3D Pillowcase and / or Pillow and Pillowcase set

Abstract

A pillow set including a pillow having at least a top major surface and a bottom surface, the pillow including cushioning material. The pillow set further includes a pillowcase having a size and form that corresponds to a shape of the pillow and includes at least one image formed thereon, wherein at least a portion of the image is emphasized by the shape of the pillow to provide a 3-dimentional effect.

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority from, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 684,463, filed Aug. 19, 2024, which is incorporated in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a pillow and pillowcase set and, more particularly, to a pillowcase that has a 3D image which, when placed over a specialized pillow of set, gives a realistic impression of a 3-dimensional image.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Graffiti and street-art often produce impressive images and even entire scenes. Three-dimensional images often look very realistic, especially when drawn over more than one surface plane. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a 3D image drawn partially on a floor and two walls.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to the present invention there is provided a pillow set including a pillow having at least a top major surface and a bottom surface, the pillow including cushioning material; and a pillowcase having a size and form that corresponds to a shape of the pillow and includes at least one image formed thereon, wherein at least a portion of the image is emphasized by the shape of the pillow to provide a 3-dimentional effect.

[0005] According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below the top major surface is prefabricated with one or more protrusions, one or more indentations, or both protrusions and indentations.

[0006] According to still further features in the described embodiments the protrusions are each formed with excess cushioning material. According to still further features the pillowcase includes excess material in one or more positions corresponding to the one or more protrusions. According to still further features the indentations are each formed in the cushioning material. According to still further features the pillowcase includes excess material in one or more positions corresponding to the one or more indentations.

[0007] According to still further features the pillow includes a section of cushioning material that is oblique or disposed orthogonally to the top major surface. According to still further features the section of cushioning material is formed integrally with the top major surface or attached thereto.

[0008] According to still further features the pillowcase includes: the image having a circumferential border, a sheet of background material folded over and sewn along two longitudinal borders, one half of the sheet including a cut-away section corresponding to the circumferential border of the image, and wherein image is attached to the pillowcase along the circumferential border of the image.

[0009] According to still further features the image is raised by the protrusions or falls into the indentations. According to still further features the image is embossed in relief on background material of the pillowcase.

[0010] According to another embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a pillowcase, the method including the steps of: providing a sheet of material having a length greater than a width thereof; folding the sheet of material in half to provide an upper section and a lower section, the upper section and lower section being of an equal size and shape; sewing two edges of the folded sheet together to form an envelope with one open edge; cutting material out of one or more locations on the upper section corresponding to protrusions, indentations, or both protrusions and indentations in cushioning material of a given pillow; and stitching one or more pieces of fabric over the one or more locations such that each of the one or more pieces of fabric are embossed or debossed due to one or more respective protrusions or indentations in cushioning material of a pillow when the pillow is inserted into the pillowcase.

[0011] According to still further features the aforementioned one or more pieces of fabric each individually, or together, depict at least one image selected from the group including a picture, a design, a 3-dimentional illusion.

[0012] According to another embodiment there is provided a pillowcase including: a material envelope having a top half and a bottom half defining an empty volume therebetween adapted to receive a pillow therein, the bottom half adapted to abut a surface; one or more protrusions formed on, or attached to, the top half of the material envelope; and at least one image formed on, or attached to, the top half and emphasized by the protrusions to create or enhance a 3-dimensional illusion.

[0013] According to still further features the top half of the material envelope has an external surface and an internal surface, the at least one image being formed on, or attached to, the external surface and the one or more protrusions being formed on, or attached to, the internal surface.

[0014] According to still further features the top half of the material envelope has an external surface and an internal surface, the at least one image being formed on, or attached to, the external surface and the one or more protrusions being formed on, or attached to, the external surface and the internal surface.

