ROLLED PILLOW

Abstract

A combination cushion, decorative pillow, and holder of items, which may be an elongated flexible tubular structure that when rolled or moved in various positions provides a support system or tray and creates pockets of areas that hold items; such as drinks, phones, pens, tablets, etc. A sash or fastening apparatus may be attached to one end and can be used to connect and stabilize the structure into various configurations. The internal construction can include a plethora of filling materials including but not limited to a terry cloth material that when rolled on end provides for a tubular structural design. There may be an inserted wire that will hold the products shape. The internal structure may be encased in a removable, washable outer cover that may include a water resistant material. The apparatus should be long enough to allow for rolling into at least one and a half rotations.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a cushion device having a length and a width, wherein the length of the cushion device is substantially greater than the width of the cushion device, wherein the cushion device is made of one or more materials which allow the cushion device to be put into a straight state and which allow the cushion device to instead be put into a rolled state; a first attachment device fixed to a first end of the cushion device, a second attachment device fixed to a second end of the cushion device, wherein the second end of the cushion device is opposite the first end, and the first end of the cushion device and the second end of the cushion device are separated by the length of the cushion device; and wherein the first attachment device is configured to be connected to the second attachment device to connect the first end of the cushion device with the second end of the cushion device, when the cushion device is in the rolled state, to keep the cushion device in the rolled state, and to bring the first end of the cushion device closer to the second end of the cushion device. wherein the cushion device includes a solid filling inner material spanning a majority of the length and the width of the cushion device, wherein the solid filling inner material is soft, elastic, compressible, and flexible, so that the solid filling inner material can be rolled up; wherein the first attachment device includes a first strap; and wherein the first strap of the first attachment device has a length and a width, wherein the length of the first strap of the first attachment device is substantially greater than the width of the first strap of the first attachment device, and wherein the length of the first strap of the first attachment device is substantially less than the length of the cushion device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cushion device is sufficiently flexible, such that the rolled state includes at least three U-shapes, each of the three U-shapes having a bottom, each of the bottoms of each of the U-shapes substantially parallel to each other, and each of the bottoms of each of the U-shapes separate and distinct from each of the other bottoms of the other U-shapes.

3. (canceled)

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein in the rolled state, the cushion device is rolled so that the first end and the second end of the cushion device are separated by a distance approximately equal to the width of the cushion device, and a portion of the cushion device having the width of the cushion device is between the first end and the second end of the cushion device; wherein the second attachment device includes a first strap having a first and second sides fixed to a body portion of the cushion device, wherein the first and second sides of the second attachment device oppose each other; and wherein the first strap of the second attachment device is fixed to the body portion of the cushion device in a manner which allows the second end of the first strap of the first attachment device to be inserted between the body portion of the cushion device and the first strap of the second attachment device, in order to attach the first strap of the first attachment device to the first strap of the second attachment device and thereby connect the first end of the cushion device with the second end of the cushion device, and to help keep the cushion device in the rolled state.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first attachment device includes a second strap having a length and a width, wherein the length of the second strap of the first attachment device is substantially longer than the width of the second strap of the first attachment device; and wherein the second strap of the first attachment device has a first end which is fixed to the first end of the cushion device and a second end which is free, and the first and second ends of the second strap of the first attachment device oppose each other and are separated by the length of the second strap of the first attachment device; and wherein the length of the second strap of the first attachment device is substantially less than the length of the cushion device.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first strap of the first attachment device is fixed to a first part of the body portion of the cushion device; the second strap of the first attachment device is fixed to a second part of the body portion of the cushion device, which is opposite the first part of the body portion of the cushion device; and wherein the length of the cushion device is approximately forty-eight inches.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the second attachment device includes a second strap having a first and second sides fixed to the body portion of the cushion device, wherein the first and second sides of the second strap of the second attachment device oppose each other; and wherein the second strap of the second attachment device is fixed to the body portion of the cushion device in a manner which allows the second end of the first strap of the first attachment device to be inserted between the body portion of the cushion device and the second strap of the second attachment device in order to attach the first strap of the first attachment device to the second strap of the second attachment device and thereby connect the first end of the cushion device with the second end of the cushion device, and to help keep the cushion device in the rolled state.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first strap of the second attachment device is attached to a first part of the body portion of the cushion device and the second strap of the second attachment device is attached to a second part of the body portion of the cushion device, which is opposite the first part of the body portion of the cushion device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first pocket having at least first, second, third, and fourth sides, wherein the first, second and third sides are fixed to the body portion of the cushion device, and the fourth side is not fixed to a body portion of the cushion device so that an item can be inserted via the fourth side of the first pocket to be held in an inner chamber of the first pocket bounded by the first, second, third, and fourth sides; and wherein the fourth side of the first pocket, which is not fixed to a body portion of the cushion device, is substantially parallel to the length of the cushion device, which allows an item to be stood upright, substantially perpendicular to the cushion device, when the cushion device is in the rolled state.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cushion device includes an outer covering and the solid filling inner material which is inside of the outer covering, and the outer covering has an insertion device which can be opened or closed, and which when opened exposes an opening leading to an inner chamber, and the solid filling inner material can be inserted through the opening and into the inner chamber.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the insertion device includes a zipper.

