Self-retracting pillow

Abstract

To provide a pillow that has a function comparable to a conventional pillow in spite of compactness.SOLUTION: The pillow has a first lobe 26a, a second lobe 26b and a third lobe 26c that extend outward from a central node 24 and that store a cushioning packing material. A closing mechanism extends around the outer periphery of the first lobe and of the second lobe. The third lobe is covered by the first lobe and the second lobe in a storing form, and uncovered in a sleeping form. Of the first lobe and the second lobe, a part exposed in the storing form is covered by a fabric having superior durability. A Y-shaped inner pillow case contains a packing material and can be arranged in the lobe. The packing material can contain an air bag having a valve that is exposed in the storing form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 031,918, entitled "Pillow," filed May 29, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This patent application relates to pillows, and more particularly to pillows used when traveling. [Background technology]

[0003] Items used when traveling are often modified to be smaller and more portable than their traditional counterparts. This modification often compromises the item's performance. While this may be acceptable for some, for bedding, travelers may not accept this compromise. This presents the same problems as traditional blankets, pillows, and mattresses, which are very bulky. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Providing a pillow that is compact yet provides the same functionality as a conventional pillow is an advancement in the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, the pillow includes a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe extending outward from a central node. The third lobe and at least one of the first and second lobes contain a cushioning filler. The periphery of the first lobe includes a first closure portion secured to the periphery of the first lobe. The periphery of the second lobe includes a second closure portion secured to the periphery of the second lobe and selectively connectable to the first closure portion. The third lobe can be positioned in either the sleeping configuration or the storage configuration. The third lobe is positioned between the first and second lobes in the storage configuration, but is not positioned between the first and second lobes in the sleeping configuration.

[0006] The third lobe is exposed in the sleeping configuration and is covered by the first and second lobes in the storage configuration. In some embodiments, when the third lobe is in the storage configuration and the first closure section connects to the second closure section, first portions of the first and second lobes are exposed, the third lobe is not exposed, and the first portions are covered by the first material. When the third lobe is in the sleeping configuration and the first closure section connects to the second closure section, second portions of the first and second lobes and the third lobe are exposed, and the second portions are covered by the second material. The first material is a material that has one or more of inferior stretchability, inferior flexibility, and superior durability compared to the second material. For example, the first material is a material that has all of inferior stretchability, inferior flexibility, and superior durability compared to the second material.

[0007] The first material may define a zippered opening for inserting a cushioning filler. In some embodiments, both the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler. In some embodiments, the pillow may include a Y-shaped inner pillow case containing a cushioning filler and disposed within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cushioning filler is an air bladder. A valve is connected to the air bladder, and a portion of the valve protrudes outward from the first lobe, such that the valve is exposed when the third lobe is in the storage configuration and the first closing section is connected to the second closing section, and the valve is covered between the first and second lobes when the third lobe is in the sleeping configuration and the first closing section is connected to the second closing section. The filler material may be any one of a sheet of foam, shredded foam, and down.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes providing a pillow including a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe extending outward from a central node. The third lobe and at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler. A closure mechanism is secured to an outer periphery of the first lobe and an outer periphery of the second lobe. The method includes closing the closure mechanism including the third lobe in the storage configuration. The third lobe is contained within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the closure mechanism in the storage configuration.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method includes opening a closure mechanism comprising a third lobe in the storage configuration and closing the closure mechanism comprising the third lobe in the sleep configuration, wherein the third lobe is exposed and not contained within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the closure mechanism in the sleep configuration.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the third lobe is in the storage configuration and the closure mechanism is closed, first portions of the first and second lobes are exposed, the third lobe is not exposed, and the first portions are covered by the first material. In some embodiments, when the third lobe is in the sleep configuration and the closure mechanism is closed, second portions of the first and second lobes and the third lobe are exposed, and the second portions are covered by the second material. The first material is a material that has one or more of less stretchability, less flexibility, and more durability than the second material. The first material may be a material that has all of less stretchability, less flexibility, and more durability than the second material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the closure mechanism is a zipper. In some embodiments, both the first lobe and the second lobe contain cushioning fill. In some embodiments, the pillow further includes a Y-shaped inner pillow case containing cushioning fill and disposed within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cushioning filler is an air bladder. The method further comprises deflating the air bladder. A valve is coupled to the air bladder. A portion of the valve protrudes outward from the first lobe. When the third lobe is in the storage configuration and the first closure portion connects with the second closure portion, the valve is exposed. When the third lobe is in the sleeping configuration, the valve may be covered between the first lobe and the second lobe. The method may include deflating the air bladder using the valve. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of a pillow in a sleeping position according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pillow transitioning from a sleeping configuration to a stowed configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pillow in a later stage of transition from a sleep configuration to a storage configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the closure mechanism with the pillow closed in a storage configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pillow in a storage configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an inner pillow case, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the opening for inserting the inner pillow case. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a bladder for use with a pillow, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pillow in a stored configuration with an exposed bladder valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] 1, pillow 10 can be understood in terms of horizontal direction 12a, longitudinal direction 12b, and vertical direction 12c. Horizontal direction 12a, longitudinal direction 12b, and vertical direction 12c are all perpendicular to one another. Directions 12a, 12b, and 12c are provided to facilitate understanding of the relative positions of features of pillow 10 and do not necessarily correspond to the actual orientation of pillow 10 during use.

