Abstract
A stretchable pillowcase with an inflatable pillow or bladder having an attached pouch that can be folded onto itself and enclose the pillow and cover therein during non-usage. But, the pillow and case can be removed from the pouch, the pillow inflated, to provide a cushion use of the pillow for comfort, and to use as a flotation device, for recreational purposes. The pillow is made of a water-proof and inflatable material, such as polymer and rubber, and the case may be formed of a resilient fabric material. Its pouch likewise, is fabricated from an expandable material, to allow it to fold onto itself, and enclose the pillow and case therein, once the former has been deflated. The pillow in this case may contain a bladder, internally thereof, and which can be inflated with air under pressure to add to its comfortable usage. And, a series of the cases may be interlinked together into the formation for multiple shapes and sizes such as a raft, to provide full body support.
Claims
1. A versatile inflatable pillow for use for body support and as a water flotation device, comprising: an inflatable pillow for application to one of a user or structure, said inflatable pillow having an outer pillow case, and an inflatable bladder provided therein and enclosed within said pillow case, said pillow case having a top side, and an underside, and said pillow case having upper and lower edges when assembled; at least one extension strap connecting with the upper and lower edges of said pillow case and capable of adjustably being applied to a person or structure during usage of the inflatable pillow for the comfort of its user; said inflatable bladder formed of upper and lower surfaces, and being sealed around their edges to hold pressurized air therein during usage of said inflatable pillow, said upper and lower surfaces of the bladder having internal reinforcement therein and integrally extending between the interior of the upper and lower surfaces of said bladder, in order to provide for dissemination and retention of the pressurized air provided therein throughout the height and width of the bladder during its usage; said internal reinforcement provided within the bladder have passages located at their upper and lower edges of the internal reinforcement to allow for dissemination and passage of pressurized air throughout the bladder during its filling; and said bladder having a valve connecting with one of said upper and lower surfaces, and through which pressurized air may be injected into or withdrawn from the interior of the bladder, and said valve being capable of closure to retain pressurized air applied therein, and said pillow case having at least one aperture therethrough for accommodating the extension of said valve exteriorly thereof to accommodate its application and usage when preparing the inflatable pillow for body support or as a water flotation device.
2. The versatile inflatable pillow of claim 1, wherein said pillowcase having an opening provided centrally therethrough in one of its top side and underside, and a pouch securing with an edge of the opening to provide for the pillowcase and its bladder when deflated capable of being folded and located within the pouch for storage and conveyance.
3. The versatile inflatable pillow of claim 1, wherein a series of the inflatable pillows through interconnection of the their extending straps capable of being secured together to form multiple shapes and sizes in the form of a raft structure for providing body support or flotation as a raft during usage.
4. The versatile inflatable pillow of claim 3, wherein the straps of said plurality of inflatable pillows providing for interconnection of a plurality of the inflatable pillows both longitudinally and laterally to form a said raft structure.
5. The versatile inflatable pillow of claim 4, wherein said bladder being formed of one of polymer and rubber, and said pillowcase being formed of a water-resilient fabric material.
6. The versatile inflatable pillow of claim 5, wherein said polymer comprises polyvinyl chloride.
7. The versatile inflatable pillow of claim 6, wherein said pouch being formed of a stretchable fabric capable of expanding to enclose the folded and deflated pillow and its bladder therein during non usage.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) In referring to the drawings,
(2) FIG. 1 is a plan view of the top of the inflatable pillow with case, and having loops provided at its ends, for attachment onto a flotation noodle;
(3) FIG. 1A provides an isometric view of the stretchable pillow as shown in FIG. 1;
(4) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the top side of the inflatable pillow with case, and having its extending straps connecting with each end of the shown structure;
(5) FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the stretchable pillow with case, and straps, as disclosed in FIG. 2;
(6) FIG. 3 is a plan view of the underside of the completely unfolded stretchable pillow with case, showing its attached pouch that can be folded unto itself to enclose upon itself and the cover for the inflatable pillow when not in usage;
(7) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pouch containing its deflated pillow and its case, providing a self-contained pouch for the entire development;
(8) FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the underside of the stretchable pillow with case and showing its attached pouch integrated therewith;
(9) FIG. 5 is a plan view of the underside of the stretchable pillow with case, and its attached pouch, with its end straps being secured contiguously with the underside of the device;
(10) FIG. 5A is an isometric view of the underside of the stretchable pillow with case and attached pouch as shown in FIG. 5;
(11) FIG. 6 is a plan view of the underside of the stretchable pillow with case and its attached pouch, and showing the loops provided at the ends of the device;
(12) FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the device as shown in FIG. 6;
