Expanable Pillow System

Abstract

The expandable pillow system has a top-end head pillow and two side pillows interconnected by elastic fabric which fabric adjustably vertically spaces apart the head from the sides and adjustably horizontally spaces apart the sides causing the left-right sides to adjust adjacent either the user's back or side, thereby forming vertical arm channels and a horizontal body channel. System sold with or without insertable pillows and also operable with 1,2 hemispherical side pillows. Enhancements include side pillow cases with closable seams converting interior pillow cases a substantially cylindrical interior space to a substantially hemispherical interior space.

Claims

1. An expandable pillow system for a user resting on a bed or other resting platform comprising: a head pillow and two side pillows interconnected by elastic fabric; the head pillow attached to the top edge of the fabric and the two side pillows being attached to opposing sides of the fabric as a left-side vertical pillow and a right-side vertical pillow; such that, in a first deployed position, the head pillow is vertically spaced apart from the left-side and right-side pillows with the left-side and right-side pillows being horizontally spaced apart from each other, and, in a body-use position, the head pillow is adapted to vertically adjust to a user's neck and either one or the other of the left-side pillow and the right-side pillow is the adapted to horizontally adjust adjacent either a user's back or a user's side.

2. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in the first deployed position, the vertical space between the head pillow and the left-side and right-side pillows form arm channels and the horizontal space between the left-side and right-side pillows form a body channel.

3. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elastic fabric has a vertically expansive segment in the vertical space between the head pillow and the left-side and right-side pillows.

4. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elastic fabric has a horizontally expansive segment in the body channel.

5. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the left-side and right-side pillows have a substantially hemispherical cross-sectional shape.

6. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 5 including a head pillow case adapted to retain a substantially cylindrical pillow therein and a left-side pillow case and a right-side pillow case each adapted to retain a substantially hemispherical pillow therein, the elastic fabric is attached to the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases.

7. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 5 including: a head pillow case adapted to retain a substantially cylindrical pillow therein; a left-side pillow case and a right-side pillow case each adapted to retain either a substantially hemispherical pillow therein or a substantially cylindrical pillow therein; the left-side pillow case and the right-side pillow case each having a closable seam converting an interior pillow case of each side pillow case from a substantially cylindrical interior space to a substantially hemispherical interior space; and the elastic fabric is attached to the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases.

8. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases and the interconnecting elastic fabric form a unitary structure and the head pillow and the left-side and right-side pillows are distinct, independent components insertable into respective cases.

9. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 1 including a head pillow case and a left-side pillow case and a right-side pillow case, the elastic fabric is attached to the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases.

10. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the head pillow and the left-side and right-side pillows are removably insertable into the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases.

11. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases and the interconnecting elastic fabric form a unitary structure and the head pillow and the left-side and right-side pillows are distinct, independent components insertable into respective cases.

12. An expandable pillow system for a user resting on a bed or other resting platform and used in connection with three pillows comprising: a head pillow case and two side pillow cases interconnected by elastic fabric; the head pillow case attached to the top edge of the fabric and the two side pillow cases attached to opposing sides of the fabric as a left-side vertical pillow case and a right-side vertical pillow case; the head pillow case adapted to retain therein a first pillow of the three pillows; the corresponding left-side case and right-side case respectively adapted to retain a second and a third of the three pillows therein; such that, in a first deployed position, the head pillow is vertically spaced apart from the left-side and right-side pillows with the left-side and right-side pillows being horizontally spaced apart from each other, and, in a body-use position, the head pillow is adapted to vertically adjust to a user's neck and either one or the other of the left-side pillow and the right-side pillow is the adapted to horizontally adjust to either a user's back or a user's side.

13. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 12 wherein, in the first deployed position, the vertical space between the head pillow and the left-side and right-side pillows form arm channels and the horizontal space between the left-side and right-side pillows form a body channel.

14. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the elastic fabric has a vertically expansive segment in the vertical space between the head pillow and the left-side and right-side pillows.

15. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the elastic fabric has a horizontally expansive segment in the body channel.

16. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 12 wherein: the head pillow is a substantially cylindrical pillow and the head pillow case is adapted to retain the substantially cylindrical pillow therein; the left-side pillow case and the right-side pillow case are each adapted to retain either a substantially hemispherical pillow therein or a substantially cylindrical pillow therein, the second or the third pillow being either the substantially hemispherical pillow therein or the substantially cylindrical pillow; the left-side pillow case and the right-side pillow case each having a closable seam converting an interior pillow case of each side pillow case from a substantially cylindrical interior space to a substantially hemispherical interior space; and the elastic fabric is attached to the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases.

17. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the closable seam is a zipper, hook and loop or button closure system.

18. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 12 wherein: the head pillow is a substantially cylindrical pillow and the head pillow case is adapted to retain the substantially cylindrical pillow therein; the second pillow being a substantially hemispherical pillow; the third pillow being either a substantially hemispherical pillow therein or a substantially cylindrical pillow; and either the left-side pillow case or the right-side pillow case adapted to retain the substantially hemispherical pillow therein and the other of the left-side pillow case or the right-side pillow case adapted to retain the third pillow therein.

19. The expandable pillow system as claimed in claim 18 wherein: the left-side pillow case and the right-side pillow case are each adapted to retain either the second or the third pillow therein; the left-side pillow case and the right-side pillow case each having a closable seam converting an interior pillow case of each side pillow case from a substantially cylindrical interior space to a substantially hemispherical interior space; and the elastic fabric is attached to the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a top, plan view of the expandable pillow system and, in dash-dot-dashed lines, an example of a lateral or horizontal expansion of one side pillow, and, in dash-dot-dashed lines, an example of a vertical expansion of the head pillow with respect to both side pillows;

[0031] FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the expandable pillow system in a non-expanded or compressed state wherein the head pillow is cylindrically shaped and the two side pillows are hemispherically shaped;

[0032] FIGS. 3A, 3B diagrammatically illustrate a perspective view of one side pillow formed by (a) a cylindrical pillow stuffed into the side pillow case wherein the closable seam in this side pillow case is open, thereby forming a cylindrical interior case region for the stuffed-in cylindrical pillow (FIG. 3A); and a hemispherical pillow stuffed into the side pillow case wherein the closable seam in this side pillow case is closed, thereby forming a hemispherical interior case region for the stuffed-in hemispherical pillow (FIG. 3B); and,

[0033] FIG. 4 is a partial, broken away, diagrammatical, perspective view of either a head pillow or a side pillow with an end opening permitting the head or side pillow to be inserted and/or withdrawn from the head or side pillow case; and,

[0034] FIG. 5 a partial, diagrammatical view of an oval shaped head pillow (with a short elliptical cross-sectional span N-N′ and a long elliptical cross-sectional span M-M′) covered by a complimentary oval pillow case, wherein the oval pillow case is attached to the top edge of the stretchable fabric sheet substantially on or adjacent an imaginary plane formed by the short elliptical cross-sectional span of the oval pillow (the plane defined by the attached top edge of the fabric, which top edge attachment falls substantially on or adjacent the imaginary plane N-N′ formed by the short elliptical cross-sectional span of the oval pillow).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0036] The present invention provides a novel and efficient expandable pillow system. Embodiments of the invention provide for a unitary pillow case system wherein pillows, purchased or supplied independently from the unitary pillow case system, are inserted into respective pillow cases. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide for an expandable pillow system wherein the pillows are sold or delivered with the pillow cases. Other embodiments permit the use to insert one hemispherical pillow into one side pillow case (one of the left or the right-side cases) and the other side pillow case having installed therein a cylindrical pillow. In this manner, the present system is changeable by the user as needed for comfort or stability.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is diagrammatically illustrates a top, plan view of the expandable pillow system in sol-d lines and, in dash-dot-dashed lines, an example of a lateral or horizontal expansion of one side pillow, and, in dash-dot-dashed lines, an example of a vertical expansion of the head pillow with respect to both side pillows. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows expandable pillow system 20 having a head pillow 22 and two side pillows 24, 26. Head pillow 20, and more particularly the head pillow case, is attached to expandable or stretchy fabric 30 along top edge 32. Fabric 30 has an upper expandable portion 33 adjacent head pillow or head pillow case 22. Although shown only in the top region 33, the vertically expandable portion of fabric 30 may extend throughout the vertical extent of the fabric 30. Also, fabric 30 is horizontally expandable as shown by the waving lines in FIG. 1. The side pillows, and particularly the side pillow casings as attached to fabric 30 along the left and right sides of the fabric.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows that right side pillow 26 can be moved laterally (horizontally) away from left side pillow 24. In the expanded position, right side pillow 26A is shown in dash-dot-dashed lines. The connecting fabric edge 29A also expands with this horizontal extension of pillow 26A compared to pillow 24 and head pillow 20. Arrow 37 shows the horizontal expansion of the right side pillow 26. Arrow 39 shows the horizontal expansion of left side pillow 24.

