Sack For Transporting Pillow

Abstract

Disclosed herein, in one aspect, is a sack for holding a pillow. The sack includes a body defining a pocket that is sized to receive a pillow. The body has a top and a bottom that are spaced along a first axis and first and second lateral ends that are spaced along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The pocket has an opening at the first lateral end of the body. The sack further includes a sleeve extending outwardly from the body. The sleeve defines a receiving space (e.g., slot) extending along the first axis. The slot is configured to receive (optionally, receive therethrough) a handle of a suitcase.

Description

FIELD

This application is related to a sack for transporting a pillow.

BACKGROUND

It can be desirable to travel with a pillow. However, the pillow takes up too much space in conventional luggage, and leaving the pillow outside of luggage makes the pillow subject to being dropped, soiled, or lost. Accordingly, a better way to transport the pillow is desirable.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein, in one aspect, is a sack for holding a pillow. The sack includes a body defining a pocket that is sized to receive a pillow. The body has a top and a bottom that are spaced along a first axis and first and second lateral ends that are spaced along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The pocket has an opening at the first lateral end of the body. The sack further includes a sleeve that extends outwardly from the body. The sleeve defines a receiving space (e.g., slot) extending along the first axis. The slot is configured to receive (optionally, receive therethrough) a handle of a suitcase.

Methods of using the sack are also disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes positioning a pillow in the pocket of the body of the sack. A handle of a suitcase is inserted into (optionally, through) the receiving space (e.g., slot) of the sleeve of the sack.

Additional advantages of the disclosed systems and methods will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be understood from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed systems and methods. The advantages of the disclosed systems and methods will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method.

FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of a sack for transporting a pillow in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the sack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the sack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the sack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a first (right) side view of the sack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a second (left) side view of the sack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top-rear perspective view of the sack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a sleeve of the sack of FIG. 1 receiving a handle of a suitcase.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the sack on a suitcase.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis is instead placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions of positioning may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed sack and method may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of particular embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event, circumstance, or material may or may not occur or be present, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance, or material occurs or is present and instances where it does not occur or is not present.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, also specifically contemplated and considered disclosed is the range from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another, specifically contemplated embodiment that should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally, it should be understood that all of the individual values and sub-ranges of values contained within an explicitly disclosed range are also specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether in particular cases some or all of these embodiments are explicitly disclosed.

Optionally, in some aspects, when values or characteristics are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 20%, up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can be included within the scope of those aspects.

Disclosed herein, and with reference to FIG. 1, is a sack 10 for holding and transporting a pillow. The sack 10 can comprise a body 20 defining a pocket 22 that is sized to receive a pillow. The body 20 can have a top 30 and a bottom 32 that are spaced along a first axis 4 when in a use (pillow holding/transporting position). The body 20 can have first and second lateral ends 34, 36 that are spaced along a second axis 6 that is perpendicular to the first axis 4. The pocket 22 can have an opening 24 positioned at the first lateral end 34 of the body.

Referring also to FIG. 3, a sleeve 42 can extend outwardly from the body 20 in between the first and second lateral ends 34, 36 of the body. The sleeve 42 can define a receiving space (e.g., a slot) 44 that extends along the first axis 4. The receiving space (e.g., slot) 44 can be configured to receive (optionally, receive therethrough) a handle of a suitcase. For example, the slot receiving space (e.g., slot) 44 can have a width from about 6 inches to about 12 inches along the second axis 6. Optionally, the sleeve 42 comprises a strap 40 that is coupled to (e.g., stitched to) the body 20. The strap 40 can at least partly define the receiving space (e.g., slot) 44. In some aspects, the strap 40 can be coupled to (e.g., stitched to) the body 20 at coupling regions that are spaced by a slot width, and the strap can have a length between the coupling regions of about the slot width. In this way, the strap 40 can lie flat or substantially flat against the body 20 when no suitcase handle is received in the slot receiving space (e.g., slot) 44. This can permit the strap 40 to securely receive the suitcase handle within the receiving space (e.g., slot) 44 with limited movement of the handle relative to the receiving space (e.g., slot) 44.

In some aspects, and as illustrated in the Figures, the strap 40 and an outer surface 26 of the body 20 can cooperate to define the sleeve 42. It other aspects, the strap 40 can form a continuous loop that defines an entirety of the sleeve 42.

The sleeve 42 can have a length along the first axis 4. In some aspects, the length of the sleeve along the first axis can be from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, or about 4 inches.