(13) FIG. 7 is an end view of the inflated pillow, and showing how its extension straps can be looped and connected together, as when applied around the user, or, for example, around the back of a lounge;
(14) FIG. 7A is a side view of the device as shown in FIG. 7;
(15) FIG. 8 is a top view of the stretchable pillow with case and showing how its loops connect onto a noodle during usage of this device while swimming at the beach, pool, or other body of water such as a hot tub or bath;
(16) FIG. 9 provides an end view of the pillow of FIG. 8 showing its attachment to a foam swim noodle;
(17) FIG. 10 is a side view of the inflated pillow of FIGS. 8 and 9, showing the attachment of its loops onto the foam swim noodle during usage;
(18) FIG. 11 shows the inflatable pillow of this invention, and select of its associated strapping, with the top cover of the pillow case being partially open to disclose the location of the structured polymer bladder therein, that holds the compressed air during its inflation and usage;
(19) FIG. 12 provides a plan view of the inflatable bladder, and showing one of the valves that extend through the outer pillow case that allows for the external application of air for inflation of the bladder, within the case, in preparation for its usage; and
(20) FIG. 13 shows a series of the inflatable pillows, strapped together, both laterally and longitudinally, in order to expand for multiple purposes or form a raft or mat like structure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(21) In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 and 1A, therein is shown the stretchable pillow with case 1 of this invention. It includes its pillowcase 2, and has an inflatable pillow located within it (not shown) as can be understood. As previously explained, the stretchable pillow with its case, and the attached pouch, can be folded into itself, so as to enclose within its elastic pouch the deflated pillow, and its folded up case, as can be understood. The material from which the pillow and its case, in addition to the pouch, are generally water resilient fabric, which has stretchability, and yet can be machine-washed, with particularly the pouch being stretchable so as to contain the deflated pillow and its case, therein, as when not in usage. As previously explained, in the preferred embodiment, the fabric from which the cover and pouch are fabricated may be a polymer, such as polyester, stretchable Spandex, and other resilient fabric materials. Thus, the Spandex adds stretchability to the material, when formed into the case and pouch, to attain the purposes of the current invention. These materials generally are made of a water resilient fabric, particularly for the pillow itself, and its pillowcase. Or, the pillow itself may be fabricated of a pressurized air containing material, such as a rubber, or polymer, so that it may be inflated, as during usage, or deflated and rolled up, to be enclosed within its encasement pouch, all without losing its ability to maintain and hold pressurized air, when inflated for usage. The stretchable pillowcase is designed for functionality and comfort, with its ability to get wet and dry quickly, along with being machine-washable, when required, and to be able to stretch and retain its original shape, so it can be utilized for multiple uses.
(22) FIGS. 1 and 1A also show the application of loops, as at 3, to each end of the case, so that these loops may be connected with some other structure, as when the device may be applied as a cushion onto a chair, or the loops may embrace more specifically, a flotation noodle, as previously explained, and for use within the pool, hot tub, bath, at the beach, or lake, as a flotation device. With the pillow applied, it adds comfort and is used as a headrest, or chinrest, when applied. Or, the noodle may be applied under the arms of the user, with the pillow against the chest, to add to the flotation of the device.
(23) The inflatable pillow, and its stretchable pillowcase, can be used in any situation where a pillow, pillow cushion, a sit-a-upon cushion, a recreational water apparatus, head, neck and back lumbar support or wrist supporting device, may have applicability. Or the device may also have other recreational, office usage or application at outdoor events, as previously summarized. Obviously, the pillow may be available in different sizes, to meet the demands of the user, but in the preferred embodiment, the dimensions for a medium-sized version may be in the range of 10 inches in width, by 18 inches in length, with a larger version envisioned in the range of 14 inches in width, by 28 inches in length or use of straps for multiple shapes and sizes. Nevertheless, and regardless of its size, the expandable pouch will likewise be of a corresponding and comparable size, in order to accommodate the pillow and its case, when they are deflated and folded up for containment within the pouch, as during non-usage.
(24) FIGS. 2 and 2A disclose the inflatable pillow with pillowcase 1, as previously reviewed, but in this particular instance, extending from its ends are the extension straps 4 and 5. In their connection with case 2, the straps may be hooked at opposite ends, as can be seen at 6 and 7, so as to form open loops 8 through which one's arms may locate, or through which a flotation noodle may be applied, in the manner as previously explained.
(25) Each of straps 4 and 5 extend away from the encased pillow 1, with the one strap 4 having a further extension 9 that incorporates a series of clasps or snaps, as at 10, and which can cooperate with snap 11 provided on the opposite strap, when the device may be secured around a person, or around the back of a chair, when it is in place. Strap 9 may have some elasticity to it, as may be straps 4 and 5, to allow for the device to be installed, with stretchability, to allow to be accommodated around various items, or a person, when installed for usage. Hook and pile fastening may also be used.
