US 20150230635A1
(19) United States
(2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0230635 A1
(43) Pub. Date:
Abrams
(54) PILLOWCASE AND NECK PILLOW SYSTEM
(71) Applicant: Peter Abrams, Germantown, TN (US)
(72) Inventor: Peter Abrams, Germantown, TN (US)
(21) Appl. No.: 14/619,682
(22) Filed:
Feb. 11, 2015
Related U.S. Application Data
(60) Provisional application No. 61/941,683, filed on Feb.
19, 2014.
Publication Classification
(51) Int. Cl.
A47G 9/10
A47G 9/02
(2006.01)
(2006.01)
(52) U.S. CI.
CPC ............ A47G 9/1081 (2013.01); A47G 9/0253
(2013.01); A47G 9/10 (2013.01)
(57)
ABSTRACT
The current invention is a combination of pillowcases and a
neck pillow that includes a rectangular shaped bed pillow
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case, a cylindrical shaped neck pillowcase, a neck pillow, and
an outer carrying case. This system is designed to comple
ment/work with one’s existing bed pillow. This pillow system
is easily portable so it can be used at home, in a hotel room, or
anywhere while away where one has access to another bed
pillow. In addition, it works as a travel pillow, for example,
while in an airplane.
The current invention is a cylindrical neck pillowcase that is
incorporated into the manufacture of a rectangular bed pil
lowcase and accepts a specially designed cylindrical neck
pillow from the inside of the rectangularbed pillowcase. Only
part of the cylindrical neck pillowcase is attached to the
rectangular bedpillowcase which allows it to be more maneu
verable in order to maintain alignment of one’s neck in mul
tiple positions for sleeping or relaxing on one’s back, side, or
front. The neck pillow can be positioned and secured in a “U”
shape position either on the upper or lower portion of the bed
pillow to allow for more support, alignment, and comfort
while sleeping/resting on one’s back or for face down posi
tioning. In addition, a carrying case protects the pillowcases
and neck pillow for traveling. It also can be positioned and
secured in a “U” shape to be used as a neck pillow to provide
support to one’s head and neck during travel. Once one arrives
at their destination, one opens the carrying case and removes
the pillowcases and neck pillow. Then, one inserts a rectan
gular bed pillow into the rectangular bed pillowcase and
proceeds to use for sleep/rest.
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FIG. 1
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FIG. 2
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FIG. 3
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FIG. 4
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FIG. 5
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FIG. 7
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FIG. 8
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FIG. 9
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FIG. 40A
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FIG. 11
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Back
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&
Opening from the standard
Pillowcase to the cylindrical pill
case to insert cylindrical pillow
Cylindrical pillow Cylindrical
Front
pillow ~&
Back
à
Middle edge 2
FIG. 12
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Hemmed side
open to receive
* pillow. Front
20”
FIG. 13
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Openings (pockets)
FIG. 14
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Approx. 12 long ties
FIG. 15
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Clasp(?astener) zipper
FIG. 16
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Clasp(fastener)
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PILLOWCASE AND NECK PILLOW SYSTEM
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relax in numerous positions; 3) allow for easy portability,
used as a travel pillow, and while sleeping away from home.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi
sional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/941,683 filed on Feb.
19, 2014.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to body positioning
during sleep and rest and is a neck pillow system directed to
proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine while sleeping
and resting at home, away from home, and during travel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The problem with current products available is that
they are either not flexible/maneuverable, supportive or ver
satile. For example, the familiar pillow that has a larger
curved bottom and slender top that is supposed to support
one’s head and neck is very rigid and not able to conform to
natural body movements during sleep. As one’s head moves,
it ends up on top of the area that is supposed to support the
neck. Because of this they are only able to provide a tempo
rary rest on one’s back or side before they get uncomfortable
and stop providing proper support. In addition these pillows
are not able to accommodate sleep or rest while on one’s
front. The most common alternative is the 6" diameter cylin
drical neck pillow that is maneuverable, yet is not supportive
of one’s head in addition to the neck while on one’s back, and
is too large to provide proper neck support while on one’s
side. These pillows are too large to fit just the neck area that
they become just like any other pillow. It too can not support
face down sleep and rest. The current invention allows for
head and neck support, maneuverability during sleep while
maintaining support, and the versatility to be used on one’s
back, side, or front. It is also versatile enough to be easily
carried and used while away from home and during travel.
