Pillow Fighting Pillow

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel pillow fighting pillow(s) designed to be used for a pillow fighting game. The pillow includes a pocket inside the pillow for storing a plurality of smaller pillows. The smaller or auxiliary pillows are accessed through an opening disposed on a front surface of the pillow, and are used for tossing at other players playing the pillow fighting game. The opening is secured using a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. The pillow includes a pair of hand slots disposed on an exterior surface of the pillow and the hand slots are used for firmly gripping the pillow and swinging same during the pillow fighting game. The pillow offers optimal fun, entertainment, and convenience while pillow fighting.

Claims

1. A pillow for enhancing a pillow fight, the pillow comprising: a plurality of exterior surfaces including a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and a pair of side surfaces; wherein said plurality of exterior surfaces form a cavity therebetween for securing soft durable material therein; wherein said top surface includes a first hand slot and a second hand slot enabling a user to firmly grasp said pillow during the pillow fight; and wherein said first hand slot and said second hand slot are spaced from one another and positioned proximal to one of said pair of side surfaces.

2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein said first hand slot and said second hand slot are cut-outs extending from said top surface to said bottom surface.

3. The pillow of claim 2, wherein said first hand slot ergonomically conforming to a first hand of a user and said second hand slot ergonomically conforming to a second hand of the user.

4. The pillow of claim 3, wherein said cut-outs are elliptical in shape.

5. The pillow of claim 1, wherein said pillow includes an internal pocket for securing a plurality of auxiliary pillows therein.

6. The pillow of claim 5, wherein a volume of said internal pocket is about 30% to about 70% of a volume of said cavity.

7. The pillow of claim 6, wherein said internal pocket is sewn to said top surface and said bottom surface.

8. The pillow of claim 7, wherein said internal pocket extends from said front surface to said rear surface.

9. The pillow of claim 8, wherein said internal pocket includes a hook and loop fastener for accessing said auxiliary pillows.

10. The pillow of claim 9, wherein a number of said plurality of auxiliary pillows is between 4 and 12.

11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein dimensions of each said plurality of auxiliary pillows is generally in a range of 4″ to 6″ (L)×4″ to 6″ (W)×1″ to 2″ (H).

12. The pillow of claim 11, wherein dimensions of said pillow is generally in a range of 1.5′ to 2′ (L)×0.75′ to 1′ (W)×7″ to 9″ (H).

13. A pillow for enhancing a pillow fight, the pillow comprising: a plurality of exterior surfaces including a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and a pair of side surfaces; wherein said plurality of exterior surfaces form a cavity therebetween for securing soft durable material therein; wherein said top surface includes a first hand slot and a second hand slot enabling a user to firmly grasp said pillow during the pillow fight; wherein said first hand slot and said second hand slot are cut-outs extending from said top surface to said bottom surface; wherein said first hand slot and said second hand slot are spaced from one another and positioned proximal to one of said pair of side surfaces; and wherein said pillow further includes an internal pocket for securing a plurality of auxiliary pillows therein.

14. The pillow of claim 13, wherein said first hand slot ergonomically conforming to a first hand of a user and said second hand slot ergonomically conforming to a second hand of the user.

15. The pillow of claim 13, wherein said cut-outs are elliptical in shape.

16. The pillow of claim 13, wherein a volume of said internal pocket is about 30% to about 70% of a volume of said cavity.

17. A pillow for enhancing a pillow fight, the pillow comprising: a plurality of exterior surfaces including a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and a pair of side surfaces; wherein said plurality of exterior surfaces form a cavity therebetween for securing soft durable material therein; wherein said top surface includes a first hand slot and a second hand slot enabling a user to firmly grasp said pillow during the pillow fight; wherein said first hand slot and said second hand slot are grooves in said top surface; wherein said first hand slot and said second hand slot are spaced from one another and positioned proximal to one of said pair of side surfaces; wherein said pillow further includes an internal pocket for securing a plurality of auxiliary pillows therein; and wherein dimensions of each said plurality of auxiliary pillows is generally in a range of 4″ to 6″ (L)×4″ to 6″ (W)×1″ to 2″ (H).

