PERSONALIZED PILLOWCASE

Abstract

An inspirational novelty kit comprises a pillowcase having a plurality of compartments, and objects selected by a user for placement in one or more of the compartments of the pillowcase. The invention further is for a pillowcase and a method of use thereof for inspirational purposes.

Claims

1. An inspirational novelty kit comprising: a pillowcase having a plurality of compartments; and objects selected by a user for placement in one or more of the compartments of the pillowcase.

2. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pillowcase is of generally rectangular shape and includes an upper panel and a lower panel fastened together along the edges thereof so as to define a space, an access opening to the space, with the compartments attached onto the lower panel on an outer surface thereof.

3. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 2 comprising a plurality of centrally located pockets on the lower panel, and a plurality of peripherally located pockets on the lower panel near a corner or edge of the pillowcase.

4. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 3 comprising four centrally located pockets, each pocket having a closure means for selectively opening and closing access to the pockets.

5. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 4 wherein there are two peripherally located pockets at or near the corner of the pillowcase.

6. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the object comprises a card having a message.

7. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 6 wherein cards are grouped into at least one category, with the message on each card relevant to the category in which it is located.

8. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 7 comprising four categories of cards, the categories being healing, angel, intention and I am.

9. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 7 wherein each category of cards comprises an illustration on one side of the card intended to artistically represent the category.

10. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a card storage container, the card storage container having a plurality of compartments with each compartment accommodating a set of cards in a specific category.

11. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 10 wherein the card storage container is comprised of a fabric, and includes a foldable closure cover for securing the cards within the storage container.

12. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the object comprises one or more crystals.

13. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a container pouch for storing the crystals.

14. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the object comprises precious or semiprecious stones.

15. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the object is a valuable or sentimental object owned by the user for use in the pillowcase.

16. An inspirational novelty kit as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a box container for housing the pillowcase, objects, written and other material.

17. A method for providing inspiration to a user, the method comprising: forming a pillowcase adapted to hold a pillow; placing a plurality of pockets or receptacles on the pillowcase; and providing a series of objects which the user can insert and remove from the pockets or receptacles according to the user's moods and intentions.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein a series of cards are provided as the objects, the cards falling into categories, wherein messages are written on the cards, the message on the card being consistent with the category in which the card is placed.

19. A pillowcase comprising an upper panel and a lower panel fastened together near edges thereof so as to define a space, an access opening to the space, a plurality of pockets or receptacles formed on the lower panel of the pillowcase, the pockets or receptacles selectively accommodating meaningful or sentimental objects of a user.

20. A pillowcase as claimed in claim 19 further including the objects, the object being selected from the group consisting of inspirational cards, precious and semiprecious stones, crystals, and jewelry.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In the drawings:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a back side of a cardholder for use with a pillow case in accordance with the invention;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a front side of a cardholder for use with a pillow case showing pockets and an open foldable flap in accordance with the invention;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a front side of a cardholder for use with a pillowcase generally shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, when in the folded position;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a view of a pillowcase in accordance with one embodiment of the invention including four generally centrally located pockets, and two corner pockets;

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a pillow case and related materials of the invention in a package or container;

[0040] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a bag of crystals including a pouch containing such crystals;

[0041] FIGS. 7 to 10 show designs which may be used on intention cards utilized in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 11 illustrate different packaging formats and packaging designs relating to the invention;

[0043] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation showing the inside measurements of a box container for storing parts components of the invention;

[0044] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C show different perspective illustrations of a box which may be used to store the invention in accordance with the invention, in both the open and closed position;

[0045] FIG. 14 shows a top view of a box container in accordance with one aspect of the invention, for use as storage for different parts and components of the invention; and

[0046] FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 each show a set of cards of a different category which may be used in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] With reference to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a cardholder 12 having a backside 14 and a front side 16. The cardholder 12 has three storage pockets 18, 20 and 22, each of which contains a set of cards 24, 26 and 28. The cardholder 12 includes a flap 30, or cover, which can be folded over between an open position as shown in FIG. 2, and a closed position as shown in FIG. 3. Each of the storage pockets 18, 20 and 22 is closed on three sides, and has an upper opening 34 by means of which one or more cards 24, 26 and 28 can be inserted or removed from the pockets. Note that these figures show three storage pockets, but there may be a different number of such pockets. In another embodiment, four storage pockets are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the number of storage pockets will match the number of the categories of cards which are available, so that each category of cards may be contained within its own dedicated storage pocket. It should, however, be noted that the invention is not limited to such a requirement, and storage pockets may contain cards from a number of selected categories or types, in any arrangement or configuration selected by the user.

[0048] FIG. 4 of the drawings shows a pillowcase 40 having a rear side 42 and a front side 44. The pillowcase 40 is sealed on three sides, and has an opening 46 by means of which a pillow or cushion can be inserted or removed. The rear side 42 of the pillowcase 40 has four receptacles 48 sealed on three sides, with an opening 50 on the upper side. A closure 52 is provided so that the receptacle may be selectively opened or closed to place a card or other object therein. The pillowcase 40 further has corner pockets 56 and 58, also preferably sealed on three sides, with a closable opening. Four pockets are shown in this figure, to illustrate the nature of the invention, but the invention itself is not limited to the number of pockets, their sizes or positions, so that they may be arranged in any suitable configuration of the pillowcase.

