CONVERTIBLE PILLOW

Abstract

A convertible pillow has two panels of material that are adjustable to cover one side of the pillow, or the other side of the pillow. The use of different styles of materials for the panels allows for a single pillow to have up to three different aesthetic presentations.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application pertains to pillows. More particularly, the subject matter of this application pertains to convertible pillows having a first presentation and a second presentation. Even more particularly, the subject matter of this application pertains to pillows having at least two different presentations, wherein one is comprised of a comparatively decorative aspect, and the other presentation is adapted to be softer and more comfortable to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pillows may be divided into groups depending on various characteristics. One such division is between those pillows that are primarily decorative and those that are primarily comfortable. Examples of primarily decorative pillows are those commonly called throw pillows. These pillows often have visually decorative features such as colored patterns and designs; and textural features such as decorative stitching, fringe, and beadwork. Primarily comfortable pillows generally eschew such aesthetics in favor of being soft and soothing against one's skin. There are times when one might want the benefits of both types of pillows without necessarily having to have multiple pillows. For instance, one may want a visually and texturally interesting pillow on the living room couch during the day but also want a more comfortable pillow available for a mid-day nap or an extended tv watching session.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application pertains to methods and devices for providing a pillow having at least two conformations such as, e.g., a decorative throw pillow and a plush, comfortable pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a convertible pillow in the first conformation.

FIG. 2 shows the convertible pillow in an intermediate conformation.

FIG. 3 shows the convertible pillow in the second conformation.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description and drawings referenced in it illustrate embodiments of the application's subject matter. They are not intended to limit the scope. Those familiar with the art will recognize that other embodiments of the disclosed method are possible. One should consider all such alternative embodiments within the application's disclosure.

Certain word choices are made for the sake of simplicity and to aid the reader's understanding by placing the subject matter of this application in context. These word choices should not be interpreted to narrow the scope of the claims, which should be given their broadest possible meaning in the light of the disclosure. For example, as used in this application: a “convertible pillow” or simply “pillow” may include decorative throw pillows, bed pillows, body pillows, leg pillows, pregnancy pillows, stuffed animals, and similar items. Certain directional words such as i.e., front, back, left, and right should be understood to be for ease of understanding the illustrations and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and claims. Further, aspects of the disclosed pillow are referred to as visible or hidden. These terms should be understood to mean that they are visible or hidden from casual viewing, in particular, a hidden aspect could be discovered with minor inspection.

The words “has” and “have” mean “comprises.” The words “conformation” and “presentation” are used interchangeably.

The convertible pillow comprises a front edge (101), a back edge (102), a left side (103) and a right side (104). The convertible pillow further comprises a first panel (105) and a second panel (201). The first panel has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a perimeter. The second panel of the convertible pillow also comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a perimeter. The perimeter of the first panel and the second panel are connected by a seam, such that the inner surface of the first panel faces the inner surface of the second panel. In most useful embodiments, an appropriate pillow fill such as feathers, shredded fabric, polyester filling, or open-cell foam is between the first and second panels. The convertible pillow further comprises a third panel (106) and a fourth panel (107). The third panel comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter. The fourth panel also has a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter. The third panel is sewn to the first and second panels along the front and back edges of the right side of the convertible pillow. The fourth panel is sewn to the first and second panels along the front and back edges of the left side of the convertible pillow.

The convertible pillow has two primary conformations and an intermediary conformation. In the first conformation (FIG. 1), the outer surface of the first panel of the convertible pillow is visible, as is the first surface of the third panel and the first surface of the fourth panel. In this conformation, the second surface of the third panel and the second surface of the fourth panel are predominantly contiguous with the outer surface of the second panel, hiding the second panel from view.

In the second conformation (FIG. 3), the outer surface of the first panel of the convertible pillow is hidden, and the second surface of the third panel and the second surface of the fourth panel are visible. In this conformation, the first surface of the third panel and the first surface of the fourth panel are predominantly contiguous with the outer surface of the first panel, hiding the panel from view.

Since the third and fourth panels are attached along the front and back edges of the convertible pillow on the right and left sides, respectively, either of the panels may be pulled aside and flipped to cover either the first panel or second panel, as desired.

In a most highly preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the first panel is comprised of a fabric having a first design, the first surfaces of the third panel and the fourth panel comprise a design a second design, the outer surface of the second panel comprises a fabric having a third design, and the second surfaces of the third panel and the fourth panel comprise a fabric having a fourth design. In this way, a single pillow could appear to have a certain color or pattern when in the first conformation, and another color or pattern when in the second conformation.

In the most highly preferred embodiment, the first conformation of the convertible pillow has a formal, decorative appearance, while in the second conformation, the pillow is softer and more suitable for resting one's weary head. In other highly preferred embodiments, each of the two conformations bears a different design or color to allow for more decorative options.

Claims

1. A pillow comprising a front edge, a back edge, a left side, a right side, a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a fourth panel;

said first panel comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a perimeter;

said second panel comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a perimeter;

the perimeter of the first and of the second panel connected by a seam such that inner surface of the first panel faces the inner surface of the second panel;

said third panel comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter;

said fourth panel comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter;

something more here;

the perimeter of the third panel being connected to the front edge and the back edge of the pillow;

the perimeter of the fourth panel being connected to the front edge and the back edge of the pillow.

2. The pillow of claim 1 in which an interstitial space is formed between the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel and such interstitial space contains pillow fill.

3. The pillow of claim 1 in which the outer surface of the first panel, the second surface of the third panel, and the second surface of the fourth panel are comprised of a first material, and the outer surface of the second panel, the first surface of the third panel, and the first surface of the fourth panel are comprised of a second material.