18. The pillow of claim 17, wherein a volume of said internal pocket is about 30% to about 70% of a volume of said cavity.

19. The pillow of claim 18, wherein a number of said plurality of auxiliary pillows is between 4 and 12.

20. The pillow of claim 19, wherein dimensions of said pillow is generally in a range of 1.5′ to 2′ (L)×0.75′ to 1′ (W)×7″ to 9″ (H).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a novel pillow fighting pillow(s) of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow fighting pillow(s) of the present invention showing cushioning material and the pocket in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the pillow fighting pillow(s) of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a user firmly grasping the fighting pillow using the handles in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing how an additional smaller pillow is accessed from the pocket of the pillow for being used as an ammo in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a second user holding the smaller pillows for tossing at, or onto, the first user in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view showing two users playing a pillow fight game using the pillow fighting pillow(s) of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0027] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved pillow fighting pillow(s) that provides a firm grip to the players. There is also a long felt need in the art for a pillow apparatus that can be used for an effective and enjoyable pillow fighting game. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a pillow that allows players to play with other players that are not in reach of the swing of their pillow. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved pillow that eliminates mistakenly throwing pillows in errant directions during the pillow fighting game. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a pillow fighting pillow(s) that is lightweight and does not break or tear easily. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a pillow that offers optimal fun, entertainment and convenience while pillow fighting.

[0028] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, discloses a novel pillow capable of assisting children and adults in pillow fighting. The pillow includes at least one pocket inside the pillow wherein the pocket is adapted to hold a plurality of smaller pillows. The smaller pillows are removably insertable into the pocket of the pillow. The pillow also includes a pair of handles wherein the handles are configured to be held by a user's hands for swinging the pillow during a pillow fight. The smaller pillows are used for tossing at, or onto, another user as ammo during the pillow fighting game and secured in the one or more pockets using a securing means, such as hook and loop fastener, ties, or other soft material attachment means.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel pillow fighting pillow(s) of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The novel pillow 100 is a unique pillow capable of assisting children and adults in pillow fighting and allows users to maintain a firm and secure grip on the pillow 100 while engaging in a pillow fight. More specifically, the pillow 100 includes a top surface 102, a bottom surface 104, a front surface 106, a rear surface 108 and a pair of side surfaces 110,112. The exterior surfaces form a cavity therebetween for holding a soft yet durable material. The top surface 102 of the pillow 100 includes a pair of hand slots 114,116 enabling a user to firmly grasp the pillow 100 during a pillow fight. The first hand slot 114 and the second hand slot 116 are positioned preferably near one of the side surfaces, shown as example, near the side surface 110 in the present embodiment.

[0030] The slots or handles 114,116 are in the form of grooves, cut-outs, or holes extending from the top surface 102 to the bottom surface 104 and are dimensioned in an ergonomic manner for comfortable holding of the pillow 100 by the hands and fingers of a user. The slots 114, 116 are preferably in an elliptical shape, however any other geometrical shape such as square, circle, or any other shape can be used in the present invention. In use, the fingers of the hands are inserted into the slots 114, 116 such that the central portion 1020 of the top surface 102 positioned between the first slot 114 and the second slot 116 is held by the user for grasping the pillow 100 as best shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] The pillow 100 includes an internal pocket 122 shown through dashed lines in FIG. 1. The pocket 122 can be accessed from the front surface 106, is preferably formed of a fabric and is positioned inside the pillow 100. The pocket 122 can be sewn internally to the top surface 102 and the bottom surface 104 in a way that the pocket is not visible from the exterior of the pillow 100. In one potential embodiment, the pocket 122 is positioned in a space comprising from about 30% to about 70% of the internal volume of the pillow 100 and is configured to store a plurality of smaller additional or auxiliary pillows 124. The pocket 122 can extend from the front surface 106 to the rear surface 108. The smaller auxiliary pillows 124 are secured in the pocket 122 using a hook and loop fastener, wherein the hook fastener 118 and the loop fastener 120 are positioned laterally on the front surface 106. The hook fastener 118 and the loop fastener 120 are configured to removably-attach to each other and can be unfastened to access the stored smaller auxiliary pillows 124. The smaller auxiliary pillows 124 can be tossed to other users during a pillow fight as ammo.

