COMFORT PILLOW

Abstract

A comfort pillow, comprising a first side, a second side having generally the same size and shape as the first side, a first panel partially joined to the second side and partially overlaying the second side in a first region, wherein the partial joining of the first panel to the second side forms a first storage compartment, wherein one or more articles may be frictionally stored within the storage compartment, and subsequently accessed, via the medial opening of the storage compartment, and a second panel partially joined to the second side and partially overlaying the second side in a second region adjacent the first region, wherein joining of the second panel to the second side forms a second storage compartment accessible, wherein the second storage compartment comprises a closure, and wherein one or more articles may be stored within the second storage compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soft or plush articles are often used for comfort by both children and adults. These articles may be soothing during times of grief or sadness, or if a user is experiencing anxiety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a comfort pillow having one or more storage compartments, and methods of making a using a comfort pillow. The comfort pillow may include a first side and a second side joined to the first side along the peripheral edges of the first and second sides. The second side may further include at least a first panel. The first panel may be partially joined to the second side in a first region and may partially overlay the second side in the first region, forming a first medial opening along a longitudinal axis of the pillow in, for instance, substantially the center thereof. The second side may further include at least one second panel. The second panel may be partially joined to the second side in a second region, and may partially overlay the second side in the second region. The second panel may form a second medial opening along a longitudinal axis of the pillow in, for instance, substantially the center thereof. The second panel may include a closure. One or more articles may be stored and subsequently accessed via the first and second medial openings. The comfort pillow may be formed from a soft, fuzzy material. An interior of the comfort pillow may be stuffed with a fill material.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming a comfort pillow as described herein. The method may include forming a comfort pillow by forming a first side and forming a second side having generally the same size and shape as the first side, and joining the first side and second side along respective peripheral edges. The method may further include forming a first panel and partially joining the first panel to the second side and partially overlaying the second side in a first region, wherein the partial joining of the first panel to the second side forms a storage compartment accessible from a first medial opening along a vertical axis of the pillow, wherein one or more articles may be frictionally stored within the storage compartment, and subsequently accessed, via the medial opening of the storage compartment. The method may also include forming a second panel and partially joining the second panel to the second side and partially overlaying the second side in a second region adjacent the first region, wherein the second panel comprises a closure to form a closeable storage compartment accessible from a second medial opening along the vertical axis of the pillow, wherein one or more articles may be stored within the closeable storage compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure, and the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a back view of an exemplary comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a back view of an exemplary comfort pillow illustrating an interior portion of a first panel according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a back view of an exemplary comfort pillow illustrating an interior portion of a first panel and a stored object according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a comfort article configured to be stored in a comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a back view of an exemplary comfort pillow illustrating interior portion of a first panel and a second panel according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an interior portion of an exemplary comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method 800 of forming a comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure.

Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the Detailed Description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Mechanical and structural changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

As illustrated in the accompanying Figures, the present disclosure relates to comfort pillows and methods of making and using comfort pillows. Comfort pillows according to embodiments of the disclosure may provide tactile comfort for a user and may also store one or more additional comfort articles. A user may retrieve a comfort article from one or more storage compartments of the comfort pillow and use one or both of the comfort pillow and comfort article as needed or desired.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary comfort pillow 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the comfort pillow may include a first continuously formed side (i.e., a front or first side 102). The first side 102 may be formed from a fabric or material having at least one side (surface) that is soft, fuzzy, and/or plush, such as fleece, shearling, flannel, or any other suitable natural or synthetic knit, woven or otherwise formed fabric material that provides tactile comfort when an external surface of the comfort pillow is in contact with a user. If the material is one-sided, such that only one surface of the material is soft, fuzzy, and/or plush, the comfort pillow 100 may be configured such that the soft, fuzzy, and/or plush surface side is externally facing. Comfort pillows according to embodiments of the disclosure may be formed from other materials, and materials may be modified as desired or to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, preferences, and the like. The comfort pillow may be any suitable shape, e.g., round, square, rectangular, heart shaped, oval, etc. In some embodiments, the overall dimensions of the comfort pillow are around 11″ W×10″ H×2″ D, but could be larger or smaller as needed.