[0004] No other pillow available gives one the support,
maneuverability, and versatility. No other pillow is a com
plete system for comfort and proper alignment in all these
positions. There are no pillows available with all these fea
tures and design. Another benefit of this present invention is
that depending on one’s size and comfort, a person can
choose the size and firmness of the bed pillow to support
his/her head, but still use the neckpillow, which is specifically
designed smaller, to fit between the shoulder and the base of
the head; the neck area. Most people have a specific size and
firmness of their bed pillow that suits them best. However, if
they also have neck or back Soreness they have to completely
change this bed pillow in order to fix their problem. With this
invention one gets to use the same bed pillow that is most
comfortable, with the added benefit of a neck pillow to relieve
the strain on one’s neck or back.
[0005] This invention can also be positioned to use for face
down sleeping support. This feature is very important as
many people struggle to find pillows that are suitable to allow
for the face down sleeping that may be required for example
after certain eye surgeries or procedures. In addition, other
pillows are not adaptable enough to easily travel with, be used
while traveling, and then also for sleep and rest away from
home. This pillowcase and neck pillow system provides: 1)
comfort, support, and maneuverability to prevent and relieve
neck and back soreness; 2) the ability to relieve symptoms of
snoring, sleep apnea, and allow for the ability to sleep and
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This pillowcase and neck pillow system is made as a
one piece rectangular bed pillowcase that has a built in cylin
drical neck pillowcase (3.5" to 4" diameter). The neck pillow
case has openings (pockets) on the ends and receives a spe
cially designed, removable cylindrical neck pillow (3.5" to 4"
diameter). The specially designed neck pillow has ties on the
outside circular ends that allow for connecting (tying) the two
ends of the neck pillow for repositioning and maintaining that
position. In addition, an outside cylindrical carrying case is
used for transporting, protecting, and using the pillowcase
and neck pillow system for neck support while traveling. The
carrying case has connectors at each end in order to position
it into a “U” shape for head and neck support while traveling.
[0007] Features that separate this invention from other pil
lows and neckpillows: 1) the size of the neckpillow is smaller
in diameter which allows it to fit one’s neck area while on
one’s back or side; 2) it combines a specially designed pil
lowcase and neck pillow with one’s own bed pillow for opti
mum personal comfort; 3) the carrying case transforms into a
travel pillow for neck support; 4) the way the neckpillowcase
is built in to the outside of the bed pillowcase at just the
mid-point; one third of which is actually connected to the bed
pillowcase so the outer portions of the neck pillowcase and
neck pillow are free to move on each end. This is a key point
because of two added features this enables: 1) when people
sleep on their sides their heads often dip down as they get into
the fetal position. With the other pillows, one’s head/face
would end up on top of the neck support rendering it ineffec
tive. With this design, because the ends are free to move, a
person can roll onto his/her side and simply grab the end of
the cylindrical neck pillow and tuck it under one’s chin. This
allows the neck pillow to continue to support one’s neck and
chin, relieving stress on the neck and keeping the jaw closed
and forward to promote nose breathing and an open airway,
while the bed pillow portion is still supporting one’s head; 2)
the pivot point allows for the ends of the cylindrical pillow to
be positioned either on the upper or lower portion of the bed
pillow in a “U” shaped manner for increased support while a
person relaxes on his/her back or maintains a face down
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (16)
[0008] FIG. 1: depicts current embodiment of the invention
with a bed pillow inserted.
[0009] FIG. 2: depicts current embodiment of the invention
with a bed pillow inserted.
[0010] FIG. 3: depicts current embodiment of the invention
with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a
“U” shape on the lower portion of the bed pillow.
[0011] FIG. 4: depicts current embodiment of the invention
with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a
“U” shape on the lower portion of the bed pillow.
[0012] FIG. 5: depicts current embodiment of the invention
with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a
“U” shape on the upper portion of the bed pillow.
[0013] FIG. 6: depicts current embodiment of the invention
with the neck pillow and the rectangular bed pillow inserted
and the neck pillow positioned towards the bottom of the bed
pillow.
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[0014] FIG. 7: same as FIG. 6 except the cylindrical neck
pillow is positioned to the upper part of the rectangular bed
pillow.