[0032] It should be appreciated that the slots or handles 114, 116 allow a user to swing the pillow 100 with ease, and obviate the requirement of a user to loosely grasp a pillow. Further, the soft and pliable material stored inside the pillow 100 (best shown in FIG. 2) maintains the shape of the pillow 100 even when all the smaller additional or auxiliary pillows 124 are removed from the pocket 122.

[0033] The pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 comes in various sizes such as 2′ (L)×1′ (W)×9″ (H). Alternatively, the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 comes in dimensions 1.5′ (L)×0.75′ (W)×7″ (H). Dimensions of each smaller auxiliary pillow 124 is such that it can be held in the palm by a user and can be easily tossed. The dimensions of a smaller auxiliary pillow 124 can be in the range of 4″ to 6″ (L)×4″ to 6″ (W)×1″ to 2″ (H), for example. Each smaller auxiliary pillow 124 can be stuffed with a soft cushioning material. The pillow 100 and auxiliary pillows 124 can comprise washable materials selected from a group consisting of a cotton, a flannel, a silk, and/or a polyester material.

[0034] The primary use of the pillow 100 is for use in pillow fights by both adults and children but can be used for conventional uses of a pillow, such as for supporting a head during sleep. The pillow 100 is lightweight and certain weights of specific materials can be used for making the pillow 100 and the pocket 122. For example, the pocket 122 can comprise polyurethane material with a weight of approximately 25 grams per meter squared. Various other embodiments can utilize different weights of similar or different materials.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow fighting pillow(s) of the present invention showing cushioning material and the pocket in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The pocket 122 is configured to store smaller additional auxiliary pillows 124 that are to be used as ammo for tossing at other users during a pillow fight. The pocket 122 is accessible through the opening 202 positioned on the front surface 106. The opening 202 can be accessed by unfastening the hook fastener 118 and the loop fastener 120. The pocket 122 allows the smaller additional pillows 124 to be removably-insertable and the smaller additional pillows 124 of various sizes can be placed within the pocket 122. For securing the opening 202, any other means of fastening such as application of a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, threads, ties, or other soft material connection means.

[0036] The pillow 100 includes pliable cushioning material 204 for maintaining the shape of the pillow. The pliable cushioning material 204 also enables a user to use the pillow 100 for fighting even when all the smaller auxiliary pillows 124 are removed from the pocket 122. In one exemplary embodiment, the number of auxiliary pillows is between 4 and 12. It is to be appreciated that any number of auxiliary pillows can be used, depending upon the dimensions of the auxiliary pillows and size of pillow 100. As shown, the pliable cushioning material 204 is positioned on both sides of the pocket 122 and provides a sturdy and durable orientation to the pillow 100. The pliable cushioning material 204 also does not allow the pillow 100 to lose its shape after repeated use and can be in the shape of a layer of blocks. The pliable cushioning material 204 can vary. Bonded or non-bonded batting, memory foam rubber or any other type of pliable material can be used. The combination of materials is important for maintaining the shape of the pillow during pillow fighting.

[0037] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the pocket 122 may be attached to the top surface 102 and/or the bottom surface 104, so that the pocket 122 is situated between the top surface 102 and the bottom surface 104. For example, in one potential embodiment the pocket 122 can be removed from the pillow 100.

[0038] In another potential embodiment, more than one pocket can be positioned inside the pillow 100 and the pockets can be accessed from both the front surface 106 and the rear surface 108. Further, the pockets can be positioned in any geometric or non-geometric configuration.