FIG. 2 is a back view of an exemplary comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure. The comfort pillow may also include a second continuously formed side (i.e., a “back” or second side 104) joined to the first side 102. The terms “back” and “front” generally refer to the relative positions of the two sides of the pillow when a user is holding the pillow. For instance, the “back” side of the comfort pillow may face the user when held, and the “front” side of the comfort pillow may face away from the user when held. The shape and size of the second side 104 may conform generally to the first side 102. Similarly, second side 104 may be formed from a fabric or material having at least one side that is soft, fuzzy, and/or plush, such as fleece, shearling, flannel, or any other suitable natural or synthetic knit, woven or otherwise formed fabric material that provides tactile comfort when an external surface of the comfort pillow is in contact with a user. The material used for the first and second sides 102, 104 may be the same or different. The material may be machine-washable.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the comfort pillow, or components thereof, may be formed from a weighted material. In some instances, the first and second sides 102, 104 are formed from a weighted material. The material may be a continuously weighted material such that the density of the material is consistent across the area of the side, or may be quilted, baffled, or otherwise segmented, and weighted material may be inserted into each or a portion of the quilt panels, baffles, or segments. The weighted material may be located in regions of the comfort pillow that align with parts of the user's anatomy when, for instance, the pillow rests on the user. For instance, the weighted material may be concentrated in a region of the comfort pillow that would align with a wearer's chest, to help alleviate anxiety.

A cavity may be formed when the first and second sides 102, 104 are joined. The cavity may be stuffed or partially stuffed with a fill material (e.g., fill 118 of FIG. 7). The fill material may be a compressible material such as down, synthetic down, batting, foam core, and the like. The fill material may be weighted, or at least a portion of the fill material may be weighted. For instance, a density of at least one fill material may be greater than the density of at least one other fill material. The cavity holding the fill material may be fully sealed to prevent the fill material from falling out of the article. A zipper, hook and loop material, releasable adhesive, buttons, hooks, or other suitable means may be used to releasably join at least a portion of the first and second sides 102, 104, enabling insertion or removal of the fill material as needed. In some embodiments, interior surface of the one or more of the first and second sides 102, 104 may be lined with a backing material, to increase durability and help keep the fill material in the cavity.

The second side 104 may further include a first panel 106 that is partially attached to and overlays a portion of the outer surface of the second side 104. FIG. 3 is a back view of an exemplary comfort pillow illustrating an interior portion of a first panel 106 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In such embodiments, when the first panel 106 is joined to the second side 104, along, for instance, the peripheral edges of the first panel 106 and the peripheral edges of a first portion of the second side 104, a first medial separation or opening may be formed along a longitudinal axis of the second side 104 of the comfort pillow, creating a first storage compartment 107. The opening may be positioned substantially along a vertical center line of the second side 104. In other embodiments, the opening may be off-center.

The first panel 106 may include a reinforced edge 108 at the first medial opening. For example, an edge 108 of the first panel 106 may be folded over and sewn or otherwise attached to an adjacent portion of the first panel 106. The reinforced edge 108 may provide a visual indication of the separation between the first panel 106 and an outer surface of the second side 104. As with the first and second sides 102, 104 of the comfort pillow, the first panel 106 may be formed from a fabric or material having at least one side that is soft, fuzzy, and/or plush, such as fleece, shearling, flannel, or any other suitable natural or synthetic knit, woven or otherwise formed fabric material that provides tactile comfort when an external surface of the comfort pillow is in contact with a user. The material used for the first panel 106 may be the same as or different from the material used for the first and second sides 102, 104. Additionally, the first storage compartment 107 may be releasably secured to the exterior surface of the second side 104 in a first region or portion. For instance, a zipper, hook and loop fabric, releasable adhesive, buttons, hooks, or other suitable means may be used to releasably join at least a portion of the first medial edge of the first panel 106 and the second side 104.

In some embodiments, an interior surface of the first panel 106 may be lined with a smooth backing material 122 (e.g., nylon, vinyl, or waterproof material), to aid in cleaning the first panel 106 cavity if needed. To this end, an exterior surface of the portion of the second side 104 positioned underneath the first panel 106 may also be lined.

The second side 104 may further include at least one second panel 110. FIGS. 3 and 6 illustrate an exemplary comfort pillow having a second panel 110 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In such embodiments, when the second panel 110 is joined to the second side 104, along, for instance, the peripheral edges of the second panel 110 and the peripheral edges of a second portion of the second side 104, a second medial separation or opening may be formed along a longitudinal axis of the second side 104 of the comfort pillow. The opening may be positioned substantially along a vertical center line of the second side 104. In other embodiments, the opening may be off-center.

The second panel 110 may be partially joined to the second side 104 in a second region, and may partially overlay the second side 104 in the second portion or region. The second panel 110 may form a second medial opening along a longitudinal axis of the pillow in, for instance, substantially the center thereof, creating a second storage compartment 111 (as shown in FIG. 7) accessible from the second medial opening along the vertical axis of the pillow. The second storage compartment 111 is closeable, and one or more articles may be stored within the second storage compartment 111. To this end, the second panel 110 comprises a closure 112 for closing or sealing the second storage compartment 111.

The second panel 110 opening may be adjacent to or underneath the first panel 106 opening. In embodiments where the second panel 110 is located underneath the first panel 106, the second panel 110 opening may be fully or partially concealed by the first panel 106.