[0015] According to still further features the top half of the material envelope has an external surface and an internal surface, the at least one image and one or more protrusions being formed on, or attached to, the external surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a prior art 3D image painted on multiple adjacent planes;

[0018] FIG. 2 is an example pillow set including a pillow and a pillowcase;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an example pillow 100 having at least a top major surface 110 and a bottom surface 120, the pillow including cushioning material 130;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an example embodiment of a pillow with an additional non-collinear section;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a top-down view of the pillowcase 200;

[0022] FIG. 6 is an isometric side view of the pillowcase 200;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a rudimentary depiction of a pillowcase with an image 220 attached that includes excess material;

[0024] FIGS. 8A-8C are example embodiments of another configuration of the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The principles and operation of a pillow and pillowcase set according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any particular pillow, pillow cushion, pillow insert, or pillow cover, or pillowcase but are merely idealized representations employed to describe embodiments of the present disclosure. Elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

[0026] The present invention includes a pillow set containing a pillow and a pillowcase. The pillow is formed with different types of protrusions and / or depressions—forming shapes or dents or even different planes—in or on the body of the pillow.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates an example pillow set 10 including a pillow 100 and pillowcase 200. The pillow has protrusions and / or indentations on / in the surface and / or body of the pillow and the pillowcase 200 has a FIG. 210 that appears three-dimensional when the pillow is placed inside the pillowcase.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an example pillow 100 having at least a top major surface 110 and a bottom surface 120, the pillow including cushioning material 130. In embodiments, the top major surface of the pillow is prefabricated with one or more protrusions 140, one or more indentations / voids 150, or both protrusions and indentations. The indentations are each formed in the cushioning material. The protrusions are each formed with excess cushioning material. The protrusions may be formed integrally with the cushioning material or may be attached, e.g., by sewing.

[0029] The pillow has a shape that encompasses the major surfaces, the indentations and / or protrusions, as well as any additions to the major (horizonal, when in use) surfaces of the pillow. FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a pillow with an additional non-collinear section. The pillow 100 depicted in the figure includes example indentations / voids / holes 150 scattered across the major top surface 110 of the pillow. An additional non-collinear section 160 is located at the bottom of the pillow in the illustration. When the pillow is in use, e.g., lying flat on bed, the additional section 160 may be orthogonal or oblique to the generally horizontal plane of the top major surface of the pillow. The non-collinear section of cushioning material 160 is oblique, or disposed orthogonally, to the top major surface and may be formed integrally with the cushioning material making up the top major surface (and the rest of the pillow) or may be attached thereto, e.g., with adhesive such as glue.

[0030] To clarify, the term “shape of the pillow” is intended to include both the general circumferential shape (e.g., rectangle, circle, heart, square, any of the aforementioned with handles, and the like) as well as the indentations and / or protrusions in / on the top major surface and any [additional] section of cushioning material that is disposed orthogonally or obliquely to the plane of the top major surface.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a top-down view of the pillowcase 200. When the pillow is inserted into the pillowcase they are together referred to as pillow set 10. FIG. 6 is an isometric side view of the pillowcase 200. The pillowcase has an upper section 202, and lower section 204, and an opening 206. The pillowcase may have an opening along one of the short sides (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2) or along one of the long sides, e.g., as depicted in FIG. 6.

[0032] The pillowcase (or more precisely, an envelope formed by the material of the pillowcase defines an internal volume that) corresponds, generally, to the shape of the pillow. Both the circumferential shape and the protrusions and / or indentations.

[0033] The pillowcase further includes an image 210 formed thereon. The term “image” is intended to include one or more pieces of material, usually fabric, that each, or together, depict a picture, design, or 3-dimentional (3D) illusion. To help with this special representation of the image, mainly to create or improve the appearance of being a 3D illustration, at least a portion of the image is accentuated / emphasized by the shape of the pillow. The protrusion or indentation may not be directly below the image but still emphasizes at least a portion of the image to create the 3D illusion or 3D image.

[0034] In embodiments, the image 210 is embossed in relief on background material of the pillowcase. Clever visual designs of the image can provide the illusion of a 3D picture. This illusion can be created, or at least accentuated, by the protrusions and / or indentations of the pillow. In some embodiments, there is no additional material, merely an imprint or an embossed image.