[0017] In the illustrated sleeping position, the pillow 10 is generally rectangular, or a bounding rectangle 12d can be defined in a plane parallel to the horizontal direction 12a and the longitudinal direction 12b. The bounding rectangle 12d is the smallest rectangle that can contain the pillow 10, which lies on a support surface parallel to the plane and is not deformed by external forces other than gravity. The horizontal direction 12a can be defined as parallel to the longest side of the bounding rectangle 12d, and the longitudinal direction can be defined as parallel to the shortest side of the bounding rectangle 12d (or, if the bounding rectangle is a square, the side other than the side used to define the horizontal direction 12a). The vertical direction 12c is perpendicular to the directions 12a and 12b and corresponds to the amount of loft of the pillow 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the pillow need not be rectangular, but may include configurations that are less angular, such as rounded corners, or that taper toward the center of the pillow. In other embodiments, the pillow shape is a traditional rectangle. The shape shown in FIG. 1 may be that of a pillow with a filler. The filler may include a cushioning material. The cushioning material may be one or more sheets of foam (polyurethane foam or latex foam), shredded foam, polyester fiber (filler fiber), cotton feathers, or other cushioning material.

[0019] 1 shows the sleeping case 14 of the pillow 10. The back side of the pillow 10 (facing away from the viewer) has the same shape and configuration and may also form part of the sleeping case 14. The sleeping case 14 may be made from natural or synthetic fibers known in the art for use in making pillow cases, such as nylon, polyester, cotton, linen, or other materials. In one example embodiment, the sleeping case 14 may be made from a woven nylon material with stretch properties.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 1, a portion of the periphery of the sleeping case 14 may be defined as the opening 16. In the illustrated embodiment, this portion is the portion of the sleeping case 14 closest to the left side of the bounding rectangle 12d shown in FIG. 1 and portions of the upper and lower sides extending away from the left side (e.g., 40 to 60% of the length of the upper and lower sides extending from the left side). In other words, the periphery of the sleeping case 14 defining the opening 16 may be positioned entirely on one side of a line 12e that intersects the pillow and extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 12b. This line 12e may be located at a midpoint of the pillow 10 or the rectangle 12d along the horizontal direction 12a, or may be offset from the midpoint by up to 10% of the length of the pillow 10 or the rectangle 12d along the horizontal direction 12a. In the illustrated embodiment, line 12e is offset along horizontal direction 12a from the left edge of pillow 10 or bounding rectangle 12d by no more than the length of pillow 10 or bounding rectangle 12d in horizontal direction 12a.

