Multi-Layered Protective Covers and Methods for Making the Same

Abstract

Multi-layered pillowcases and methods of making and using the same are discussed herein. The multi-layered pillowcase generally includes an outer pillowcase and an inner pillowcase, wherein the inner pillowcase is smaller in total size than the outer pillowcase so as to allow the inner pillowcase to float inside the outer pillowcase and wherein the inner pillowcase is secured to the outer pillowcase.

Claims

1. A multi-layered covering comprising: an outer layer comprising a first opening; and an inner layer comprising a second opening; wherein the inner layer is smaller in total, size than the outer layer so as to allow the inner layer to float inside the outer layer and wherein opposite sides of the first opening of the outer layer are secured to opposite sides of the second opening of the inner layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the multi-layered pillowcase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction and Definitions

[0021] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the invention may in some cases refer to certain, specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the invention will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology.

[0022] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition skilled persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. Further, unless otherwise specified, all compounds described herein may be substituted or unsubstituted and the listing of compounds includes derivatives thereof.

[0023] Further, various ranges and/or numerical limitations may be expressly stated below. It should be recognized that unless stated otherwise, it is intended that endpoints are to be interchangeable. Further, any ranges include iterative ranges of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations.

[0024] Embodiments described herein generally include multi-layered pillowcases and methods of forming the same.

[0025] The multi-layered pillowcase is described herein. The multi-layered pillowcase generally contains an outer pillowcase and an inner pillowcase. The inner pillowcase is smaller than the outer pillowcase so as to allow the inner pillowcase to float inside the outer pillowcase. The inner pillowcase may be secured to the outer pillowcase. The inner pillowcase may be sealable.

[0026] The outer pillowcase may be formed of a first material, such as, for example, a breathable fabric. The term breathable fabric means any material that allows for the flow of air. The breathable fabric, may include cotton, polyester, silk or a combination thereof.

[0027] The inner pillowcase will be made from a second material, such as, for example, an anti-microbial, water-resistant material. The term anti-microbial will be material that is capable of blocking the flow of germs, viruses, body fluids and other blood-borne pathogens. The term water-resistant will be material that has a moister vapor transmission rate (MVTR) from 0.1 and 30 g/m.sup.2 day, or 0.5 to 25 g/m.sup.2 day, or 1 to 20 g/m.sup.2 day, for example as measured by ASTM 2298. The inner pillowcase may be sealed via a fastening mechanism. The term fastening mechanism may be a zipper, a plurality of buttons or a plurality of snaps.

[0028] The method for making the multi-layered pillowcase is described herein. The multi-layered pillowcase generally contains a first and second rectangular panel, made of a first material, joined together perimetrically, which will herein be referred to as the outer pillowcase. As used herein, the term perimetrically means that one panel will be placed on top of the other panel so that they look as though they are one single panel. As used herein, the term joined will mean that the two panels will be sewn together along their perimeters with the exception of one of the shorter ends of the rectangular panel, which will not be sewn together. A third and fourth panel, made of a second material, will be perimetrically joined together, which will herein be referred to as the inner pillowcase. The inner pillowcase is smaller than the outer pillowcase so as to allow the inner pillowcase to float between the first and second panels making up the outer pillowcase. The inner pillowcase may be secured to the outer pillowcase via a securing mechanism. The term securing mechanism means any mechanism that will secure the inner pillowcase to the outer pillowcase in such a way that they will be connected. A preferred embodiment will be for the inner pillowcase to be sewn on to the outer pillowcase along both of their openings.

[0029] The method for using the multi-layered pillowcase is described herein. The multi-layered pillowcase may be used by people who are traveling and staying overnight in hotels, motels, and other temporary, overnight accommodations. In addition, the multi-layered pillowcase may be used by people staying overnight in hospital beds. As such, the inner pillowcase may be designed, to insert a standard queen, king, or super standard pillowcase inside it. Additionally, the inner pillowcase may also be designed to insert any type of international pillows inside it, for example, a European pillow. The outer pillowcase may be any color as to ensure that users will not confuse it with any pillowcases that are provided for by the hotel, motel, hospital, or other temporary, overnight accommodation. In addition, the outer pillowcase may also contain various designs that the user selects, such as the logo of their favorite sports team, college affiliation, corporation or inspirational sayings to further ensure that they will not mistake it for any pillowcases that are provided for by the hotel, motel, hospital, or other temporary, overnight accommodation.

[0030] An embodiment of a multi-layered pillowcase is illustrated in FIG. 1. The multi-layered pillowcase 100 includes a first panel 1 and a second panel 2 perimetrically joined with the first panel 1 such that inner surface 7 of first and second panels 1, 2 define a cavity having a void volume and at least one opening 9. A third panel 3 and a fourth panel 4 are perimetrically joined with the third panel 3 such that inner surface 8 of third and fourth panels 3, 4 define a cavity having a void volume and at least one opening 10. First and second panels 1, 2 each have a rectangular cross-sectional configuration such that cavity 7 has a size and shape that is larger than a fill pillow. Third and fourth panels 3, 4 each have a rectangular cross-sectional configuration such that cavity 8 has a size and shape that conforms to that of a fill pillow. The third and fourth panels 3, 4 are adapted for securing to the first and second panels 1, 2 at points 5 and 6. The opening formed by the third and fourth panel 10 will be sealed, via the fastening mechanism 11.

[0031] Incorporating the design features above, additional implementations can be used to incorporate the form and function of the anti-microbial fabrics, and the use of openings to cover the seat backs of airplanes, car rental seats, movie theater seats or any other public seating having a soft surface, creating a barrier between the patron's unprotected head and the seat material. There is a similar opening to slide over the seat back, with a rubber-band type of material to secure the device to the seat while being used. When using to cover nap-mats, the opening would cover the corners of the mat with a similar rubberized material to ensure the protective cover would remain in place.

[0032] Similar to the pillow design aforementioned, a hotel user may desire similar sheet sets to protect him/her from fluids. The multi-layer anti-microbial panels perimetrially connected can also provide similar protections and comfort when being used as a fitted and/or top sheet.

[0033] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.