(26) FIG. 3 shows the underside, or backside, of the unfolded pillow and case 1 as previously reviewed, and shows the various valving, as at 12, which may be, used for inflating its contained pillow, as can be understood. Or, when the valve is opened, the pillow may be deflated, after usage. But more particularly, therein is shown the application of the stretchable pouch 13 made of the expandable materials as previously described, and which may incorporate an elastic opening, as at 14, which allows the pouch to be expanded, so as to have the folded pillow and its case, including its straps, folded therein, as when the entire device is to be stored during non-usage. It can be seen that the pouch may be removably connected to case 2 by means of a pair of snaps, as at 15, so that it may be removable. Or, it can be permanently affixed thereto, as by stitching, or any other means for fastening.
(27) It needs to be understood that the valve 12 connects to a bladder that locates within the case 2, to form the inflatable pillow therein, and that bladder may be formed of a inflatable polymer, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and related polymer materials. The bladder for the pillow will extend throughout the interior of the case 2, as can be understood, and can be inflated, or deflated, through usage and application of the valving 12. As can be seen, the valve 12 extends through the various grommets, as explained.
(28) Nevertheless, when the entire device is to be dismantled after usage, straps 4 and 5 will be folded to overlie the pillow and its case, the pillow and its case are further folded into a compact unit, and then pouch 13 can be stretched and folded into itself, including locating all of the folded components therein, so that all that evidently remains is just a ladened pouch, that stores these components for non-usage, or transit.
(29) FIG. 4 shows the details of pouch 13, that contains the entire deflated pillow and pillowcase inside of it, due to its folding on itself, as can be understood. In addition, it can be seen that there may be a reinforced button hole or grommet, as at 16, provided along the upper elastic edge of the pouch, and the reinforced button hole or grommet may include a clip, or carabineer, as noted, to facilitate its clamping on the person, his/her belt, or to facilitate other carrying means, such as a shoulder strap, or the like.
(30) FIG. 4A provides an isometric view of the device as noted in FIG. 3. The various components as just described are readily disclosed in this figure.
(31) FIGS. 5 and 5A disclose the various components of the device as they are prepared for usage. As can be seen, the pillow or case 2 may have its straps 4 and 5 folded into contiguity with the underside of the said case, and snapped into a locked position, through its various snaps or clasps 10 and 11. In this position, as can also be noted in FIG. 5A, the various end loops 8 are readily available for connecting with a flotation noodle, as previously explained, or have the arms of the user located therethrough, when using the inflatable pillow as a personal flotation device. Loops 8 may have some elasticity and stretchability so as to allow them to expand, as the pillow is being applied.
(32) FIGS. 6 and 6A show similar views to those as previously explained. In this instance, the various non-corrosive snaps 10 and 11 are further disclosed, to show how the straps may be folded adjacently to the undersurface of the pillow, when the straps are not to be used. Or, the entire unit may be in this position just before the pillow and its case are folded into closure, in preparation for locating within pouch 13, as previously explained. The fully attached self-contained pouch 13 with its means to stretch at least at its opening 14 does have the ability to stretch and secure the entire apparatus, including its pillow, cover, and straps, that may be folded into themselves, and then the pouch is turned inside out, with all of these prior folded components locating therein, to undertake the position as shown for the pouch noted in FIG. 4. FIGS. 5 and 5A indicate that the self-contained pouch, when not in use, may be tucked inside the stretchable case or pillowcase, when the embodiment as shown in these figures is ready for usage as a flotation device, or a cushioning means.
(33) As previously reviewed, all of the metalware that may be included within the structure of this device, including the reinforced button hole, eyelets, and grommets, in addition to the snaps and clasps, are all made of non-corrosive metal, in order to prevent their rusting. And, they are designed to release water, or other foreign material, that may otherwise collect inside, during their various uses.
(34) A further alternative in the usage of this invention can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 7A. As noted, the inflatable pillow and its cover 2 are shown with their straps 4 and 5 into an expansive loop, in order to allow the straps to surround an object, whether it is a person, or to loop around the back of a chair, as can be understood. Since the various snaps are arranged on strap 4, through its extension 9, the straps may be adjusted to that dimension that provides for a snug fit of the pillow, during usage, whether it is applied to a person, or structure.
(35) In addition, FIGS. 8-10 are similar to that as previously explained with respect to claims 1 and 1A. As noted, loops 3 are disposed for having a foam swim noodle, as at end, applied therethrough. In this manner, the inflatable pillow then is readily disposed for functioning as a headrest, or armrest, as a flotation means for use within a swimming pool, ocean, or lake, as it is applied.