[0049] The pockets 48 may be used for inserting cards, while the pockets 56 and 58 may be used for inserting other objects, such as crystals. However, the user has the discretion and the options to insert in the various pockets any desired object which she feels may be relevant to current moods, dreams and aspirations. Furthermore, a single pocket may contain a combination of different types of objects as selected by the user.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a cover or packaging 60 in which the pillowcase and pillowcase accessories may be contained. FIG. 6 shows a fabric pouch 64 containing a number of crystals 66, which may be of different types and sizes. These figures the show illustrative types of covers or packaging. The packaging 60 of FIG. 5 is wrapped in a soft fabric, paper or other material, but hard form boxes may be used as well. Further, the pouch 64 is preferably comprised of a soft, possibly partially transparent material, and may include a closure mechanism to ensure that the objects do not inadvertently four out of this pouch 64. The closure mechanism may comprise a drawstring, flap with button, Velcro fasteners, to name a few possibilities.

[0051] FIGS. 7 to 10 of the drawings show possible illustrations on a set of cards which may form a part of the invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a tree to represent a healing card, FIG. 8 represents an angel to represent an angel card, FIG. 9 shows an illustration of clouds and stars to represent an intention cards, while FIG. 10 shows an illustration of an eye within the sun to represent and AI am@ card. The designs illustrated in this set of cards, while the preferred embodiment of the invention, are not in any way to be seen as limiting the scope of the invention. These cards may be substituted, supplemented, and even be blank so that the user can create his or her illustration which will best represent the mood and the designs for which the pillowcase of the invention will be used. One benefit and advantage of the invention is that the pillowcase, cards, crystals and other objects of which it may be comprised may be varied to provide a diverse and wide choice for users so that the myriad of different desires and aspirations which different people have can will be represented within the scope of the invention.

[0052] It should be noted that, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of the card categories as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10 of the drawings will have the respective illustration as shown in these figures on one side of the card, with a message, phrase, or inspirational word on the other side thereof. This will be noted and further discussed below with respect to the figures illustrating this embodiment.

[0053] FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawings show schematically representative packaging formats and packaging designs for the invention. These are exemplary only, and many different types of containers and the designs thereof may be used within the scope of the present invention. In these figures, FIG. 11 shows outside possible dimensions for the container, while FIG. 12 shows the possible internal dimensions.

[0054] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C of the drawings show various perspective views of one of the box container types which may be used with this invention. FIG. 13A shows a first perspective view from the bottom, illustrating a flap closure cover which is of slightly larger dimensions than the box below. FIG. 13B is a top side perspective view of the box container, showing some of its design attributes, while FIG. 13C is a bottom perspective view of the container box with the cover folded back or moved into the open position, showing the interior and storage space defined by the container. The container is preferably selected with colors and design features which are soothing and enhance its image and objective using appropriate colors, shadings, shapes, scripts and pictures.

[0055] FIG. 14 of the drawings illustrates a box container, viewed from the top, including a ribbon mechanism for holding the cover in the closed position, but which can be easily undone to open the container for the purposes of storing or removing the contents as the case may be.

[0056] FIGS. 15 to 19 illustrate possible card options and availabilities which may be used in accordance with the invention. FIG. 15 shows a set of cards in a category titled Healing. This figure shows in the top left corner one side of the card, which comprises a drawing of a tree with the word Healing underneath it. There are 11 cards in the category, as shown in the remaining cards in this figure. In this category, different options such as believe, forgiveness and relationships are shown each on its own card. The user may choose to select one or more of these cards which best represent a mood, intention, or aspirational feeling at the time.

[0057] FIG. 16 shows a category of cards entitled Angel, once more showing the illustration of an angel with wings on one side of the card, and a message on the other side of each of the 11 cards in the category. These include the name of an angel and the purpose or origin of the angel, and, once more, the user would choose an appropriate card or cards relevant to her current situation, intentions and desires.

[0058] FIG. 17 shows a category of cards entitled Intention, with the one side showing an illustration of clouds and celestial icons or drawings, while the other side of each of the 11 cards contains a message relevant to the intention category including inner peace, find my passion, and others as illustrated in this card set.

[0059] FIG. 18 shows a category of cards entitled I am, with one side of each card illustrating a sun logo with the words I Am beneath the logo. On the other side of each of the 11 cards in this category is an I am message including messages such as responsible, healthy, creative and others as illustrated in the cards in this figure.

[0060] The various categories described and illustrated in these figures may perhaps be some of the more important and typical ones which may be encountered, and which may appeal to a broad spectrum of users, but they are certainly not the only categories of cards which may be provided in accordance with the invention.

[0061] A standard kit of the invention may include these major categories, but additional card categories may be available either as add-ons, or the user may even be provided with blank cards in order to create his or her own category and to make appropriate messages relating to the category for personal use. The invention may also include the ability of third-party users to prepare categories, and to upload or submit them for use by others who may feel that they may benefit from such categories and messages.

[0062] While each of the categories illustrated herein have been chosen to comprise a set of 11 cards, there is no requirement that the invention be so limited. There may be as few as one or two cards in a category, or many more than 11 cards, and the number of cards may be increased or reduced if a particular message reflected on the card is no longer considered to be useful or appropriate. One of the benefits of the invention is its flexibility as well its ability to evolve with a user, as the uses needs and desires change over time. In this way, the invention continues to remain relevant and novel as the uses circumstances and aspirations develop and change over time.

[0063] Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

[0064] As used herein, a plurality means two or more. As used herein, a set of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms comprising, including, carrying, having, containing, involving, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases consisting of and consisting essentially of, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as first, second, third, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, and/or means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.