APPARATUS FOR SECURING A PILLOW WITHIN A PILLOW CASE

Abstract

The present general inventive concept provides an apparatus for securing a pillow case in a closed position. The securing devices includes a first member and a second member. Each of the first member and the second member is comprised of a deformable material. The first member extends in parallel relation adjacent the second member, and the first and second member are connected at each member's respective first and second end. The securing device is configured to be manually moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first member is disposed from the second member to form an opening that is configured to receive at least a portion of a pillow case. In the second position, the first member is immediately adjacent to the second member such that pillow case extending intermediate thereof is immovable.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present general inventive concept relates to devices that have been developed that ensure a pillow does not extend or slide outside of a pillow case.

2. Description of Related Art

There have been previous devices that have been developed that are designed to ensure a pillow properly fits within a pillow case, such as fitted pillow cases. However, such devices fail to sufficiently ensure that the pillow within the pillow case does not extend or slide out of the pillow case.

Therefore, what is desired is a device that is quick, easy, and sufficiently ensures a pillow within a pillow case does not extend or slide out of the pillow case during sleep or other use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present general inventive concept provides an apparatus for securing a pillow case in a closed position. In exemplary embodiments, the securing device includes a first member and a second member. Each of the first member and the second member is comprised of a deformable material. Each member includes a respective outer surface that is disposed away from the other member, inner surface in facing relation with the other member, first end, and second end. The first member extends in parallel relation adjacent the second member, and wherein the first member and second member are connected at each member's respective first end and second end. The securing device is configured to be manually moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the inner surface of the first member is disposed from the inner surface of the second member to form an opening that is configured to receive at least a portion of a pillow case. In the second position, the inner surface of the first member is in immediately adjacent relation with the inner surface of the second member such that pillow case extending intermediate thereof is immovable.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, with the pillow case extending through the opening, the securing device is configured to be manually rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case to secure the pillow case in a closed position.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the securing device further includes at least one locking flange that is in operative connection with one of the first end or the second end of the first or second member, and that is manually moveable between a flange open position and a flange closed position. In the flange closed position, the securing device is operative to prevent the pillow case from moving out of the closed position.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the securing device further includes at least one securing clip. The securing clip is releasably engageable with one of the first member or second member and the pillow case and is configured to secure the pillow case to the first or second member.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the deformable material of the first or second member comprises a pliable metal.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second members have an outer coating of soft material comprising at least one of silicone or rubber.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the respective inner surface of each of the first and second member includes at least one slip prevention pad. The slip prevention pad prevents the pillow case from moving from intermediate the inner surfaces of the members when the securing device is in the second position.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, in the closed position of the pillow case, a pillow housed therein is prevented from extending outside of the pillow case.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, in the closed position of the pillow case, excess pillow case material is rolled around the securing device, and with the locking flange in the flange closed position, the excess material is prevented from unrolling.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the present general inventive concept provides an apparatus for securing a pillow case in a closed position. The securing device includes a first member and a second member. Each of the first member and the second member is comprised of a deformable material and each includes a respective first end and second end. The first member extends in parallel relation adjacent to the second member, and the first member and second member are connected at each member's respective first end and second end. The securing device is configured to be moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first member is disposed from the second member to form an opening that is configured to receive at least a portion of a pillow case. In the second position, the first member is in immediately adjacent relation with the second member such that the pillow case extending intermediate thereof is immovable.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, in the second position of the securing device, the securing device is configured to be manually rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case to secure the pillow case in a closed position. In the pillow case closed position excess pillow case material is rolled in surrounding relation of the securing device.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the securing device further includes at least one locking flange that is in operative connection with one of the first end or the second end of the first or second member. The locking flange is manually moveable to a flange closed position in which the rolled excess pillowcase material is prevented from unrolling.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the securing device further includes at least one securing clip that is releasably engageable with one of the first member or second member and the pillow case. The securing clip is configured to secure the pillow case to the first or second member.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the deformable material of the first or second member may be a pliable metal.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second member have an outer coating of soft material.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first and second member includes at least one slip prevention pad. The slip prevention pad is disposed in facing relation with the other member and prevents the pillow case from moving from intermediate the first member and second member when the securing device is in the closed position.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, in the closed position of the pillow case, a pillow housed therein is prevented from extending outside of the pillow case.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the present general inventive concept provides an apparatus for securing a pillow case in a closed position including a securing device. The securing device includes at least one member of deformable material that includes a respective first end and second end. The member is configured to extend adjacent an open end of the pillow case with the pillow case positioned intermediate of the first end and second end. The securing device is configured to be moved to a first position in which the securing device is aligned adjacent to the open end of the pillow case. The securing device is configured to be moved to a second position in which the securing device is configured to maintain the pillow case in a closed position.