12. A method comprising the steps of: Inserting an item into a pocket of a cushion device of an apparatus; wherein the apparatus includes: a cushion device having a length and a width, wherein the length of the cushion device is substantially greater than the width of the cushion device, wherein the cushion device is made of one or more materials which allow the cushion device to be put into a straight state and which allow the cushion device to instead be put into a rolled state; a first attachment device fixed to a first end of the cushion device; and a second attachment device fixed to a second end of the cushion device, wherein the second end of the cushion device is opposite the first end, and the first end of the cushion device and the second end of the cushion device are separated by the length of the cushion device; and wherein the first attachment device is configured to be connected to the second attachment device to connect the first end of the cushion device with the second end of the cushion device, when the cushion device is in the rolled state, to keep the cushion device in the rolled state, and to bring the first end of the cushion device closer to the second end of the cushion device; wherein the cushion device includes a solid filling inner material spanning a majority of the length and the width of the cushion device, wherein the solid filling inner material is soft, elastic, compressible, and flexible, so that the solid filling inner material can be rolled up; wherein the first attachment device includes a first strap; and wherein the first strap of the first attachment device has a length and a width, wherein the length of the first strap of the first attachment device is substantially greater than the width of the first strap of the first attachment device, and wherein the length of the first strap of the first attachment device is less than the length of the cushion device.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising connecting the first attachment device to the second attachment device to thereby connect the first end of the cushion device with the second end of the cushion device, when the cushion device is in the rolled state.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the cushion device is sufficiently flexible, such that the rolled state includes at least three U-shapes, each of the three U-shapes having a bottom, each of the bottoms of each of the U-shapes substantially parallel to each other, and each of the bottoms of each of the U-shapes separate and distinct from each of the other bottoms of the other U-shapes.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the first attachment device includes a first strap having a length and a width, wherein the length of the first strap of the first attachment device is substantially longer than the width of the first strap; and wherein the first strap of the first attachment device has a first end which is fixed to the first end of the cushion device and a second end which is free, and the first and second ends of the first strap of the first attachment device oppose each other and are separated by the length of the first strap.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the second attachment device includes a first strap having a first and second sides fixed to a body portion of the cushion device, wherein the first and second sides of the second attachment device oppose each other; wherein the first strap of the second attachment device is fixed to the body portion of the cushion device in a manner which allows the second end of the first strap of the first attachment device to be inserted between the body portion of the cushion device and the first strap of the second attachment device, in order to attach the first strap of the first attachment device to the first strap of the second attachment device and thereby connect the first end of the cushion device with the second end of the cushion device; and. wherein in the rolled state, the cushion device is rolled so that the first end and the second end of the cushion device are separated by a distance approximately equal to the width of the cushion device, and a portion of the cushion device having the width of the cushion device is between the first end and the second end of the cushion device;