[0021] The opening 16 may include a zipper 18 secured around the perimeter of the opening 16 and a zipper tab 20 for closing the zipper 18 and the opening 16. When the zipper 18 and the opening 16 are closed, the pillow 10 may have the configuration shown in FIG. 1. When the zipper 18 is opened by the zipper tab 20, the storage case 22 is exposed. While this and other examples herein describe a zipper securing the edges of the material together, other closure mechanisms may alternatively be used. Alternative closure mechanisms may include a series of clasps, magnets, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other closure mechanisms along the edges that are secured together.

[0022] The storage case 22 may be formed from a material that has some or all of the following characteristics: greater durability, less stretch, and less flexibility compared to the material forming the sleeping case 14. For example, the storage case 22 may be made from a non-stretch nylon fabric that may be covered with polyurethane or other material to improve durability.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2 , when opening 16 is in an open position, pillow 10 is Y-shaped. For example, node 24 can be defined as the end of opening 16 where zipper tab 20 is located when zipper 18 is fully open or fully closed. Lobes 26a, 26b, and 26c can extend outward from these nodes 24. As shown, the outward-facing surfaces of robes 26a and 26b are covered by sleeping case 14. The inward-facing surfaces of robes 26a and 26b are covered by the storage case. Both surfaces of robe 26c are covered by sleeping case 14. In some embodiments, robes 26a and 26b can both include a filler material. In other embodiments, only one of robes 26a and 26b includes a filler material.

[0024] In other words, the sleeping case is split between the top edge (the left edge in FIG. 1) and the split extends partially towards the bottom edge (the right edge in FIG. 1). The inner surface of the split is formed by the storage case 22.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the storage configuration is achieved by folding robes 26a and 26b over robe 26c so that storage case 22 faces outward. Robes 26a and 26b, covered by sleeping case 14, may face and contact the surface of robe 26c, which is also covered by sleeping case 14. Regardless of the arrangement of robes 26a, 26b, and 26c, the pillow's filling and sleeping case 14 are arranged to be stored within storage case 22. Storage case 22 is preferably made of a material that is more durable, stain-resistant, and water-resistant. This configuration protects the pillow, which is provided with a sleeping case 14 made of a softer, more comfortable material.

[0026] 4, zipper tab 20 may then be used to close opening 16, allowing zipper 18 and storage case 22 to completely enclose pillow 10.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 5, the storage case 22 may be made of a single sheet of material and a zipper 18 that fastens a portion of the edge of the sheet of material. The storage case 22 may be made of multiple materials to form a bag. Handle 28 is , may be secured to a storage case 22 to facilitate transport of the pillow 10 in the storage configuration.

[0028] 6A, in some embodiments, loose filler material is simply stored within storage case 22 and sleeping case 14. In other embodiments, an inner pillow case 30 may be used to store the filler material within the inner pillow case 30. Inner pillow case 30 may be Y-shaped with nodes 32 located on either side and lobes 34a, 34b, and 34c extending outward from nodes 32 and fitting within nodes 26a, 26b, and 26c defined above. The side of inner case 30 facing away from the viewer may have a symmetrical structure and define one of nodes 32.

[0029] Inner case 30 may be three-part, including top portion 30a, bottom portion 30b, and inner portion 30c. Inner portion 30c is secured to top portion 30a by stitching 36a and to bottom portion 30b by stitching 36b. As indicated, stitching 36a, 36b may extend generally (e.g., within 3 mm) toward node 32. Right end portions of top portion 30a and bottom portion 30b are secured to one another by stitching 36c, which extends generally (e.g., within 3 mm) toward node 32.

[0030] Although inner portion 30c is described as a single piece, it may comprise two pieces, for example, joined by a seam extending between nodes 32. Thus, nodes 34a, 34b are defined by top portions 30a, 30b and inner portion 30c, while node 34c is defined by top portion 30a and bottom portion 30b.

[0031] The three-part configuration shown in Figure 6A may be used to construct sleeping case 14 and storage case 22. Here, sleeping case 14 corresponds to top portion 30a and bottom portion 30b, and storage case 22 corresponds to inner portion 30c.