(36) Notwithstanding, after all of these uses, the pillow can be deflated, within its case, if one is used, the various straps can be folded in contiguity with the pillowcase, and then can be rolled up into a smaller configuration, with the pouch being stretched, and turned inside out, in order to locate all of these folded components within the pouch, for storage or transit, as can be readily understood.
(37) To summarize the various uses for this unique invention, it can be readily understood that the pillow can obviously be used as a headrest. It further has applicability as a back support, such as prescribed by a physician, for lumbar support, or simply on a sofa while reading or watching television. It can also be applied around an office chair, to provide back support, during long hours of work. It can further be applied, on a smaller scale, as a wrist rest, for relaxing the arms during the long, typical work days at the keyboard. It can be used in the classroom as a back support, as well as to sit on to add comfort. The device can be used on the beach as a head and backrest, or in the water, fully inflated, to add fun, operate as a colorful float, or function as a head, arm, or chest flotation device. Or, it can be used in conjunction with a flotation noodle, to add to its utility. In addition, the various loops at the end of the pillow can have the arms applied therethrough, for functioning as a flotation device. It can be used for traveling as a headrest, or as a camping sleep pillow, or an outdoor comfort and supporting device. It can also be applied at sporting events, to allow one to sit on it rather than those cold, hard and numbing bleachers. It can further have therapeutic effect as a knee and ankle support, as can be understood. These are all the voluminous uses that can be made of the device of this invention. Notwithstanding, these myriad of applications, the entire device can be deflated, rolled and folded up, and its appended pouch simply turned inside out after stretching, to encompass all of these components therein, to provide a very small, compact holder for facilitating the conveyance or storage of the pillow, during non-usage.
(38) FIG. 11 shows the pillowcase 2 having at least a pair of straps 14a and 15a extending from its end, with the pillow case like covering, as noted at 16a, having a central opening, as at 17, to allow for access into its interior. Within the interior of the pillow case like structure 2, is a bladder, as at 18, as noted in FIG. 12. The bladder may be formed of a polymer, as previously reviewed, and may be formed of PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, or any other related flexible polymer that may be formed into a bladder like structure, that may hold air under pressure. A manual operative valve 19 extends from a surface of the bladder, and that valve, as also noted in FIG. 11, may extend through the case, in one of its openings 20, for convenient access to the valve when the pillow is to be inflated in preparation for usage. It can also be seen that the bladder has a series of longitudinally reinforcements, in the form of integral flanges 21, that may extend longitudinally therein, or even laterally, in order to furnish reinforcement for the bladder when used, and to assure that the air under pressure applied therein is disseminated throughout the bladder structure, and remains during its usage. It can also be noted in this FIG. 12 that at the end edges of the internal reinforcements, such as the one or more integral flanges 21, there are provided passages, as at 23, to assure that the air under pressure when entering the bladder 18, gets fully disseminated throughout the interior of the bladder, during its preparation for usage. And, while a pair of such reinforcements 21 are shown, there may be only a single flange therein, or a greater number of them, as can be understood.
(39) As can be seen in FIG. 13, a series of the pillow case like structures 2 may be linked together, both laterally, as noted, and longitudinally, as can be seen, being secured together through application of the various short straps 14a and 15a, as previously reviewed. Thus, in this particular configuration, the series of pillow like cases, as inflated, may be formed into multiple shapes and sizes including a mat or a raft like structure, to furnish full body support for any user, whether it be applied onto a surface for use as a mat, or applied onto the surface of the water, for use like a raft. Obviously, the short straps 14a and 15a may be interlinked together, in any convenient manner, to provide for their integration together, into the formation of the multiple shapes and sizes including the mat like structure as noted in this FIG. 13. The device has multiple uses, particularly when expanded into a larger structure by connecting a series of the pillows together, as noted. For example, it can be used for providing cushioning for a larger sifting area, it can provide back support, it can function as a cushion for travel, beach, lounge, function as a water saddle, and for many related uses.
(40) Further in relation to FIG. 11, there may be a pouch that can be applied to the various clasp, as at 22, or permanently stitched thereto, and the pouch can be pulled open to the exterior of the pillow in its case, so that once it is deflated, and no longer in usage, the entire unit can be folded up and located within its own case, and be carried within its own self-contained pouch. Any other type of fastening means, such as a clip or carbainer can be applied to the case, for hooking it to the belt, or elsewhere on the person, for ease of conveyance.
(41) Variations or modifications of the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of this invention, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing hereon. The description of the invention in the preferred embodiment, and its depiction in the drawings, are primarily set forth for illustrative purposes only.