In alternative embodiments, in the second position of the securing device, the securing device is configured to be manually rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case to further secure the pillow case in the closed position.

In alternative embodiments, in the first position, the securing device is secured to the pillow through at least one of the following: a securing clip that is releasably engageable with the member and is configured to secure the pillow case to the member; and a locking flange, that is in operative connection with the first end or the second end of the member and is manually moveable to a flange closed position in which the pillow case is prevented from unrolling.

Additional features and embodiments of the present general inventive concept will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pillow case securing device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1 in use with a pillow case;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an exemplary first position (P1);

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an exemplary second position (P2);

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1. after having been rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case;

FIG. 6 is front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept; and

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The exemplary embodiments are described below in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pillow case securing device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1 in use with a pillow case. FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an exemplary first position (P1). FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an exemplary second position (P2).

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the pillow case securing device, designated generally as 100, is illustrated. In the present embodiment, the pillow case securing device 100 is designed and configured to ensure that a pillow within a pillow case does not extend or slide out of the pillow case during sleep or other use. The pillow case securing device 100 is specifically designed to be easy and efficient to use, saving time and resources for the user by preventing them from having to constantly fix the pillow case. That is, the pillow case securing device 100 is designed to secure a pillow within a pillow case such that the pillow does not extend outside the pillow case by enabling a user to maneuver the securing device to a position in which the pillow case is closed and a pillow within the pillow case is immovable. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the pillow case securing device 100 includes a first member 102 and a second member 104. The exemplary first member 102 and second member 104 are comprised of a deformable material such that the members 102 and 104 can be moved between different positions and to hold such positions. That is, the exemplary deformable material is configured to be deformed to one position and to hold that position. The exemplary deformable material is configured to be deformed to a plurality of positions and to hold such positions. In exemplary arrangements, the deformable material may comprise a generally planar or wire shaped portion or length of pliable metal. In alternative embodiments, the deformable material may be comprised of a flexible rubber or silicone band. However, the deformable material may comprise any material designed to behave in the manner discussed herein.

The exemplary first member 102 includes an outer surface 106 and an inner surface 108. Similarly, second member 104 includes an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 112. The respective outer surfaces 106 and 110 are arranged such that the outer surfaces face away from the other opposing member 102 or 104. The respective inner surfaces 108 and 112 are arranged to be in facing relation with each other. That is, the inner surfaces 108 and 112 are arranged to be in facing relation with the opposing member 102 or 104.

The exemplary first member 102 includes a first end 114 and a second end 116. The first member 102 extends lengthwise between the first end 114 and second end 116. Similarly, the second member 104 includes a first end 118 and a second end 120 and extends lengthwise between the ends 118 and 120.

The exemplary first member 102 extends in generally parallel relation with the second member 104. The first member 102 is connected to the second member 104 at their respective first ends 114 and 118. The first member 102 and the second member 104 are connected at their respective second ends 116 and 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, in exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept the securing device 100 is configured to be used in connection with a pillow case 122 to secure an open end 124 of the pillow case in a closed position. As will become apparent, the securing device 100 is manually arranged around the open end of the pillow case, moved to a pillow case securing position, and then rolled toward a closed end 126 of the pillow case 122. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto.

In exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept, the securing device 100 is configured to be manually movable between a first position (P1), as shown in FIG. 3, and a second position (P2), as shown in FIG. 4. In the first position (P1), the inner surface 108 of the first member 102 is disposed from the inner surface 112 of the second member 104 to form an opening 128 of the securing device 100, opening 128 is best shown in FIG. 1. The opening 128 of the securing device 100 is configured to receive at least a portion of the pillow case 122 therethrough. The exemplary deformable material of the first member 102 and the second member 104 is designed to hold the first position (P1) of the securing device 100 until further user manipulation of the securing device 100. For example, in use, an exemplary user manually threads the open end 124 of the pillow case 122 through the opening 128.

In the second position (P2) of the securing device 100, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 108 of the first member 102 is in immediately adjacent (close proximity) with the inner surface 112 of the second member 104 such that the portion of the pillow case 122 extending through the opening 128 is immovable. That is, in (P2) the first member 102 and the second member 104 are in closer proximity to one another than in (P1) such that pillow case 122 is pressed between the inner surfaces 108 and 112 of the first and second member 102 and 104, respectively, and is held immovable from the position intermediate the first and second members.

For example, the exemplary user manually forces the first member 102 and 104 toward one to clamp down on the pillow case 122. The exemplary deformable material of the first member 102 and the second member 104 is designed to be easily moved by the user from (P1) to (P2). The exemplary deformable material of the members 102 and 104 is designed to hold or maintain the second position (P2) after being manually forced to (P2) by the user. That is, once the securing device 100 is manipulated to (P2) by the user, the deformable material is designed to maintain the device 100 in (P2) until further user manipulation. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 1. after having been rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case.

Referring now to FIG. 5, after a user has manipulated the securing device 100 to the second position (P2), the exemplary securing device 100 is designed to be manually rolled by the user toward the closed end 126 of the pillow case 122. That is, the user rolls the securing device 100, with a portion of the pillow case 122 locked between the first member 102 and the second member 104, toward the closed end 126 of the pillow case 122. During the rolling of the pillow case 122, the excess pillow case material is rolled (accumulated) around the outer surfaces 106 and 110 of the first member 102 and second member 104.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept. FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, in alternative embodiments of the present general inventive concept, the securing device 100 further includes a pair of locking flanges 130. However, in certain embodiments, the securing device 100 may include a single locking flange 130. The pair of locking flanges 130 are in operative connection with either of the first member 102 or the second member 104 adjacent to the respective members' first and second end.

The pair of locking flanges 130 may be comprised of the deformable materials discussed herein. Further, the locking flanges 130 may include a Velcro® surface to hold the locking flange 130 fixed against the pillow case material in a locking flange closed position, as will become apparent. However, other materials or devices may be used to hold the locking flange 130 fixed against the pillow case material in the locking flange closed position.

The exemplary locking flanges 130 are designed to be manually moveable between a flange open position as shown in FIG. 6, and a flange closed position as shown in FIG. 7. In the flange open position, the securing device 100 enabled to be rolled toward the closed end of the pillowcase 126 and the excess pillowcase material is enabled to be rolled around the outer surfaces 106 and 110 of the first and second member 102 and 104.

In the closed position, the locking flanges 130 are designed to hold the rolled excess pillow case material securely against the outer surfaces 106 and 110 of the first member 102 or second member 104. That is, in the closed position of the locking flanges 130, the securing device 100 is not able to be unrolled. Further, the pillow case 122 is in a closed position in which the pillow case is prevented from unrolling from around the securing device 100, and a pillow housed within the pillowcase is prevented from extending or sliding outside of the pillow case 122. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept. FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, in alternative embodiments of the present general inventive concept, the securing device 100 further includes a plurality of releasably engageable securing clips 132. The exemplary clips 132 are designed to be connected and disconnected with the securing device 100. In certain embodiments, the clips 132 may be permanently attached to a portion of the first member 102 or the second member 104.