[0035] In other embodiments, the upper section of the pillowcase which includes the image is modified to conform to the indentations and / or protrusions. In example embodiments, the at least one image has, or have, one or more circumferential borders. The pillowcase is essentially constructed from a sheet of [background] material (i.e., the pillowcase fabric) that is folded in half and sewn along two longitudinal borders, forming the upper section and lower section of the pillowcase. Alternatively, the sheet of material could be folded lengthwise and one short edge and one long edge sewn together to leave an opening in the remaining short edge. Still further alternatively, the two short sides can be sewn with the remaining long edge left open to receive the pillow. (Various embellishments and an internal lip of some pillowcases are not germane to the invention and therefore not discussed in any detail.) According to any of the heretofore mentioned embodiments, one half of the sheet of material, the upper section, is modified by cutting out and removing a cut-away section of the sheet material. This cut-away section corresponds to the circumferential border of the image. If the image is made up of multiple pieces, then there may be multiple cut-away sections. These one or more pieces of material (e.g., fabric) are attached to the pillowcase along the circumferential border of the image or piece of material. The piece or pieces of material that make up the image or images may, in some embodiments, include additional material to conform to the protrusions or indentations of the pillow. Therefore, the pillowcase, in some embodiments, includes excess material in one or more positions corresponding to the one or more indentations and / or protrusions.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a rudimentary depiction of a pillowcase with an image 220 attached that includes excess material. Once the pillow is inserted into the pillowcase, the excess material will be pushed outwards by the protrusions and the image will be rendered into 3D embossed relief. Alternatively, if there is a similar shaped indentation in the pillow, the excess material will fall into the indentation thereby providing a debossed effect.

[0037] One example method of preparing a pillowcase 200 includes the following steps: Providing a sheet of material (e.g., cloth or other fabric) having a length greater than a width thereof. Three sides of the pillowcase are enclosed. This can be achieved in at least three ways: (1) placing two separate sheets of material on top of each other and sewing three of the sides; (2) folding the material lengthwise in half and sewing two open edges; and (3) folding the material widthwise in half and sewing two open edges. Each option has variations depending on which edges are stitched together.

[0038] Next, cutting material out of one or more locations on the upper section corresponding to protrusions, indentations, or both protrusions and indentations in cushioning material of a given pillow. Finally, stitching one or more pieces of fabric (that make up the 3D image, picture, design or 3D illusion) over the one or more locations such that each of the one or more pieces of fabric are embossed or debossed due to one or more respective protrusions or indentations in cushioning material of a pillow when the pillow is inserted into the pillowcase.

[0039] Various embodiments of another configuration of a pillowcase with protrusions and an image are depicted in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. The protrusions affect the image by emphasizing at least a portion of the image to create and / or accentuate a 3D illusion. Here too, the protrusions may not be directly below the image to emphasize or accentuate at least a portion of the image.

[0040] In embodiments of the present configuration, a pillowcase 80 is disclosed including a material envelope having a top half 810 and a bottom half 820 defining an empty volume therebetween which is adapted to receive a pillow therein. The pillowcase and pillow may be of any shape or size but, unlike the aforementioned configurations, the pillow is not embellished with either protrusions or indentations. Rather, it is the material envelope that is embellished with protrusions as described hereafter.

[0041] As mentioned, the material envelope making up the pillowcase 80 has a top half 810 and a bottom half 820 with a volume defined therebetween for receiving the pillow. It is the bottom half that is adapted to be placed on, or abutting, a surface such as a bed, chair (seat or back), sofa seat cushion, or sofa backrest cushion.

[0042] One or more protrusions 840 are formed on, or attached to, the top half of the material envelope 810. At least one image 830 is formed on, or attached to, the top half of the material envelope. At least a portion of this or these images is / are emphasized by the protrusions to create or enhance a 3-dimensional illusion.

[0043] FIG. 8A illustrates an example embodiment where the top half of the material envelope has an external surface 812 and an internal surface 814 and the one or more images are formed on, or attached to, the external surface of the top half of the material envelope. According to this variation and the one or more protrusions are formed on, or attached to, the external surface 812.

[0044] FIG. 8B illustrates an example embodiment where the top half of the material envelope has an external surface 812 and an internal surface 814 and the one or more images are formed on, or attached to, the external surface of the top half of the material envelope. According to this variation and the one or more protrusions are formed on, or attached to, the internal surface 814.

[0045] FIG. 8C illustrates an example embodiment where the top half of the material envelope has an external surface 812 and an internal surface 814 and the one or more images are formed on, or attached to, the external surface of the top half of the material envelope. According to this variation and the one or more protrusions are formed on, or attached to, the internal surface 814 and the external surface 812.

