpack configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of various embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatuses of the present invention, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a backpack configured to carry a pillow. Such functionality has the convenience and advantages of a backpack while facilitating portability of the pillow housed within. Millions of individuals count their pillow as a prized nighttime and naptime possession, and to carry one's own pillow has been medically proven to help individuals to sleep better. However, there are few systems specifically designed to carry a pillow outside of the home. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention permit users to take a pillow on family trips, business trips, vacations, camping trips, or to any other destination or event that is desired. Some embodiments of the present invention are further designed to meet Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and airline carry-on regulations so the backpack accommodates air travel, and a pillow does not count as luggage. It is possible in many embodiments to place the backpack within the pillow case. Further, such a backpack can be carried on a stroller in many embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a backpack 100 configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Backpack 100 includes a carrying case 102. Carrying case 102 includes two straps 104 that are attached, in part, to carrying case 102 by seam 106. Straps 104 may also be connected to carrying case 102, for example, by seams on the top and bottom of carrying case 102 (not shown). A pillow may be inserted into carrying case 102 via an opening on the top of carrying case 102. However, the location and configuration of the opening is subject to the desired design and may be at any location on the carrying case, including the sides, bottom, front, and back.

In some embodiments, carrying case 102 may be specifically designed to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions. Carrying case 102 may also be fashioned at least in part from a non-rigid material that readily conforms to the shape of a pillow, such as nylon, polyester, cotton, any blended or woven fabric, plastic, rubber, or any other non-rigid material, as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art. The backpack may also be configured to meet TSA and airline carry-on regulations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of backpack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The opening on the top of carrying case 102 may be at least partially closed by buttons 108 that are secured through slits 110. Buttons 108 may be attached to carrying case 102, straps 104, or both, via thread or any other suitable securing mechanism, as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art. While buttons are shown here, the opening of carrying case 102 may be at least partially closed by other closing mechanisms in some embodiments. Such closing mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, and hook-in-loop fasteners (such as Velcro®). Embodiments of the present invention are also not limited by the placement of the fasteners used to close the opening of the carrying case, and fasteners of multiple types may be used. In some embodiments not illustrated here, rather than securing the carrying case via an opposite surface thereof, a flap may be present via which the buttons or other fastening mechanism close the opening of the carrying case.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of backpack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in this view, seam 106 forms and divides an upper loop 112 and a lower loop 114 in strap 104. In some embodiments, upper loop 112 may be configured to be secured to objects and devices such as a stroller. A crease 116 runs the length of carrying case 102 in this embodiment, but may not be present in other embodiments. Lower loop 114 is separated by an opening 118 from carrying case 102 in this view. However, in many embodiments, lower loop 114 is made from a flexible material, and may be moved towards or away from carrying case 102 as desired by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of backpack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, only top loop 112 of strap 104 is visible. Buttons 108 are attached to carrying case 102 and serve to at least partially close opening 120. However, in some embodiments, buttons 108 may also be connected to upper loop 112. In other embodiments, buttons 108 are only connected to upper loop 112, which wraps around carrying case 112, through opening 120, and buttons 108 may be attached to an internal surface of carrying case 102. In still other embodiments, strap 104 may have no loops and may not be sewn into the outside of carrying case 102 via seam 106.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of backpack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Crease 116 is also visible in this view. In some embodiments, lower loop 114 may be sewn into crease 116.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a backpack 600 configured to carry a pillow, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Backpack 600 includes a carrying case 602 configured to carry a pillow and a strap 604 connected to the outer surface of carrying case 602 via seam 606. The carrying case is made from a non-rigid material that is configured to conform to the shape of a pillow. Strap 604 may also be sewn or otherwise attached to carrying case 602 in other locations. The strap is connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the backpack over his or her shoulder. Strap 604 may also be connected to an internal surface of carrying case 602. A side strap (not shown) may be included in addition to, or in lieu of, strap 604. An opening (not visible) at the top of carrying case 602 permits insertion and removal of the pillow. In some embodiments, carrying case 602 may be configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions. In some embodiments, backpack 600 may be configured to meet TSA and airline carry-on regulations.

A pair of button fasteners 608 are configured to at least partially close the opening of carrying case 602 and secure the pillow inside the carrying case via slits 610. In other embodiments, the fasteners may be one or more of zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loop fasteners, or any combination thereof. A handle 612 facilitates carrying of the backpack when strap 604 is not being used. However, the location of handle 612 is not limited to the side, and may be placed at any location on carrying case 612. Backpack 600 also includes a pocket 614 on the outside surface of carrying case 602. However, the positioning of any pockets is a matter of design choice.

Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a backpack configured to carry a pillow. The backpack may have a carrying case, one or more straps configured to enable a user to carry the carrying case as a backpack, and one or more fasteners configured to at least partially enclose and secure the pillow within the carrying case. The carrying case may also include one or more handles for carrying the carrying case when not carried as a backpack, and one or more pockets affixed to a surface of the carrying case to facilitate carrying of additional articles other than the pillow.

It should be noted that reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with features in a different order, and/or with elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a carrying case configured to carry a pillow; and

a strap operably connected to a surface of the carrying case, wherein

the strap is connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the apparatus containing the pillow over his or her shoulder as a backpack, and

the carrying case comprises an opening configured to permit insertion and removal of the pillow.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrying case is configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case and secure the pillow inside the carrying case.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more buttons, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loop fasteners.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrying case comprises a non-rigid material configured to conform to a shape of the pillow.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more handles to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when not used as a backpack.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to meet Transportation Safety Administration and airline carry-on regulations.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more pockets on one or more surfaces of the carrying case.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one end of the strap is operably connected to an internal surface of the carrying case.

10. An apparatus, comprising:

a carrying case configured to house a pillow via an opening in the carrying case;

one or more straps operably connected to a surface of the carrying case; and

one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case to enclose the pillow within, wherein

the one or more straps are connected to the carrying case such that a user can carry the apparatus containing the pillow as a backpack.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the carrying case is configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more buttons, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loop fasteners.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the carrying case comprises a non-rigid material configured to conform to a shape of the pillow.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

one or more handles to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when not used as a backpack.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configured to meet Transportation Safety Administration and airline carry-on regulations.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

one or more pockets on one or more surfaces of the carrying case.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one end of the one or more straps is operably connected to an internal surface of the carrying case.

18. An apparatus, comprising:

a carrying case configured to enclose a pillow via an opening in the carrying case;

a plurality of straps operably connected to an external surface of the carrying case and configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus as a backpack;

one or more fasteners configured to at least partially close the opening of the carrying case to enclose the pillow within; and

one or more handles configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus when not used as a backpack, wherein

the carrying case comprises a non-rigid fabric configured to conform to a shape of the pillow, and

the carrying case is configured to house a pillow of predetermined dimensions.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more buttons, zippers, clasps, snaps, toggles, or hook-in-loop fasteners.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein at least one end of each of the plurality of straps is operably connected to an internal surface of the carrying case.