The exemplary securing clips 132 are designed to be releasably engageable with either the first member 102 or the second member 104 and to secure a portion of the pillowcase thereto. That is, the securing clips 132 are configured to secure the pillow case to the first member 102 or the second member 104. The securing clips 132 are operative to maintain the pillow case 122 attached to one of the first or second members 102 or 104 after the pillow case 122 has been threaded through the securing device opening 128 and while the user is manipulating the securing device from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept. FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the pillow case securing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, in alternative embodiments, a securing device 200 is provided. The exemplary securing device 200 comprises one member 202 having an outer surface 206, an inner surface 208, a first end 214, and a second end 216. The securing device 200 may include at least one locking flange 230, or may be used in connection with securing clips 232 that identical to securing clips 132. In such embodiments, the securing device 200 is designed to extend fully across the front or back of the pillow case adjacent the open end thereof. The locking flanges 230 are then folded and secured around the lateral ends of the pillow case and are designed to hold the lateral end portions of the pillow case fixed between a surface of the member and a surface of the locking flange 130, thereby securing the member 202 to the pillowcase. Alternatively, the user may use securing clips to secure the member 202 to the pillow case. Thereafter, a user may roll the securing device 100 toward the closed end of the pillow case to secure the pillow case in a closed position and ensure the pillow does not extend or slide out of the pillow case.

In alternative embodiments, the first member 102 and second member 104 include an outer coating over the entire member to protect a user or sleeping person during use. The exemplary outer coating may be a cloth, silicone, a rubber, or any other soft and/or plush material that will prevent damage or harm to the user from use of the securing device 100. In certain embodiments, the outer coating may include hypoallergenic properties.

In alternative embodiments, the securing device 100 may further include at least one slip prevention pad 134. The exemplary slip prevention pad 134 is arranged on at least one of the inner surfaces 108 or 112 of the first member 102 or second member 104. The exemplary slip prevention pad 134 is designed to grip or hold onto the pillow case 122 and prevent movement thereof when the securing device is in the second position (P2) with the pillow case 122 extending therethrough. That is, in (P2), the pressure applied by the first member 102 and second member 104 against the pillow case 122 extending in contacting relation with the slip prevention pad 134 is operative to hold the pillow case 122 immovable relative to the pad 134 and to prevent the pillow case 122 from moving out from intermediate the inner surfaces of the first member 102 and second member 104.

In alternative embodiments, the first member 102 and the second member 104 may be connected at only one end. In this manner, the opening 128 may be created by disposing or manually separating the nonconnected ends of the first member 102 and second member 104 to enable a portion of the pillow case 122 to be placed between the first member 102 and second member 104. In such embodiments, the user closes the unconnected ends of the first member 102 and second member 104 to secure the pillow case therebetween. After the user rolls the securing device 100, the locking flange 130 is used to secure the rolled excess pillow case material to prevent unrolling and to lock the unconnected ends of the members 102 and 104 immediately adjacent to one another to prevent inadvertent separation thereof.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the first and second members 102 and 104 may be extendable and retractable to accommodate pillow cases of varying size. That is, each member may comprise an outer sleeve and an extendable insert with a locking mechanism, for example, a manually engageable recess and projection. The exemplary outer sleeve may be connected to the other member at one end, and the extendable insert is connected to the other member at the opposing end. The exemplary member may be lengthened by pulling the extendable insert outward from within the inner sleeve and engaging the recess and projection to lock the securing device at this length. Similarly, to retract the device for a smaller pillow case, the user disengages the recess and projection and manipulates the extendable insert back into the outer sleeve until the appropriate length of the securing device is achieved. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto.