[0046] The pillow may be constructed from fabric or any other suitable material, and the cushioned filler material (also referred to herein as cushioning material) may be foam rubber, an elastomeric polymer, granular fill, buckwheat or the like. The pillow may have any dimensions. A set of example dimensions (when utilized for prone use) is 12 inches wide, 18 inches long and 3 inches deep. Dimensions may be increased, decreased, or changed as necessary.

[0047] As used herein, the term “elastomeric polymer” means and includes a polymer capable of recovering its original size and shape after deformation. In other words, an elastomeric polymer is a polymer having elastic or viscoelastic properties. Elastomeric polymers include, without limitation, homopolymers (polymers having a single chemical unit repeated) and copolymers (polymers having two or more chemical units).

[0048] The pillow may additionally have a removable cover that may be made, for example, from terry cloth, cotton or any other appropriate material with preferably elastic or the like sewn around the edges. The cover may have a hidden zipper that opens one edge to remove the pillow so that the cover may be washed.

[0049] Implementation of the method and / or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0050] As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0051] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0052] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0053] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited in the claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A pillow set, comprising:a pillow having at least a top major surface and a bottom surface, the pillow including cushioning material; anda pillowcase, having a size and form that corresponds to a shape of the pillow and includes at least one image formed thereon, wherein at least a portion of the image is emphasized by the shape of the pillow to provide a 3-dimentional effect.

2. The pillow set of claim 1, wherein the top major surface is prefabricated with one or more protrusions, one or more indentations, or both protrusions and indentations.

3. The pillow set of claim 1, wherein the protrusions are each formed with excess cushioning material.

4. The pillow set of claim 2, wherein the pillowcase includes excess material in one or more positions corresponding to the one or more protrusions.

5. The pillow set of claim 3, wherein the indentations are each formed in the cushioning material.

6. The pillow set of claim 2, wherein the pillowcase includes excess material in one or more positions corresponding to the one or more indentations.

7. The pillow set of claim 5, wherein the pillow includes a section of cushioning material that is oblique or disposed orthogonally to the top major surface.

8. The pillow set of claim 1, wherein the section of cushioning material is formed integrally with the top major surface or attached thereto.

9. The pillow set of claim 7, wherein the image is embossed in relief on background material of the pillowcase.

10. The pillow set of claim 1, wherein the pillowcase includes:a. the image having a circumferential border,b. a sheet of background material folded over and sewn along two borders, one half of the sheet including a cut-away section corresponding to the circumferential border of the image, and wherein image is attached to the pillowcase along the circumferential border of the image.

11. The pillow set of claim 1, wherein the image is raised by the protrusions or falls into the indentations.

12. A method for preparing a pillowcase, the method including the steps of:a. providing a sheet of material having a length greater than a width thereof;b. folding the sheet of material in half to provide an upper section and a lower section, the upper section and lower section being of an equal size and shape;c. sewing two edges of the folded sheet together to form an envelope with one open edge;d. cutting material out of one or more locations on the upper section corresponding to protrusions, indentations, or both protrusions and indentations in cushioning material of a given pillow; ande. stitching one or more pieces of fabric over the one or more locations such that each of the one or more pieces of fabric are embossed or debossed due to one or more respective protrusions or indentations in cushioning material of a pillow when the pillow is inserted into the pillowcase.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more pieces of fabric each individually, or together, depict at least one image selected from the group including a picture, a design, a 3-dimentional illusion.

14. A pillowcase, comprising:a material envelope having a top half and a bottom half defining an empty volume therebetween adapted to receive a pillow therein, the bottom half adapted to abut a surface;one or more protrusions formed on, or attached to, the top half of the material envelope; andat least one image formed on, or attached to, the top half and emphasized by the protrusions to create or enhance a 3-dimensional illusion.

15. The pillowcase of claim 14, wherein the top half of the material envelope has an external surface and an internal surface, the at least one image being formed on, or attached to, the external surface and the one or more protrusions being formed on, or attached to, the internal surface.

16. The pillowcase of claim 14, wherein the top half of the material envelope has an external surface and an internal surface, the at least one image being formed on, or attached to, the external surface and the one or more protrusions being formed on, or attached to, the external surface and the internal surface.

17. The pillowcase of claim 14, wherein the top half of the material envelope has an external surface and an internal surface, the at least one image and one or more protrusions being formed on, or attached to, the external surface.

Images