The second panel 110 may include a reinforced edge (not shown) at the second medial opening. For example, an edge of the second panel 110 may be folded over and sewn or otherwise attached to an adjacent portion of the second panel. The reinforced edge may provide a visual indication of the separation between the second panel 110 and an outer surface of the second side 104. In other embodiments, a seam formed by the attachment of the second panel 110 to the second side 104 vertically along a center axis of the second side 104 may be flat, such that the first panel 106 can overlay over the second panel 110 vertical seam without excess bulging at the center portion of the pillow.

The second panel 110 may be formed from a fabric or material having at least one side that is soft, fuzzy, and/or plush, such as fleece, shearling, flannel, or any other suitable natural or synthetic knit, woven or otherwise formed fabric material that provides tactile comfort when an external surface of the comfort pillow is in contact with a user. The material used for the second panel 110 may be the same as or different from the material used for the first and second sides 102, 104 and first panel 106. Additionally, the second storage compartment 111 may be releasably secured to the exterior surface of the second side 104 in a second region or portion. For instance, a zipper, hook and loop fabric, releasable adhesive, buttons, hooks, or other suitable means may be used to releasably join at least a portion of the medial edge of the second panel 110 and the second side 104.

In some embodiments, interior surface of the second panel 110 may be lined with a smooth backing material (e.g., nylon, vinyl, or waterproof material), to aid in cleaning the second panel cavity if needed. To this end, an exterior surface of the portion of the second side 104 positioned underneath the second panel 110 may also be lined.

As is further illustrated in, for instance, FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7 one or more articles may be stored in the storage compartments 107, 111, and subsequently accessed via the first and second medial openings of the first and second panels 106, 110. To this end, the storage compartments (i.e., pockets) may be formed between an internal surface of the first and second panels and an external surface of the second side 104 by the partial joining of the panels to the second side 104. The user of the comfort pillow may utilize one or both of the first and second medial openings to store one or more additional comfort articles within the storage compartment.

Comfort articles may be frictionally held within the first storage compartment 107. To this end, the comfort pillow may provide an amount of “give” or compression when storing articles within the first storage compartment 107, and may decompress to its original form after storage, thereby holding the article or articles in place within the first storage cavity. Comfort articles may be secured within the second storage compartment 111 in a similar manner, and may be further secured within the second storage compartment via the closure 112.

Accessories or articles may be attached to the comfort pillow or stored within the storage compartment of the comfort pillow. To this end, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a comfort article 114 configured to be stored in a comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an interior portion of an exemplary comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, a clip 116, carabiner, or other suitable releasable fastening devices may be integrated with or used in conjunction with the comfort pillow. In FIG. 5, the comfort article (tissue, or reusable cloth) is shown attached to a cut out portion of the interior of the pillow. In use, the clip or carabiner is releasably or permanently attached to a portion of the interior of the first or second storage compartment, and the tissue is releasably or permanently attached to the clip or carabiner. In preferred embodiments, the comfort pillow includes a small reusable cloth or washable tissue integrated with the storage compartment via a releasable fastening device. For instance, the reusable cloth may be releasably secured to an interior portion of the via a clip or carabiner that is sewn or otherwise affixed to the interior of the storage compartment. In this manner, the reusable cloth can be separately washed and replaced within the comfort pillow after use. The reusable cloth may be formed from a naturally antimicrobial material (e.g., wool, linen, hemp, certain polyesters, etc.) or may be treated an antimicrobial fabric treatments or integrated with antimicrobial materials (e.g., certain metals such as copper and zinc) that protect against the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other pathogenic microorganisms.

Other storable articles may include disposable tissues, small blankets, notes, pre-recorded messages stored, for instance, on a media player, music box, medicine, therapeutic or soothing natural herb candies or lozenges 120 (e.g., lavender, peppermint, rosemary, etc., as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), healing crystals or rocks, or other objects that can provide comfort or have therapeutic qualities or sentimental value to the user. In some embodiments, an apparatus for assisting with breath control or breath work may be attached to or stored within the first and second compartments. The apparatus may be configured to queue or guide a user through breathing techniques

Additional accessories or articles may be attached to the comfort pillow or articles stored within the storage compartment of the comfort pillow. For instance, additional clips, carabiners, or other suitable releasable fastening devices may be integrated with or used in conjunction with the comfort pillow.

