PILLOW COVER WITH SHEATH ENCLOSURE

Abstract

The present invention provides a pillow cover with sheath enclosure to securely enclose a pillow. The pillow cover has an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, and a second end, and is constructed and arranged to enclose and cover a pillow. The pillow cover further comprises an exterior case, an interior sheath coextensive with at least a portion the exterior case, an interior extension, and a closure element for closing the interior extension. The pillow cover and its elements may be made of any suitable materials. The closure element may be any suitable closure device, such as a zipper, a button placket, a series of snap closures, a hook and loop closure device, or combinations thereof. In use, a pillow may be installed within the interior sheath and the interior extension may be closed over the pillow to enclose and retain the pillow in the pillow cover.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bedding, and more particularly, to a pillow cover with a sheath enclosure.

While using a pillow, and during the time a pillow user is sleeping, the pillow user may toss and turn which dislodges the pillow from a pillowcase. Even if a pillow user does not toss and turn, a pillow user may punch and fluff the pillow trying to restore its shape while using the pillow at night. These habits will usually cause the pillow the loosen until it falls out of the pillowcase. Even if those habits or actions do not occur, a pillow in a pillowcase will tend to dislodge on its own from a standard pillow cover or pillowcase having an opening at an end. Overall, this necessitates extra work to put the pillow back in its cover each morning.

While European pillowcases incorporate flaps that cover the pillow, European pillowcases do not keep pillows from falling out of the pillowcase. Existing European pillowcases have one flap that may cover the pillow, but do not keep the pillow inside the pillowcase or prevent the pillow from falling out at night, particularly if a pillow user is tossing and turning. While the European pillowcase may hide the pillow from view, it does not give the pillowcase any structure to hold up the case or the pillow.

Similarly, American style pillowcases have no barriers to prevent this problem. American made pillowcases that come with sheet sets or alone do not have any barriers to prevent a pillow from dislodging.

As can be seen, there is a need for a pillowcase which prevents a pillow from dislodging from the pillowcase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Advantageously, in one aspect, the present invention provides a solution which provides a pillow cover with sheath enclosure.

The pillow cover may have an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, and a second end, and be constructed and arranged to enclose and cover a pillow. The pillow cover may further comprise an exterior case, an interior sheath coextensive with at least a portion the exterior case, an interior extension, and a closure element for closing the interior extension. In use, a pillow may be installed within the interior sheath and the interior extension may be closed over the pillow to enclose and retain the pillow in the pillow cover.

The exterior case may include a first exterior case closed end, a second exterior case open end, and an exterior case hem seam proximal to the second exterior case open end. The interior sheath may include a first interior sheath closed end, and a second interior sheath open end positioned at the exterior case hem seam. The interior extension may extend distally from the second interior sheath open end, and may comprise a first extension portion and a second extension portion. The first extension portion may comprise a first extension portion proximal end and a first extension portion distal end. The second extension portion may comprise a second extension proximal end and a second extension portion distal end. The first extension portion proximal end and the second extension portion proximal end may be located at the second interior sheath open end.

The exterior case, the interior sheath and the interior extension may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, natural fabrics, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof.

The closure element may be any suitable closure device. The closure element may be a zipper, a button placket, a series of snap closures, a hook and loop closure device, or combinations thereof.

The pillow cover may have a rectangular outer dimension including a width of about 20″ and a length of about between about 12″-56″. The pillow cover may have a square outer dimension including a length of between about 12″-26″ and a width of between about 12″-26″. The pillow cover may have a cylindrical outer dimension including a diameter of between about 6″-8″ and a length of between about 13″-30″.

The present invention provides an unprecedented secure pillow cover for securely enclosing a pillow, for use in sleeping, and as décor.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the claimed subject matter will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pillow cover with sheath invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention shown in a partially open orientation;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention, similar to FIG. 2, showing a second configuration of the pillow cover with sheath invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention, similar to FIG. 6, showing a third configuration of the pillow cover with sheath invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention, similar to FIG. 7, showing a fourth configuration of the pillow cover with sheath invention.