[0015] FIG. 8: depicts current embodiment of the invention
with a rectangular bed pillow inserted and the cylindrical
neck pillow positioned (tied) in a “U” shape on the upper part
of the bed pillow.
[0016] FIG.9: depicts current embodiment of the invention
not including the carrying case.
[0017|| FIG.10A & B: depict the current embodiment of the
invention and rolled up for transport.
[0018] FIG. 11: depicts current embodiment of the inven
tion rolled up and inserted into the carrying case.
[0019| FIG. 12; depicts the front of the combined bed and
cylindrical pillowcases.
[0020 FIG. 13: depicts the back of the pillowcases.
[0021] FIG. 14: depicts 3.5" to 4" diameter circular ends of
the neck pillowcase with pocket openings.
[0022] FIG. 15: depicts the neck pillow inserted into the
cylindrical neck pillowcase.
[0023] FIG. 16: depicts the cylindrical carrying case.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] The current invention is fabricated as a one piece
unit. It includes a rectangular bed pillowcase that has a 3.5"
4" diameter and 24" long cylindrical neck pillowcase built in
to the framework of the rectangular bed pillowcase. An open
ing exists between the bed pillowcase and the neck pillow
case. The opening is on the inside of the bed pillowcase. This
allows for inserting the specially designed neck pillow. Only
the middle section of the cylindrical pillowcase, which is
approximately 8" of the 24" total length, is connected to the
bed pillowcase to allow the outer portions of the cylindrical
neck pillow to be maneuvered into different positions. The
cylindrical neck pillowcase has openings (pockets) on each
end. These pockets allow the cylindrical neck pillow ties to be
exposed and extended to permit the user to maneuver the
pillow to the position he/she wants, and then secure the neck
pillow in place by tying the ends.
[0025] Inside the cylindrical pillowcase the specially
designed cylindrical neck pillow can be filled with many
different substances depending on the firmness desired; for
example poly-fill, pellets, micro-beads or with an inflatable
tube. This cylindrical neck pillow has approximately 12" of
tying material built in to the ends. These ties can be accessed
from the pockets of the cylindrical neck pillowcase in order to
secure the neck pillow in different positions. The ties allow
for different size openings or tension when positioning the
neck pillow.
[0026] A cylindrical carrying case is designed to protect the
combined rectangular bed and cylindrical pillowcases, and
the neck pillow, to allow for transporting and use while on an
airplane then unpacked for use while sleeping away from
home. Once the user arrives at his/her destination, the user
removes the neck pillow and combined pillowcases from the
outer carrying case, unfolds the rectangular bed pillowcase,
and simply inserts a bed pillow into the rectangular portion of
the pillowcase.
[0027] Another design feature is that the cylindrical pillow
is moveable to the upper half of the pillow to allow for support
for the head/neck while in bed reading, watching television,
or on a computer (see FIG. 7). If one needs even more support
and wants to be more upright, one can bend the ends into a
“U” shape position on the upperpart of the pillow and tie them
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together in the middle. This “U” shape creates a stiffer pillow
for more support for alternative body positioning (see FIG. 5).
[0028] Since the cylindrical neck pillow is removable from
the cylindrical neck pillowcase, the cylindrical neck pillow
case and the rectangular bed pillowcase are easily washable
and/or replaceable. Also, this allows for the replacement of
the neck pillow because of being worn out or needing a
firmer/softer neck pillow.
[0029 FIGS. 1-5 depict a subject utilizing the Pillowcase
And Neck Pillow System while sleeping/resting on their side,
back, and front. FIG. 1 demonstrates how the neck pillow
portion supports the neck and underneath the chin, and the
bed pillow supports the head, while on their side. FIG. 2
demonstrates how the neck pillow and bed pillow supports
both the neck and head respectively while on one’s back.
FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrates how the pillow system can be
used while on one’s front with arms in different positions.
This is an ideal massage position or if necessary after certain
surgeries/procedures that require face down positioning. Air
flow is available because a portion of the neck pillow is
extended beyond the bed pillow leaving an opening for both
nose and mouth breathing. FIG. 5 demonstrates the neck
pillow in the “U” shape on the upper portion of the bedpillow.
This positioning is used to be more supportive and upright.
FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the bed pillowcase with a bed pillow
inserted and the neckpillow inserted into the neck pillowcase.
FIG. 6 depicts the neck pillow at the bottom portion of the bed
pillow which is the normal sleeping configuration as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 7 depicts the neck pillow moved to the
upper portion of the bed pillow which is used for a more
upright positioning of one’s body. FIG. 8 depicts a bed pillow
inserted into the bed pillowcase and the specially designed
neck pillow inserted into the neck pillowcase and tied into a
“U” shape on the upper portion of the bed pillow. This con
figuration would also be used for a more upright body posi
tioning. FIG. 9 is the rectangular bed pillowcase combined
with the cylindrical pillowcase and the specially designed
cylindrical neck pillow is removed. On the outside of the
cylindrical neck pillow are the ties that are used to secure the
neck pillow into the “U” shape. FIG. 10A shows the rectan
gular bed pillowcase is empty while the cylindrical neck
pillow is inserted into the cylindrical neck pillowcase. FIG.
10B shows the bed pillowcase and the neck pillow are rolled
up to be inserted into the carrying case for protection, trans
porting, and use as a travel neck pillow. FIG. 11 shows a
subject utilizing the current invention as a travel neck pillow.
The combined bed and neck pillowcases with the neck pillow
inserted are rolled up as depicted in FIG. 10 and inserted into
the carrying case. The clasps are fastened to maintain the “U”
shape.
[0030] FIGS. 12-16 depict the dimensions and shape of
each piece that is manufactured. FIG. 12 displays the front of
the combined bed and neck pillowcases and the method for
manufacturing as a single unit. Note: FIG. 12 Top is con
nected to FIG. 13 Top and FIG. 12 Bottom is connected to
FIG. 13 Bottom. The Middle edge 1 & Middle edge 2 are
connected, then the cylindrical pillowcase Top and Bottom
are connected. Then, the ends are closed with 3.5"-4" diam
eter circles. This completes the unit construction of the com
bined rectangular bed pillowcase with the cylindrical neck
pillowcase. FIG. 13 depicts the dimensions and shape of the
back of the combined bed and neck pillowcases. FIG. 14
depicts the circular ends of the cylindrical neck pillowcase
with the openings (pockets) centrally located in order to allow
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the ties, attached to the neck pillow, to be exposed and uti
lized. FIG. 15 depicts the dimensions and shape of the cylin
drical neck pillow with fabric ties attached on each end;
approximately 12" length to secure the neck pillow in a “U”
shape. FIG. 16 depicts the cylindrical carrying case that is
used to protect, transport, and be used as a travel neck pillow.
The zipper opens the case to allow for the pillowcases and
neck pillow to be inserted. The clasps (fasteners) at each end
connect to maintain the pillow in a “U” shape as shown in
FIG. 11.
What is claimed is:
1. A pillowcase, comprising:
a rectangular bed pillowcase;
a cylindrical neck pillowcase;
wherein the neck pillowcase is built on/in to the outside of
the bed pillowcase.
2. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein access to install a neck
pillow is from either the inside of the bed pillowcase or the
outside of the neck pillowcase.
3. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein only the middle portion
of the cylindrical neck pillowcase is attached to the rectangu
lar bed pillowcase to allow for movement of the ends of the
cylindrical neck pillow.
4. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical neck
pillowcase is approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 24
inches long, that has approximately 8 inches of its 24 inch
length, attached to the rectangular bed pillowcase at the mid
point of the cylindrical neck pillowcase.
5. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical neck
pillowcase has openings on each end to allow access to the
inserted cylindrical neck pillow.
6. A cylindrical neck pillow, comprising:
approximately a 3.5 inch diameter;
24 inches in length; and
filled with poly-fill, micro-beads, pellets, memory foam, or
built as an inflatable tube.
7. A cylindrical neck pillow of claim 6, wherein ties or
other fastening material are built in to each end to fit through
the openings at the end of the cylindrical neck pillowcase in
order to secure the neck pillow into different positions.
8. A cylindrical carrying case comprising:
a fabric sewn in a cylindrical shape;
a zipper enclosure; and
a clasp at each end;
wherein the pillowcase and the neck pillow can be inserted,
enclosed, and connected by a fastening device at each
end in order to maintain a “U” shape configuration.