[0032] To gain access to the interior of the inner case 30, a zipper may be used along any of the seams 36a, 36b, and 36c. For example, a zippered opening 40 may be provided along seam 36a, 36b, or 36c. 6a Similarly, the inner case 30 may be inserted into the sleeping case 14 through a zippered opening 42 defined by the sleeping case 14 opposite the opening 16.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 6B, in some embodiments, the zippered opening 42a and the corresponding zipper tab 42b are fixed to the storage case 22. The inner case 30 can be inserted through this opening. On the other hand, when the pillow 10 is in the sleeping configuration (see Fig. 1), the inner case 30, the zippered opening 42a, and the zipper tab 42b are stored inside the sleeping case. This eliminates discomfort caused by the unevenness of the zippered opening 42a and the zipper tab 42b.

[0034] 7, in some embodiments, the fill of pillow 10 may be partially or completely embodied by bladders 44. For example, bladders 44 may be used in combination with other types of fill materials, such as down, a single piece of foam, or pieces of shredded foam. Bladders 44 may include welds 46 extending inward from the periphery of bladder 44. Welds 46 reduce the height of bladder 44 when inflated. Bladder 44 may include valves 48 for inflating and deflating the bladder.

[0035] 8, in some embodiments, the storage case 22 defines an opening 50 through which the valve 48 is accessible. In this manner, when the sleeping case 14 faces outward and the opening 16 is closed, the valve 48 and opening 50 are located inside the pillow 10.

[0036] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the expressly preferred embodiments. Instead, the present invention is to be determined entirely by reference to the following claims.

Claims

1. A pillow comprising a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe, The first lobe and the second lobe branch off and extend from a tip of the third lobe, the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe form an enclosed space; the third lobe and at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler, and the cushioning filler extends continuously from the third lobe to at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe in the sealed space; the periphery of the first lobe includes a first closure secured to the periphery of the first lobe; the periphery of the second lobe includes a second closure secured to the periphery of the second lobe; The second closing portion is selectively connectable to the first closing portion in the sleeping configuration or the storage configuration, The third robe is disposed between the first robe and the second robe in the storage configuration, and is not disposed between the first robe and the second robe in the sleeping configuration. A pillow characterized by:

2. The third robe is exposed in the sleeping position and is covered by the first robe and the second robe in the storage position.

2. The pillow according to claim 1 .

3. A pillow comprising a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe, The first lobe and the second lobe branch off and extend from a tip of the third lobe, the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe form an enclosed space; the third lobe and at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler; the periphery of the first lobe includes a first closure secured to the periphery of the first lobe; the periphery of the second lobe includes a second closure secured to the periphery of the second lobe; The second closing portion is selectively connectable to the first closing portion in the sleeping configuration or the storage configuration, the third robe is disposed between the first robe and the second robe in the storage configuration, and is not disposed between the first robe and the second robe in the sleeping configuration; When the third lobe is in the storage configuration and the first closing portion is connected to the second closing portion, a first surface of the first lobe and the second lobe, which is a surface of an area defined by the first closing portion and the second closing portion, is exposed, and the third lobe is not exposed; When the third lobe is in the sleeping configuration and the first closing portion is connected to the second closing portion, a second surface, which is a surface of the first lobe and the second lobe excluding the first surface, and the third lobe are exposed; The first surface has one or more of less stretchability, less flexibility, and greater durability compared to the second surface. A pillow characterized by:

4. The first surface has less stretch, less flexibility, and more durability than the second surface.

4. The pillow according to claim 3.

5. The first surface defines a zippered opening for inserting the cushioning filler.

4. The pillow according to claim 3.

6. Both the first lobe and the second lobe contain the cushioning filler.

2. The pillow according to claim 1 .

7. and a Y-shaped inner pillow case containing the cushioning filler and disposed within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe.