In alternative embodiments, the securing device 100 be made in varying lengths that a user can select to accommodate the appropriate size of the pillow case.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments, and combinations of the features and relationships disclosed herein may be combined to form alternative embodiments, without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Apparatus for securing a pillow case in a closed position, comprising: a securing device, wherein the securing device includes a first member and a second member, wherein each of the first member and the second member is comprised of a deformable material and each includes a respective outer surface, wherein the outer surface is disposed away from the other member,inner surface, wherein the inner surface is in facing relation with the other member,first end, andsecond end,wherein the first member extends in parallel relation adjacent the second member, and wherein the first member and second member are connected at each member's respective first end and second end,wherein the securing device is configured to be manually moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the inner surface of the first member is disposed from the inner surface of the second member to form an opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a pillow case, andwherein in the second position, the inner surface of the first member is in immediately adjacent relation with the inner surface of the second member such that the pillow case extending intermediate thereof is immovable.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the closed position and with the pillow case extending intermediate the first and second members, the securing device is configured to be manually rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case to secure the pillow case in a closed position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the securing device further includes at least one locking flange, wherein the locking flange is in operative connection with one of the first end or the second end of the first or second member, and wherein the locking flange is manually moveable between a flange open position and a flange closed position, wherein in the flange closed position, the securing device is operative to prevent the pillow case from moving out of the closed position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further including at least one securing clip, wherein the securing clip is releasably engageable with one of the first member or second and the pillow case, wherein the securing slip is configured to secure the pillow case to the first or second member.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the deformable material of the first or second member comprises a pliable metal.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second members have an outer coating of soft material comprising at least one of silicone or rubber.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the respective inner surface of each of the first and second member includes at least one slip prevention pad, wherein the slip prevention pad prevents the pillow case from moving from intermediate the inner surfaces of the members when the securing device is in the second position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in the closed position of the pillow case, a pillow housed therein is prevented from extending outside of the pillow case.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in the closed position of the pillow case, excess pillow case material is rolled around the securing device and with the locking flange in the flange closed position the excess material is prevented from unrolling.

10. Apparatus for securing a pillow case in a closed position, comprising: a securing device, wherein the securing device includes a first member and a second member, wherein each of the first member and the second member is comprised of a deformable material and each includes a respective first end and second end, andwherein the first member extends adjacent the second member, andwherein the first member and second member are connected at each member's respective first end and second end,wherein the securing device is configured to be moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the first member is disposed from the second member to form an opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a pillow case, andwherein in the second position, the first member is in immediately adjacent relation with the second member such that the pillow case extending intermediate thereof is immovable.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in the second position of the securing device, the securing device is configured to be manually rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case to secure the pillow case in a closed position, wherein in the pillow case closed position excess pillow case material is rolled in surrounding relation of the securing device.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the securing device further includes at least one locking flange, wherein the locking flange is in operative connection with one of the first end or the second end of the first or second member, and wherein the locking flange is manually moveable to a flange closed position in which the rolled excess pillowcase material is prevented from unrolling.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further including at least one securing clip, wherein the securing clip is releasably engageable with one of the first member or second member and the pillow case, and wherein the securing clip is configured to secure the pillow case to the first or second member.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the deformable material of the first or second member comprises a pliable metal.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each of the first and second member have an outer coating of soft material.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the first and second member includes at least one slip prevention pad, wherein the slip prevention pad is disposed in facing relation with the other member and prevents the pillow case from moving from intermediate the first member and second member when the securing device is in the closed position.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein in the closed position of the pillow case, a pillow housed therein is prevented from extending outside of the pillow case.

18. Apparatus for securing a pillow case in a closed position, comprising: a securing device, wherein the securing device comprises at least one member of deformable material, wherein the member includes a respective first end and second end, andwherein the member is configured to extend adjacent an open end of the pillow case with the pillow case positioned intermediate of the first end and second end,wherein the securing device is configured to be moved to a first position, wherein in the first position the securing device is aligned adjacent the open end of the pillow case, andwherein the securing device is configured to be moved to a second position, wherein in the second position, the securing device is configured to maintain the pillow case in a closed position.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein in the second position of the securing device, the securing device is configured to be manually rolled toward a closed end of the pillow case to further secure the pillow case in the closed position.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein in the first position, the securing device is secured to the pillow through at least one of the following: a securing clip, wherein the securing clip is releasably engageable with one of the member and is configured to secure the pillow case to the first or second member; anda locking flange, wherein the locking flange is in operative connection with the first end or the second end of the member and is manually moveable to a flange closed position in which the pillow case is prevented from unrolling.