[0040] The vertical expansion of the pillow system 20 is shown in FIG. 1 by the upwardly moved head pillow 22A shown in dash-dot-dashed lines in the Figure. When moved vertically away from side pillows 24, 24, the fabric 30 expands in region 33.

[0041] As a result of this multi-dimensional expansion, the pillow system has a first deployed position wherein the head pillow 22 is vertically spaced apart from the left-side and right-side pillows 24, 26 with the left-side and right-side pillows 24, 26 being horizontally spaced apart from each other. Also due to the compressive nature of the fabric, the pillow system has a body-use position wherein head pillow 22 is adapted to vertically adjust, by expandable/compressible fabric in region 33, to the user's neck. Further, in the body use position, either one or the other of the left-side pillow and the right-side pillow 24, 26 is the adapted to move and horizontally adjust to a position adjacent either the user's back or a user's side.

[0042] The expandable pillow system employs three pillows 22, 24, 26 which are joined together by fabric 30 having a slight elasticity. The material and weight of the expandable pillow system allows for easy use and storage.

[0043] The expandable pillow system 20 is constructed small enough to be a side sleeper pillow, that is, a pillow resting against the side of the user while the user sleeps. The expandable pillow system is comfortable enough to be a three pillow system that provides full support for expecting mothers anytime, especially during sleeping. The side pillows 24, 26 can be used to support stomach and legs if the user. The interconnecting fabric 30 between the two vertical side pillows can expand horizontally (arrows 39, 37) allowing pillow system to be a back sleeper pillow or belly sleeper pillow.

[0044] The expandable pillow system is very stable. The elasticity of fabric 30 prevents unnecessary gliding of pillows on the bed or mattress and allows an individual user to feel supported continuously for the entire resting period. Also, the interconnecting fabric 30 is vertically expandable upward and downward (arrow 41, fabric region 33) and allows an individual to have full arm movement between the head pillow and the two side pillows. One or the other of the two vertical side pillows 24, 26 can be used for resting the user's thigh. Fabric elasticity allows the two vertical side pillows to expand horizontally and allow for movement and changing positions of the user. The horizontally wider expansion of the side pillows accommodates various user body shapes and sizes.

[0045] FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows that head pillow 22 is vertically spaced apart from side pillows 24, 26, thereby forming arm channels 15, 17 between left-side pillow 24 and the head pillow 22 and between the right-side pillow 26 and the head pillow 22. The horizontal space between the left-side and right-side pillows 24, 26 form body channel 13.

[0046] The expandable pillow system is very warm due to the interconnecting elastic fabric 30. The two vertical side pillows 24, 26 provide support, prevent rolling and compress against the user's sides in the body-use position. Therefore, the proximity of the side pillows next to the user's body (the user's side or the user's back) provides greater insulation and heat retention for the individual user. The side pillows 24, 26, being adjacent the user's side, provide insulation to the user's back and prevents loss of heat during resting.