2. The pillow according to claim 1 .

8. At least a part of the cushioning filler is an air bladder.

2. The pillow according to claim 1 .

9. A pillow comprising a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe, The first lobe and the second lobe branch off and extend from a tip of the third lobe, the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe form an enclosed space; the third lobe and at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler; the periphery of the first lobe includes a first closure secured to the periphery of the first lobe; the periphery of the second lobe includes a second closure secured to the periphery of the second lobe; The second closing portion is selectively connectable to the first closing portion in the sleeping configuration or the storage configuration, the third robe is disposed between the first robe and the second robe in the storage configuration, and is not disposed between the first robe and the second robe in the sleeping configuration; At least a part of the cushioning filler is an air bladder, a valve connected to the air bladder; a portion of the bulb protruding outwardly from the first lobe; When the third lobe is in the retracted configuration and the first closure portion is connected to the second closure portion, the valve is exposed; When the third lobe is in the sleeping configuration and the first closing portion is connected to the second closing portion, the valve is covered between the first lobe and the second lobe. A pillow characterized by:

10. The cushioning filler material is one of a sheet of foam, chopped foam, and down.

2. The pillow according to claim 1 .

11. providing a pillow comprising a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe, and a closing mechanism fixed to an outer periphery of the first lobe and an outer periphery of the second lobe, wherein the first lobe and the second lobe branch out and extend from a tip of the third lobe, and the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe form an enclosed space; and closing the closure mechanism in a storage configuration, the third lobe and at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler, and the cushioning filler extends continuously from the third lobe to at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe in the sealed space; The third lobe is housed within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the closure mechanism in the storage configuration. A method characterized by:

12. opening the closure mechanism in the storage configuration; closing the closing mechanism in a sleeping position; Furthermore, The third lobe is exposed in the sleeping position and is not contained within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the closing mechanism.

12. The method of claim 11 .

13. A process for providing a pillow comprising a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe, and a closing mechanism fixed to the outer periphery of the first lobe and the outer periphery of the second lobe, wherein the first lobe and the second lobe branch out and extend from the tip of the third lobe, and the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe form an enclosed space; and closing the closure mechanism in a storage configuration, the third lobe and at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler; the third lobe is housed within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the closure mechanism in the storage configuration; opening the closure mechanism in the storage configuration; closing the closing mechanism in a sleeping position; Furthermore, the third lobe is exposed in the sleeping position and is not contained within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the closing mechanism; When the third lobe is in the storage configuration and the closing mechanism is closed, first surfaces of the first lobe and the second lobe, which are surfaces of the areas defined by the closing mechanism, are exposed, and the third lobe is not exposed; When the third lobe is in the sleeping configuration and the closing mechanism is closed, a second surface, which is a surface of each of the first lobe and the second lobe excluding the first surface, and the third lobe are exposed; The first surface has one or more of less stretchability, less flexibility, and greater durability compared to the second surface. A method characterized by:

14. The first surface has less stretch, less flexibility, and more durability than the second surface.

14. The method of claim 13.

15. The closure mechanism is a zipper 12. The method of claim 11 .

16. Both the first lobe and the second lobe contain the cushioning filler.

12. The method of claim 11 .

17. and a Y-shaped inner pillow case containing the cushioning filler and disposed within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe.

12. The method of claim 11 .

18. At least a part of the cushioning filler is an air bladder, The method further comprises deflating the bladder.

12. The method of claim 11 .

19. A process for providing a pillow comprising a first lobe, a second lobe, and a third lobe, and a closing mechanism fixed to the outer periphery of the first lobe and the outer periphery of the second lobe, wherein the first lobe and the second lobe branch out and extend from the tip of the third lobe, and the first lobe, the second lobe, and the third lobe form an enclosed space; and closing the closure mechanism in a storage configuration, the third lobe and at least one of the first lobe and the second lobe contain a cushioning filler; the third lobe is housed within the first lobe, the second lobe, and the closure mechanism in the storage configuration; At least a part of the cushioning filler is an air bladder, The method further comprises deflating the bladder; a valve connected to the air bladder; a portion of the bulb protruding outwardly from the first lobe; When the third lobe is in the retracted configuration, the valve is exposed; The method further includes deflating the bladder with the valve. A method characterized by:

20. The cushioning filler material is one of a sheet of foam, chopped foam, and down.

12. The method of claim 11 .

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