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the first attachment device includes a second strap having a length and a width, wherein the length of the second strap of the first attachment device is substantially longer than the width of the second strap; and wherein the second strap of the first attachment device has a first end which is fixed to the first end of the cushion device and a second end which is free, and the first and second ends of the second strap of the first attachment device oppose each other and are separated by the length of the second strap of the first attachment device.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first strap of the first attachment device is fixed to a first part of the body portion of the cushion device; the second strap of the first attachment device is fixed to a second part of the body portion of the cushion device, which is opposite the first part of the body portion of the cushion device.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the second attachment device includes a second strap having a first and second sides fixed to the body portion of the cushion device, wherein the first and second sides of the second strap of the second attachment device oppose each other; and wherein the second strap of the second attachment device is fixed to the body portion of the cushion device in a manner which allows the second end of the first strap of the first attachment device to be inserted between the body portion of the cushion device and the second strap of the second attachment device, in order to attach the first strap of the first attachment device to the second strap of the second attachment device and thereby connect the first end of the cushion device with the second end of the cushion device.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the first strap of the second attachment device is attached to a first part of the body portion of the cushion device and the second strap of the second attachment device is attached to a second part of the body portion of the cushion device, which is opposite the first part of the body portion of the cushion device.

21. The method of claim 12 wherein the cushion device includes an outer covering and an inner pillow, and the outer covering has an insertion device which is configured to be opened or closed, and which when opened exposes an opening leading to an inner chamber, and the inner pillow can be inserted through the opening and into the inner chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a top, left side perspective view of a filling for an internal pillow of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a top, left side perspective view of the internal pillow including the filling of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a top, left side perspective view of an outer covering into which the internal pillow of FIG. 2 can be inserted;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a top, right side perspective view of the outer covering of FIG. 3;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, including the filing of FIG. 1 inside the internal pillow of FIG. 2, inside the outer covering of FIG. 3, with the filling and the internal pillow not visible in FIG. 5, and with the apparatus in a first state;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, with the apparatus in a second state; and

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus, that may be similar or identical to the apparatus of FIG. 5, with the apparatus of FIG. 7 in a third state, and also various items shown with the apparatus of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a top, left side perspective view of a filling 10 for an internal pillow 20 of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top, left side perspective view of the internal pillow 20 including the filling 10 of FIG. 1, wherein the filling cannot be seen in FIG. 2.

[0034] The filling 10 may be any known filling for a pillow. The filling 10 may be soft, elastic, compressible, and flexible. The filling 10 may have a first end 10a and a second end 10b. The filling 10 may be L1 inches long, wherein L1 may be about 48 inches or four feet. The filling 10 may have a three and half inch width or diameter. The filling 10 may be shaped in the form of an elongated tube.

[0035] The internal pillow 20 may include an outer covering 21 and the filling 10 within a chamber within the outer covering 21. The outer covering 21 may have a length L1 which is the same or slightly larger than the length L1 of the filling 10, and a width or diameter W1 which is the same as or slightly larger than the width W1 of the filling 10. The outer covering 21 may be some type of elongated, tubular shaped cloth, sheet or material, having an inner chamber, not shown, into which the filling 10 can be inserted as in FIG. 2, in order to form the internal pillow 20. The internal pillow 20 may have a first end 20a and a second end 20b.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a top, left side perspective view of an outer covering 30 into which the internal pillow 20 of FIG. 2 can be inserted. The outer covering 30 may have a length L1 which is the same or slightly larger than the length L1 of the internal pillow 20, and a width or diameter W1 which is the same as or slightly larger than the width W1 of the internal pillow 20. The outer covering 30 may be some type of elongated, tubular shaped cloth, sheet or material, having an inner chamber, not shown, into which the internal pillow 20 can be inserted, in order to form the apparatus 40 of FIGS. 5 and 6. The outer covering 30 may have a first end 30a and a second end 30b. The outer covering 30 may have straps 32 and 34, each of which has a first end attached at or near end 30b of a body portion 31, and a second end which is free, i.e. not attached. Each of straps 32 and 34 may be elongated and each may have a length L2 and a width W2, wherein the length L2 is substantially greater than the width W2. The length L2 may be about twenty-seven inches and the width W2 may be about two and one half inches. The straps 32 and 34 are elongated to make them easy to tie together and have a relatively thin width to easily fit underneath strap 36 and/or strap 37, such as for example, between strap 36 and body portion 31 and/or between strap 37 and body portion 31.