[0047] FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the expandable pillow system 20 in a non-expanded or horizontally compressed state wherein the head pillow 20 is cylindrically shaped and the two side pillows 40, 42 are hemispherically shaped. The flat side of the hemispherically shaped pillow 40, 42 normally lays flat on the bed or resting platform. In this manner, the hemispherical pillow has less tendency to move on the bed or platform. It should be noted that the compressed state of the pillow system in FIG. 2 could have two cylindrical side pillows rather than two hemispherical pillows, or the system could have one hemispherical pillow, a second cylindrical side pillow and a cylindrical head pillow.

[0048] FIGS. 3A, 3B diagrammatically illustrate a perspective view of side pillow 50 having a closable seam. In FIG. 3A, the closable seam is open with closable elements 52A separated from seam closure 52B. The closable seam may be a zipper, a hook and loop (VELCRO™) or a button closure or a toggle and toggle hole closure or a hook and loop closure system. Other closure systems are known to persons of ordinary skill the art. FIG. 3A shows an open closure system for a cylindrical pillow. The closure system is mounted on the pillow case. The pillow case has an openable seam 54 permitting the user to insert a pillow or withdraw a pillow from the interior of the pillow case.

[0049] FIG. 3B diagrammatically illustrates a perspective view of side pillow 50 having closable seam 52 in a closed state. The excess fabric 51 in stored inside the pillow case. FIG. 3B shows that a hemispherical pillow is inserted into the hemispherical interior of the pillow case (formed by the closed seam 52).

[0050] In this manner, the pillow system can be a unitary system of three pillow cases connected by expandable, stretching fabric 30. The user can insert, remove, replace cylindrical pillows or hemispherical pillows as needed. The system has a head pillow case and two side pillow cases interconnected by elastic fabric. The head pillow case is attached to the top edge of the fabric and the two side pillow cases are attached to opposing sides of the fabric as a left-side vertical pillow case and a right-side vertical pillow case. The head pillow case adapted to retain therein a first pillow of the three pillow system. The corresponding left-side pillow case and right-side pillow case are respectively adapted to retain a second and a third of the three pillows. In one embodiment, the head pillow is a substantially cylindrical pillow which is retained in the head pillow case. The left or the right-side pillow cases may hold (a) two cylindrical pillows; (b) one cylindrical pillow and another hemispherical pillows; or (c) two hemispherical pillows as needed by the user. As such, both the left and right side pillow cases are adapted to retain either a substantially hemispherical pillow therein or a substantially cylindrical pillow therein. With the closable seam embodiment, when the left and the right-side pillow cases have a closable seam, the user can convert an interior pillow case of any side pillow case from a substantially cylindrical interior space to a substantially hemispherical interior space. The elastic fabric is attached to the head pillow case and the left-side and right-side pillow cases.

[0051] In this manner, in a first deployed position, the head pillow is vertically spaced apart from the left-side and right-side pillows with the left-side and right-side pillows being horizontally spaced apart from each other, and, in a body-use position, the head pillow is adapted to vertically adjust to a user's neck and either one or the other of the left-side pillow and the right-side pillow is the adapted to horizontally adjust to either a user's back or a user's side.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a partial, broken away, diagrammatical, perspective view of either a head pillow or a side pillow case 60 with an end opening 54 permitting the head or side pillow 62 to be inserted and/or withdrawn from the head or side pillow case 60.

[0053] FIG. 5 a partial, diagrammatical view of an oval shaped head pillow (with a short elliptical cross-sectional span N-N′ and a long elliptical cross-sectional span M-M′) covered by a complimentary oval pillow case (the pillow and pillow case identified as pillow 70). The oval pillow case 70 is attached along a midway pillow region 72 to the top edge of the stretchable fabric sheet region 33 substantially on or adjacent an imaginary plane N-N′ formed by the short elliptical cross-sectional span N-N′ of the oval pillow (the plane defined by the attached top edge of the fabric, which top edge attachment region 72 falls substantially on or adjacent the imaginary plane N-N′ formed by the short elliptical cross-sectional span of the oval pillow). The midway attachment 72 is generally midway the long elliptical cross-sectional span M-M′ of the oval pillow.

[0054] The claims appended hereto are meant to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.