PILLOW WITH INTERNAL STORAGE COMPARTMENT

Abstract

A pillow with internal shielding storage compartment including a pillow body defining an internal cavity, with an outer cushion layer of a deformably resilient material flanking the internal cavity, having an outer surface continuously spanning around the pillow body, and having a pillow length separating the left and right ends, wherein the pillow body also includes an inner layer enclosing the internal cavity, of a material more rigid than the deformably resilient material of the outer cushion layer and substantially spanning the pillow length, of a thickness less than 25 mm, and configured to attenuate radio frequencies ranging up to 3 Ghz. The pillow body also defines an opening providing access to the internal cavity and that can be selectively opened and closed.

Claims

1. A pillow with internal shielding storage compartment comprising: a pillow body: defining an internal cavity; with an outer cushion layer of a deformably resilient material flanking the internal cavity, having a left end, having a right end opposing the left end, having an upper end, having a lower end opposing the upper end, having an outer surface continuously spanning around the pillow body, and having a pillow length separating the left and right ends; with an inner layer enclosing the internal cavity, of a material more rigid than the deformably resilient material of the outer cushion layer and substantially spanning the pillow length, of a thickness less than 25 mm, and configured to attenuate radio frequencies ranging up to 3 Ghz; and defining an opening disposed proximal to the left end that is spatially coupled to the internal cavity, the opening operably configured to have a selectively opened position and a selectively closed position with at least one fastener coupled to the pillow body.

2. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the outer cushion layer is of a fabric material.

3. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the outer cushion layer is of a foam material.

4. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the outer cushion layer and the inner layer are adhesively coupled to one another.

5. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is of metallic material.

6. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is coated with a metallic material and is made of at least one of a polymeric material and a paper-based material.

7. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer further comprises: a static unflexed position with the internal cavity of a diameter ranging from 50-152 mm; and a dynamically flexed position with the internal cavity of a diameter approximately 50% less than the diameter of the internal cavity in the static unflexed position.

8. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer spans at least 75% of the pillow length.

9. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is encapsulated by the outer cushion layer when the opening is in the selectively closed position.

10. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the pillow body further comprises: two zipper tracks each flanking the opening and with the at least one fastener coupled to one of the two zipper tracks, the two zipper tracks and the at least one fastener operably configured to place the opening in the selectively closed position.

11. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the pillow body further comprises: a clip coupled to the pillow body and with two clip members operably configured to selectively open and close, thereby retaining a cable thereto.

12. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is of a substantially rigid and flexible material.

13. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the inner layer unitarily spans the pillow length.

14. A pillow with internal shielding storage compartment comprising: a pillow body: defining an internal cavity; with an outer cushion layer of a deformably resilient material flanking the internal cavity, having a left end, having a right end opposing the left end, having an upper end, having a lower end opposing the upper end, having an outer surface continuously spanning around the pillow body, and having a pillow length separating the left and right ends; with an inner layer enclosing the internal cavity, of a substantially rigid and flexible material that is more rigid than the deformably resilient material of the outer cushion layer and that substantially spans the pillow length, and of a slender thickness substantially spanning the pillow body; and defining an opening disposed proximal to the left end that is spatially coupled to the internal cavity, the opening operably configured to have a selectively opened position and a selectively closed position with at least one fastener coupled to the pillow body.

15. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 14, wherein the inner layer is of a thickness less than 25 mm.

16. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 14, wherein the inner layer further comprises: a static unflexed position with the internal cavity of a diameter ranging from 50-152 mm; and a dynamically flexed position with the internal cavity of a diameter approximately 50% less than the diameter of the internal cavity in the static unflexed position.

17. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 14, wherein the inner layer is encapsulated by the outer cushion layer when the opening is in the selectively closed position.

18. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 14, wherein the inner layer is configured to attenuate radio frequencies ranging up to 3 Ghz.

19. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 18, wherein the inner layer is of metallic material.