It is to be understood that like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, as there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description, it is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Broadly, an embodiment of the pillow cover with sheath invention provides an enclosed pillow cover which may have inside or interior flaps that encase and secure a pillow within the pillow cover. In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a pillow cover which may enclose a pillow and keep it from falling out is provided, which may prevent a pillow from dislodging from the pillow cover even when there is tossing and turning during use of the pillow during sleep.

The enclosed pillow cover with sheath of the present invention may retain a pillow within the pillow cover during use and all night. The enclosed pillow cover with sheath of the present invention differs from and distinguishes over what currently exists, and may keep the pillow stable and encased through the night, while maintaining the shape and building a structure for the pillow cover. The present invention also may hold up and maintain the elegant look of a custom-made pillowcase by giving it some structure. Custom-made pillowcases are costly due to any extra embroidery or added work to embellish the pillowcase and the pillow cover with sheath of the present invention may add life to such a costly item.

The pillow cover with sheath of the present invention is unique to other prior pillowcases in that it may provide and maintain stability of the pillow held therein, and keep the pillow stable and the pillow cover structured, thereby extending the use of the pillow cover. By giving the pillow cover structure, the durability may be increased, and the useful life of the custom-made pillow cover with sheath may be extended.

In one embodiment, a pillow cover with sheath 10 comprises an extension 20 and at least one closure 22. In one embodiment the at least one closure is selected from zipper closures, button closures, snap closures, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro® brand closures) and combinations thereof. While zippers are probably the most effective closure, buttons, snaps, snap tape, hook and loop elements or hook and loop tape may also be used.

In one embodiment, the extension may comprise a first extension portion and a second extension portion each having a proximal end and a distal end. The extension portions may be any suitable length. The extension portions may comprise flaps having a finished length of between about 18-20 inches. In one embodiment, the flaps may be less than 18 inches. In one embodiment, aesthetically, and functionally, the flap length of between about 18-20 inches has been found to be optimal.

In use, a pillow 18 may be inserted in the inventive pillow cover 10 by a user. The extension 20 must then be closed.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a custom-made pillow cover with sheath may be provided that encloses a pillow and keeps it from falling out. The inventive pillow cover also may provide structural support to hold its shape and extend the life of the item.

The components of the inventive pillow cover with sheath work together in that the pillow cover with sheath encloses the pillow, the inventive securement means and closures encase the pillow and give the pillow cover structure to retain its shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the inventive pillow cover with sheath device is shown generally at 10. FIG. 1 provides a top perspective view of the invention, FIG. 2 provides a front perspective view of the invention shown in a partially open orientation, and FIG. 3, provides an exploded front perspective view. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the invention with interior elements shown in phantom. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pillow cover device 10 has an upper surface and a lower surface, a first end and a second end. The pillow cover device 10 includes an exterior case portion 12. The exterior case portion 12 has a first exterior case closed end and a second exterior case open end. The exterior case 12 has an intermediate hem seam 14 proximal to the second exterior case open end. The pillow cover device 10 includes an interior sheath 16 contiguous with the exterior case portion 12. The interior sheath 16 has a first interior sheath closed end a second interior sheath open end. The pillow cover device is constructed and arranged to enclose a pillow 18.

The pillow cover device may be of any size and dimensions. The pillow cover device may be constructed and arranged to accommodate any pillow, such as, for example without limitation, a standard pillow (20″×26″), a queen pillow (20″×30″), a king pillow (20″×36″), a body pillow (20″×54″), European (26″×26″). The pillow cover device may also be constructed and arranged to cover decorative pillows such as, for example without limitation, 18″ square, 20″ square, 22″ square, lumbar (12″×20″, or 14″×20). In some embodiments, the pillow cover device may also be constructed and arranged to cover cylindrical pillows such as bolsters (6″ diameter×13″ long; or 8″ diameter×30″ long), or other pillows of unusual size. The pillow cover device may be custom fit to any size or shape pillow.