[0039] The pillow 100 being filled with cushioning material prohibits breaking, tearing, and shape displacement, thereby prohibiting, for example, loss of filling, batting, insulation, feathers, et. al. throughout a room. The pillow 100 comprises a stronger construction to prohibit breakage.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The fighting pillow 100 can have an appearance of a conventional pillow and can be formed from one or more polypropylene (PP) materials, spun bond (SB) materials, low density polyethylene (LDPE) materials, spun bond/melt blown/melt blown/spun bond (SMMS) materials, cotton, synthetics, one or more non-woven materials, one or more natural materials and/or one or more manmade or artificial materials. The pillow 100 is held by a user using the slots or handles 114,116 that allow a user to swing the pillow 100 towards another individual during a pillow fight. The pillow 100 may have a soft cardboard 302 sewn to an inner surface of the top surface 102 that is positioned between the handles 114,116. The cardboard 302 allows the pillow 100 not to lose its shape near the handles 114,116 when the pillow 100 is held by the user.

[0041] It should be noted that a protective layer (not shown) can be positioned underneath the top surface 102 and above the pliable cushioning material, so that the cushion material is not accessible from the slots or handles 114,116. As stated earlier, the pocket 122 is positioned in the pillow 100 near the center of the pillow and may extend from the front surface 106 to the rear surface 108. Further, a plurality of smaller pillows 124 are removably-stored in the pocket 122 and can be accessed by a user for tossing and throwing at or on other users as reusable ammo or reusable soft pillows.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a user firmly grasping the fighting pillow 100 using the handles in accordance with the disclosed architecture. A user 400 can hold the pillow 100 by inserting the fingers of the first hand 402 in the first handle 114 and inserting the fingers of the second hand 404 in the second handle 116. The handles 114, 116 are designed in the form of grooves, cut-outs, or holes, such that the fingers of the user 400 can be easily inserted while the thumb 4020 of the first hand 402 and the thumb 4040 of the second hand 404 are secured or placed on the central portion 1020 positioned between the handles 114, 116. These handles 114, 116 provide space for grasping the pillow 100 such that the user 400 can easily swing the pillow 100. As the pillow 100 is lightweight, therefore the user 400 can easily lift and swing the pillow 100 on the other users. Using the pillow 100, the user 100 can have optimal fun, entertainment, and convenience while pillow fighting.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing how an additional smaller pillow is obtained or accessed from the pocket of the pillow 100 for being used as an auxiliary pillow in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The smaller pillows 124 are stored in the pocket 122 placed within the pillow 100 and can be secured therein by a hook and loop fastener. When a user wants to throw these smaller pillows 124 (as best shown in FIG. 6), the user unfastens the hook fastener 118 and the loop fastener 120 positioned on the front surface 106 to access the pocket opening 202, and pulls out one or more smaller pillows 124. After pulling out the desired number of smaller pillows, the user can fasten the hook and loop fastener to close the opening again and secure the remaining pillows inside the pocket.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a second user 600 holding the smaller pillows for tossing at the first user 400 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the second user 600 is holding a plurality of additional smaller pillows 124 taken out from the pocket of the pillow as described in FIG. 5. The second user 600 can use the smaller pillows 124 as ammo for tossing at the first user 400 who is holding her fighting pillow 100. An advantage of the smaller pillows 124 is that they can be easily held in one's hands and thrown to greater distances. Further, they are made from soft and cushioning material and can provide further fun and entertainment.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view showing two users playing a pillow fight game using the pillow fighting pillow(s) of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the first user 400 holding the pillow 100 and the second user 600 holding the pillow 100′ are playing a pillow fighting game where each player is holding his or her respective pillows using the hand slots as described in FIG. 5. Both of the users are able to maintain a firm and secure grip on the pillows via two hand slots which enables users to swing the pillows with ease via the hand slots.

[0046] The pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 of the present invention is susceptible to a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then amenable to low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such pillow economically available to the buying public.

[0047] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “pillow fighting pillow(s)”, “fighting pillow”, “pillow”, and “novel pillow”, are interchangeable and refer to the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 of the present invention.

[0048] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the pillow fighting pillow(s) 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0049] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof

[0050] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.