20. The pillow with internal shielding storage compartment according to claim 18, wherein the inner layer is coated with a metallic material and is made of at least one of a polymeric material and a paper-based material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective side view of a pillow with internal RF shielding storage compartment in an open configuration, in accordance with the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective and partial side view of a pillow with internal RF shielding storage compartment with a remote control protruding therefrom, in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective front view of the pillow assembly with internal storage compartment according to FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective top view of the pillow assembly with internal storage compartment, in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective side view of the pillow assembly with internal storage compartment in a closed configuration, in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective top view of the pillow assembly with internal storage compartment in use, in accordance with the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pillow assembly with internal storage compartment, in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 8 depicts a partial cross-sectional front view of the pillow assembly with internal storage compartment, in accordance with the present invention; and

[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pillow assembly with internal storage compartment in use, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0032] The present invention provides a novel and efficient pillow assembly with internal storage compartment designed to prevent a user from inadvertently losing key items among the bed sheets, comforters, quilts, blankets, sleeping pillows, throw pillows, plushed toys, and other bedding accessories that are typically found on a bed and to easily locate and reach such key items without expending valuable time and physical energy looking for the same. Embodiments of the invention provide an assembly that is particularly useful to users with limited mobility or who are otherwise physically constrained and have difficulty reaching, standing, sitting up, or moving. Beneficially, the present invention combines several functionalities and features into one compact assembly that doubles as a pillow. Specifically, the assembly serves as a pillow that a user may lay or rest on while containing an internal compartment configured to house small or medium-sized items like television remotes, cellphones, reading glasses, books, etc. The size and shape of the assembly may also vary to accommodate different needs and preferences, e.g., an assembly that is longer in length to serve as a body pillow. The invention also beneficially shields the user from certain radio frequencies that many users find problematic.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective side view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of pillow with internal RF shielding storage compartment 100 (referred to hereinafter as assembly 100 for brevity), as shown in FIG. 1, includes a pillow body 102 that may be shaped and sized in various shapes and dimensions. In preferred embodiments, the pillow body 102 is rectangular and is formed with widthlength dimension of approximately 20 in.26 in. (50 cm66 cm), 20 in.30 in. (50 cm76 cm), 20 in.36 in. (50 cm91 cm), or 20 in.54 in. (50 cm137 cm).

[0034] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the pillow body 102 can be seen defining an internal cavity 108 that may also be of a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the pillow body 102 but is preferably smaller in length than the overall length of the pillow body 102. Specifically, the pillow body 102 includes an outer cushion layer 104 of a deformably resilient material that flanks the internal cavity 108 on opposing sides, directly or indirectly, and includes a left end 300, a right end 302 opposing the left end 300, an upper end 304, a lower end 306 opposing the upper end 304, an outer surface 106 continuously spanning around the pillow body 102, and a pillow length 800 separating the left and right ends 300, 302. The pillow length 800 corresponds to the length of the pillow body 102. In one embodiment, the outer cushion layer 104 is made of a deformably resilient material, e.g., feather, polyester fill, organic cotton, memory foam, latex. Said differently, the outer surface 106 of the outer cushion layer 104 may be made completely or partially of a fabric material and, in some embodiments, may also include a separate layer or encasing for the deformably resilient material. In one embodiment, the outer cushion layer 102 is of a foam material, wherein said material advantageously provides the most efficient tradeoff between comfort and rigidity needed to protect the contents within the internal cavity 108.

[0035] The pillow body 102 also includes an inner layer 110 enclosing the internal cavity 108 and, in some embodiments, completely encapsulating the internal cavity 108. The inner layer 110 is preferably of a substantially rigid and flexible material that enables the internal cavity 108 to deform, but not completely lay flat, under normal compression forces caused by a user's head or body weight, e.g., up to 10 lbs. Said another way, the inner layer 110 is preferably of a material more rigid than the deformably resilient material of the outer cushion layer 104 and, because of its thickness and material characteristics, allows it to bend, but not elastically deform. In one embodiment, the inner layer 110 substantially spans (i.e., greater than 70%) the pillow length 800 and may otherwise completely encapsulate the internal cavity 108. In one embodiment, based on the testing, the inner layer 110 should span at least 75% of the pillow length 800. The inner layer 110 is preferably of a thickness less than 25 mm so, as discussed above, the inner layer can flex when the user's applies compressive forces thereon. Also in preferred embodiments, the thickness of the inner layer 110 unitarily spans the pillow length 800 (whether substantially or completely).