The pillow cover device 10 includes an extension 20, which includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end extending from the seam 14. At the distal end, each of the said first and second extension portions includes a closure element 22 which joins the first and second extension portions and closes the interior sheath 16 over a pillow 18 enclosed therein. As seen at FIGS. 1-5, the closure element 22 may be a zipper 22 having a zipper pull 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, the pillow cover device is shown with alternative closure elements. At FIG. 6, an alternative closure element 30 comprises a button placket with buttons 32 and button holes 34. At FIG. 7, an alternative closure element 40 comprises a series of mating male and female snap closure elements 42, 44. At FIG. 8, an alternative closure element 50 comprises a hook and loop closure further comprising a hooked fastener closure strip 52 and a loop fastener closure strip 54.

In an exemplary embodiment the present invention may be made of any suitable material fabricated by any suitable process. The present invention may include the following components: any fabric suitable for home décor; and an additional securement means for securing the pillow within the pillow cover. In one exemplary embodiment, the pillow cover with sheath enclosure of the present invention may comprise any fabric suitable for home décor, an additional securement means securing the pillow within the pillow cover, and any desired closure device or method. Nonlimiting examples closures may include a zipper, as seen at FIGS. 1-5, a button and button hole placket as shown at FIG. 6, at least one snap closure or a series of snap closures as seen at FIG. 7, or a hook and loop closure such as a Velcro® brand closure as seen at FIG. 8.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention may include a method of constructing a pillow cover with sheath, the method including the steps of choosing materials needed to make the inventive pillow cover with sheath, making a pillow cover with sheath in accordance with the present invention; and inserting a pillow in the pillow cover with sheath, and closing the pillow cover with sheath.

In one embodiment, a method may include a step of choosing the materials of which a pillow cover with sheath is made, making the pillow cover, adding decorations or embroidery, to the pillow cover, adding the inventive securement structure to the pillow cover with sheath, adding closures to the pillow cover with sheath, inserting the pillow into the pillow cover with sheath, and closing the attachments.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method of constructing a pillow cover with sheath includes the following steps:

1. Selecting and using any fabric suitable for home décor;2. Selecting and using any desired closure device or method, such as, for example without limitation, a zipper, a Velcro® closure, or at least one snap closure;3. Making a pillow cover and preparing inside attachments and securement flaps which assist in encasing and securing a pillow inside the pillow cover;4. Attaching inside attachments and encasing all seams;5. Attaching a closure device or means to the ends of the prepared attachments;6. Pressing the item; and7. Inserting a pillow, and using the closure device to encase the pillow in the pillow cover.

In one embodiment, a method of making a pillow cover in accordance with the present invention includes following a series of steps: choose the materials needed; prepare fabric for construction of a pillow cover and construction of the inside flaps; sew the pillow cover and the attachments together; encase all seams; apply closures to the attachments at an attachment end; optionally press the inventive pillow cover; insert the pillow in the inventive pillow cover, and close the inventive pillow cover.

In one embodiment, a method may include a step of choosing the materials of which a pillowcase is made, making the pillowcase, adding decorations or embroidery to the pillowcase, adding the inventive securement structure to the pillow case, adding closures to the pillowcase, inserting the pillow into the pillowcase, and closing the attachments.

The components of the inventive pillowcase work together in that the pillowcase encloses the pillow, the inventive securement means and closures encase the pillow and give the pillowcase structure to retain its shape.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for making a pillowcase in accordance with the present invention. Once the materials have been selected that are needed, the fabric is selected and prepared. The fabric preparation include the steps of cutting out, pressing, adding any embroidery or embellishments, then preparing the pillow securement means of the present invention for attachment to the inside of the pillow alongside the cuff and/or trims of the pillowcase. Then, the item is sewn together. Next, the closures are applied. The item is pressed. The pillow in inserted. The item may then be sewn. The closures are installed. The item is pressed. The inventive pillow enclosure is then ready for a pillow to be installed therein.

The pillow is inserted into the inventive pillowcase or pillow enclosure, and the flaps must be closed. Then the pillowcase is closed. This invention solves the problem of pillows coming out existing pillowcases.

In summary, the present invention provides a solution which provides a pillow cover with sheath enclosure to securely enclose a pillow. The pillow cover may be beneficially used to provide a securely attached cover for a pillow, and as décor.