[0037] The outer covering 30 may have a strap 36 attached to the outside of the body portion 31 at or near end 30a. The strap 36 is sewn or otherwise attached to body portion 31 on side 36d and opposing side 36a, and is not attached to body portion 31 on side 36b and opposing side 36c. This allows, for example strap 32 to be inserted underneath strap 36 through or by side 36b, between strap 36 and body portion 31, and then under strap 36, and pulled out on side 36c, to thereby attach the strap 32 to the strap 36 to pull end 30a towards end 30b as shown in FIG. 5.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a top, right side perspective view of the outer covering 30 of FIG. 3. The outer covering 30 may have a strap 37 attached to the outside of the body portion 31 at or near end 30a, on the right side. The strap 37 is sewn or otherwise attached to body portion 31 on side 37d and opposing side 37a, and is not attached to body portion 31 on side 37b and opposing side 37c. This allows, for example strap 34 or strap 32 to be inserted underneath strap 37 through or by side 37b, between strap 37 and body portion 31, and then under strap 37, and pulled out on side 37c, to thereby attach the strap 32 or 34 to the strap 37 to pull end 30a towards end 30b as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

[0039] FIG. 4 also shows a zipper 38. The zipper 38 may be unzipped to allow the insertion of the internal pillow 20, which includes the filling 10 inside of pillow 20. After the pillow 20 and filling 10 is inserted into an inner chamber of the outer covering 30, the zipper 38 may be closed to effectively seal or substantially seal the pillow and filling 10 within an inner chamber, not shown of the outer covering 30. The zipper 38 may be considered to be or to be part of an insertion device which can expose an opening to allow the pillow 20 to be inserted through the opening and into the inner chamber of the outer covering 30.

[0040] The outer covering 30 also has attached to its body portion 31, a pocket 39. The pocket 39 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the body portion 31 on three sides, 39a, 39b, and 39c, and may be unattached to the body portion 31, on side 39d. This allows an object to be inserted through or by side 39d and between the pocket 39 and the body portion 31, so that the object can be held within pocket 39.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, including the filing 10 of FIG. 1 inside the internal pillow 20 of FIG. 2, inside the outer covering 30 of FIG. 3, with the filling 10 and the internal pillow 20 not visible in FIG. 5, and with the apparatus 40 in a first state. In the first state the apparatus 40 has been curled, bent, and/or rolled up, and the straps 32 and 34 hang loosely.

[0042] The apparatus 40, such as for example, including outer covering 30, filling 10, and internal pillow 20 may be considered a cushion device, and/or one or more of the components 10, 20, and 30 together or separately, or parts or combinations of components 10, 20, and/or 30, may be considered a cushion device.

[0043] The straps 32 and 34 shown in FIGS. 3-6, or corresponding or identical straps 132 and 134 shown in FIG. 7 together or separately may be considered an attachment device. The strap 36 shown in FIG. 3 and the strap 37 in FIG. 4 together or separately may be considered an attachment device. The attachment device of straps 32 and/or 34 can be attached or connected to the attachment device of straps 36 and/or 37 to thereby connect one end of a cushion device corresponding to apparatus 40 or components of apparatus 40, to an opposite end of the same cushion device. For example an end of apparatus 40 corresponding to or identical to end 30a of covering 30 may be connected to end 30b to connect opposing ends of apparatus 40 as in FIG. 6.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus 40 of FIG. 5, with the apparatus 40 in a second state. In the second state, the free end of the strap 32 has been inserted underneath strap 36 and to thereby hold and pull end 30a of the covering 30 towards the end 30b of the covering 30. The straps 32 and 34 have been partially tied together to further pulls end 30a towards end 30b. The free ends of straps 32 and 34 can be inserted underneath straps 36 and/or 37 and between straps 36 or 37 and body portion 31 to thereby hold or pull end 30a of the covering 30 towards end 30b as shown in FIG. 6.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus 140, that may be similar or identical to the apparatus 40 of FIGS. 5 and 6, with the apparatus 140 of FIG. 7 in a third state, and also various items shown with the apparatus 140 of FIG. 7. Various items can be inserted into pockets of the apparatus 140 or of the apparatus 40, or near the apparatus 140 or apparatus 40, For example, a book 200, markers 206 and 208, and Iphone (trademarked), and a bottle including a beverage 204. The apparatus 140 includes straps 132 and 134 which may be similar to or identical to straps 32 and 34 show in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0046] Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art.