[0036] The outer cushion layer 104 and the inner layer 110 are, in one embodiment, adhesively coupled to one another. In other embodiments, the layers 104, 110 may be coupled to one another with gravity, with fastener(s), or by other means. In one embodiment, the inner layer 110 is of metallic material or a polymeric material or paper-based material. In one embodiment, the inner layer 110 is of a material or otherwise has material characteristic, wherein it has a static unflexed position (e.g., like FIG. 4) with the internal cavity 108 of a diameter (e.g., 700, see FIG. 7) ranging from 50-152 mm and a dynamically flexed position (e.g., like FIG. 5) with the internal cavity 108 of a diameter approximately 50% less than the diameter of the internal cavity 108 in the static unflexed position. With reference to FIG. 5, the term dynamically flexed position means a position caused by an external force (e.g., like the force 500 caused by a user's head) that causes the inner layer 110 to flex, wherein the static unflexed position is the inherent position or orientation of the inner layer 110 without any external force applied on the outer surface of the inner layer 110 (directly or indirectly)-with the exception of the force applied by the outer cushion layer 104 or covering.

[0037] Some exemplary materials for the inner layer 110 include a copper, nickel, silver, aluminum, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), nylon (PA), or other polymeric or metallic material having a thickness of approximately 5-38 mm (e.g., commonly referred to as thin sheet) that may be uniform in thickness spanning the length of the inner layer 110. The inner layer 110 material may also be made with a wood, rag, textile, or grass material having a thickness of approximately 5-50 mm. Beneficially, the inner layer 110 is also configured to beneficially attenuate radio frequencies ranging up to 3 Ghz. Said another way, the inner layer 110 inhibits or blocks the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted from a device within the internal cavity 108 by, in preferred embodiments, EMF barriers or liners made with conductive or magnetic materials, e.g., copper, nickel, bronze, aluminum, gold, brass, etc. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the inner layer 110 is coated with a metallic material, e.g., metallic ink like copper or similar material, especially when the inner layer 110 is formed from a polymeric material or paper-based material. The EMF shielding serves to minimize electromagnetic interference and emissions from the internal cavity 108. In particular, thin sheet aluminum, which has a low density, allows EMF shielding with the strength as thicker sheets made from other metals. As such, the inner layer 110 can inhibit or block a variety of RF bands (exemplified in FIG. 9), including the PCS band and AWS band, which many users desire.

[0038] The opening 112 defined by the pillow body 102 may be disposed proximally (e.g., at or nearwithin 10% of the overall length of the pillow body 102) to the left end 300 of the pillow body 102. The opening 112 is also spatially coupled to the internal cavity 108 and is operably configured to have a selectively opened position (e.g., providing complete edge to edge access into the cavity) and a selectively closed position (e.g., that is completely sealed) with at least one fastener 116 coupled to the pillow body 102. This feature enables the user to selectively access and seal the internal cavity 108 to place or remove personal items, including a user's electronic device, namely a cellular phone or remote. In preferred embodiments, the inner layer 110 is encapsulated by the outer cushion layer 104 when the opening 112 is in the selectively closed position, thereby preventing the personal item(s) within the internal cavity 108 from becoming inadvertently dislodged or removed.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fastener(s) on the pillow body 102 used to selectively open and close the opening 112 include two zipper tracks 114 each flanking the opening 112 and at least one fastener 308 coupled to one of the two zipper tracks 114, wherein the two zipper tracks 114 and the at least one fastener 308 are operably configured to place the opening 112 in the selectively closed position. The zipper tracks 114 and fastener 308 enable the opening 112 to be completely closed or sealed within the internal cavity 108. In other embodiments, the pillow body 102 may include magnets (shown in FIG. 2) or snaps that close the opening, but not completely (which is beneficial when desiring to extend a charging cable out of the pillow body 102).

[0040] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, as best shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the pillow body 102 includes a clip 802 coupled thereto and may include two clip members operably configured to selectively open and close, thereby retaining a cable thereto (e.g., a charging cable). The clip members may utilize a spring or other mechanism to apply selective compressive force to the cable. In one embodiment, the clip 802 may be coupled to a tether that may be selectively retracted and extended from the pillow body 102 (as shown in FIG. 8).

[0041] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.