The pillow cover may have an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, and a second end, and be constructed and arranged to enclose and cover a pillow. The pillow cover may further comprise an exterior case, an interior sheath coextensive with at least a portion the exterior case, an interior extension, and a closure element for closing the interior extension. In use, a pillow may be installed within the interior sheath and the interior extension may be closed over the pillow to enclose and retain the pillow in the pillow cover.

The exterior case may include a first exterior case closed end, a second exterior case open end, and an exterior case hem seam proximal to the second exterior case open end. The interior sheath includes a first interior sheath closed end, and a second interior sheath open end positioned at the exterior case hem seam. The interior extension extends distally from the second interior sheath open end, and comprises a first extension portion and a second extension portion. The first extension portion comprises a first extension portion proximal end and a first extension portion distal end. The second extension portion comprises a second extension proximal end and a second extension portion distal end. The first extension portion proximal end and the second extension portion proximal end are located at the second interior sheath open end.

The exterior case, the interior sheath and the interior extension may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, natural fabrics, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof.

The closure element may be any suitable closure device. The closure element may be a zipper. The closure device may include a button placket, a series of snap closures, a hook and loop closure device, or combinations thereof.

The closure element includes a first closure element portion located at the first extension distal end and a second closure element portion located at the second extension distal end, the first closure element portion and the second closure element portion being constructed and arranged to join and close the interior extension.

The closure element may comprise a button placket, the first closure element including a series of button holes and the second closure element including a series of buttons. The closure element may comprise a series of snap closures, the first closure element comprises a series of female snap closure elements and the second closure element comprises a series of male snap closure elements. The closure element may be a hook and loop closure device, the first closure element comprising a hook fastener closure strip and the second closure element comprising a loop fastener closure strip.

The pillow cover may have any suitable dimensions, such as, for example without limitation, square, rectangular, or cylindrical outer dimensions.

The pillow cover may have a rectangular outer dimension including a width of about 20″ and a length of about between about 12″-56″. The pillow cover may have a square outer dimension including a length of between about 12″-26″ and a width of between about 12″-26″. The pillow cover may have a cylindrical outer dimension including a diameter of between about 6″-8″ and a length of between about 13″-30″.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications, variations and changes in detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pillow cover comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, and a second end, the pillow cover being constructed and arranged to enclose and cover a pillow, the pillow cover further comprising: an exterior case having a first exterior case closed end, a second exterior case open end, and an exterior case hem seam proximal to the second exterior case open end;an interior sheath coextensive with at least a portion of the exterior case, the interior sheath having a first interior sheath closed end, a second interior sheath open end positioned at the exterior case hem seam;an interior extension extending distally from the second interior sheath open end of the interior sheath, the interior extension comprising a first extension portion and a second extension portion,

2. The pillow cover of claim 1 wherein the exterior case, the interior sheath, and the interior extension are made of a material selected from woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, natural fabrics, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof.

3. The pillow cover of claim 1 wherein the closure element is a zipper constructed and arranged to close the interior extension by joining the first extension distal end and the second extension distal end.

4. The pillow cover of claim 1 wherein the closure element includes a first closure element portion located at the first extension distal end and a second closure element portion located at the second extension distal end, the first closure element portion and the second closure element portion being constructed and arranged to join and close the interior extension.

5. The pillow cover of claim 4 wherein the closure element comprises a button placket, the first closure element comprises a series of button holes and the second closure element comprises a series of buttons.

6. The pillow cover of claim 4 wherein the closure element comprises a series of snap closures, the first closure element comprises a series of female snap closure elements and the second closure element comprises a series of male snap closure elements.

7. The pillow cover of claim 4 wherein the closure element comprises a hook and loop closure device, the first closure element comprises a hook fastener closure strip and the second closure element comprises a loop fastener closure strip.

8. The pillow cover of claim 1 having an outer dimension including a width of about 20″ and a length of about between about 12″-56″.

9. The pillow cover of claim 1 having a square outer dimension including a length of between about 12″-26″ and a width of between about 12″-26″.

10. The pillow cover of claim 1 having a cylindrical outer dimension including a diameter of between about 6″-8″ and a length of between about 13″-30″.