Methods of forming a comfort pillow are contemplated. Methods may include forming a comfort pillow including one or more of the components using sewing or attachment methods as described herein. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method 800 of forming a comfort pillow according to embodiments of the disclosure. A method 800 may include forming a comfort pillow by forming 802 a first side and forming 804 a second side having generally the same size and shape as the first side, and joining 806 the first side and second side along respective peripheral edges. The method 800 includes forming 808 a first panel, partially joining 810 the first panel to the second side, and partially overlaying 812 the first panel over the second side in a first region. The partial joining and overlaying of the first panel to the second side forms a storage compartment accessible from a first medial opening along a vertical axis of the pillow. One or more articles may be frictionally stored within the first storage compartment, and subsequently accessed, via the first medial opening of the first storage compartment. The method 800 includes forming 814 a second panel, partially joining 816 the second panel to the second side and partially overlaying 818 the second panel over the second side in a second region adjacent the first region. The partial joining and overlaying of the second panel to the second side forms a closeable second storage compartment accessible from a second medial opening along a vertical axis of the pillow. The second panel comprises a closure, and one or more articles may be stored within the closeable second storage compartment.

The method 800 may further include forming or integrating any of the aforementioned components and configurations into the formed comfort pillow.

The Figures illustrate the structure, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the comfort pillow, and methods of making and using the comfort pillow, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

From the above description, it can be seen that the present invention provides a comfort article (e.g., a comfort pillow) and methods of making and using the comfort article. References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of alternatives, adaptations, variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the teachings may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular function. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

Other embodiments of the teachings will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the teachings disclosed herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.

Claims

1. A comfort pillow, comprising: a first side;a second side having generally the same size and shape as the first side, wherein the first side and second side are joined along respective peripheral edges;a first panel partially joined to the second side and partially overlaying the second side in a first region, wherein the partial joining of the first panel to the second side forms a first storage compartment accessible from a first medial opening along a vertical axis of the pillow, wherein one or more articles may be frictionally stored within the storage compartment, and subsequently accessed, via the medial opening of the storage compartment; anda second panel partially joined to the second side and partially overlaying the second side in a second region adjacent the first region, wherein the partial joining of the second panel to the second side forms a second storage compartment accessible from a second medial opening along the vertical axis of the pillow, wherein the second storage compartment comprises a closure, and wherein one or more articles may be stored within the second storage compartment.

2. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein the first side and second side are formed from a material having at least one side that is soft and fuzzy.

3. The comfort pillow of claim 2, wherein the material is machine-washable.

4. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the comfort pillow is at least partially formed from a weighted material.

5. The comfort pillow of claim 4, wherein the weighted material may be concentrated in a region of the comfort pillow that would align with a wearer's chest, to help alleviate anxiety.

6. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein the joining of the first side and the second side form a cavity, and wherein the cavity is stuffed with a fill material.

7. The comfort pillow of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the fill material is weighted.

8. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein the first panel is joined to the second side along peripheral edges of the first panel and peripheral edges of a first portion of the second side, and the second panel is joined to the second side along peripheral edges of the second panel and peripheral edges of a second portion of the second side.

9. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein the first medial opening is positioned substantially along a vertical center line of the second side.

10. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein the first panel includes a reinforced edge along the first medial opening.

11. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the first panel and an exterior surface of the portion of the second side positioned underneath the first panel are lined with a smooth material.

12. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the second panel and an exterior surface of the portion of the second side positioned underneath the second panel are lined with a smooth material.

13. The comfort pillow of claim 1, wherein a releasable fastening device is integrated within at least one of the first or second storage compartment.

14. The comfort pillow of claim 1, further comprising a reusable cloth releasably secured to an interior portion of the storage compartment via the releasable fastening device.

15. A method of forming a comfort pillow comprising: forming a first side;forming a second side having a generally same size and shape as the first side;joining the first side and second side along respective peripheral edges;forming a first panel;partially joining the first panel to the second side;partially overlaying the first panel over the second side in a first region, wherein the partial joining and overlaying of the first panel to the second side forms a storage compartment accessible from a first medial opening along a vertical axis of the pillow, wherein one or more articles may be frictionally stored within the first storage compartment, and subsequently accessed, via the first medial opening of the first storage compartment;forming a second panel; andpartially joining the second panel to the second side;partially overlaying the second panel over the second side in a second region adjacent the first region, wherein the partial joining and overlaying of the second panel to the second side forms a closeable second storage compartment accessible from a second medial opening along a vertical axis of the pillow, wherein the second panel comprises a closure, and wherein one or more articles may be stored within the closeable second storage compartment.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: positing the first medial opening and the second medial opening substantially adjacent one another along a vertical center line of the second side.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: integrating a releasable fastening device is integrated within at least one of the first or second storage compartment.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: releasably securing a reusable cloth to an interior portion of the first or second storage compartment via the releasable fastening device.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: lining an interior surface of the first panel an exterior surface of the first portion of the second side positioned underneath the first panel and an interior surface of the second panel an exterior surface of the second portion of the second side positioned underneath the second panel with a smooth material.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: at least partially forming at least one of the first side, the second side, the first panel, or the second panel from a weighted material.