It should be understood that, in various aspects, the body 20 can comprise fabric (e.g., cotton canvas). For example, the body 20 can comprise a front portion and a rear portion that are stitched together to form the body. Optionally, in these aspects, the body 20 can consist of, or consist essentially of, fabric. Accordingly, in various aspects, the body 20 can be advantageously collapsible. It is contemplated that the dimensions of the pocket 22 herein can correspond to the dimensions of the pocket when the body 20 is fully opened and spread across a surface. In further aspects, it is contemplated that the fabric of the body 20 can comprise a pattern or other desired visual features to achieve a desired external appearance.

In various aspects, the pocket 22 can be sized to receive a particular pillow size. For example, the pocket 22 can have dimensions to receive a king sized pillow, a queen sized pillow, or a travel pillow. In some aspects, the pocket 22 can snugly receive the pillow therein. Accordingly, the pocket 22 can have approximately the dimensions of the pillow to be carried (e.g. a king sized pillow, a queen sized pillow, or a travel pillow). In some aspects, the pocket 22 have a length along the second axis 6 from about 18 inches to about 44 inches. For example, the pocket 22 can have a length from about 18 inches to about 22 inches, from about 28 to about 34 inches, or from about 35 inches to about 44 inches. In some aspects, the pocket 22 can have a height along the first axis 6 from about 14 inches to about 25 inches. For example, the pocket 22 can have a height from about 14 inches to about 18 inches, from about 18 inches to about 20 inches, or from about 20 inches to about 24 inches. In some exemplary aspects, the pocket 22 can have a length from about 18 inches to about 22 inches and a height from about 14 inches to about 18 inches (e.g., a length of 16 inches and a height of about 20-½ inches). In some exemplary aspects, the pocket 22 can have a length from about 28 to about 34 inches and a height from about 20 inches to about 24 inches (e.g., a length of 22 inches and a height of about 31 inches). In some exemplary aspects, the pocket 22 can have a length from about 35 inches to about 44 inches and a height from about 20 inches to about 24 inches (e.g., a length of 22-½ inches and a height of about 39 inches). In further aspects, the pocket 22 can have a length of about 35 to about 45 inches (e.g., about 40 inches) and a height from about 25 inches to about 35 inches (e.g., 30 inches).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in various aspects, the sack 10 can comprise a carrying strap 50. The carrying strap 50 can be, for example, a shoulder strap. Accordingly, the carrying strap 50 can be sized and shaped to be used as such. In exemplary aspects, the carrying strap 50 can have an adjustable length. For example, the carrying strap 50 can comprise a slide buckle 52 that permits adjustment of the length of the carrying strap.

In various exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIG. 2, the body 20 can have opposite first and second end portions 27, 28 spaced along the second axis 6, with the first end portion 27 comprising the first lateral end 34 and the second end portion 28 comprising the second lateral end 36. The carrying strap 50 can have a first end 54 that is coupled to the first end portion 27 and a second end 56 that is coupled to the second end portion 28. In some optional aspects, the first and second ends 54, 56 of the carrying strap 50 can couple to the body at the top 30. In various aspects, the carrying strap 50 can be coupled to the body via stitching 58.

In some optional aspects, the sack 10 does not comprise (is free of) any additional pockets. In other aspects, the sack 10 comprises at least one additional pocket. In various aspects, the sack 10 does not comprise any pockets having larger dimensions than the pocket 22.

In some aspects, the sack 10 further comprises a closure element 60 that is configured to at least partly close the opening. For example, the closure element 60 can comprise a drawstring 62, a zipper, at least one button, or hook and loop fastener. In further aspects, the closure element can comprise a drawstring 62 and a fastening slider 64. The fastening slider 64 can be, for example, a cord lock or a slide keeper.

The first lateral end 34 of the body 20 can have a dimension (e.g., length) along the first axis (e.g., corresponding to the height of the pocket along the first axis 4). In some optional aspects, when the pocket is open, the opening 24 of the pocket 22 can extend at least 80% of the dimension of the first lateral end along the first axis. In some various aspects, when the pocket is open, the opening 24 of the pocket 22 can extend at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 90%, all, or substantially all of the length of the lateral end.

In exemplary aspects, when the body 20 is open and the pocket 22 is empty, the body can be generally rectangular. In various other aspects, the body 20 can have rounded corners. In still other aspects, the body 20 can be oval, oblong, or irregularly shaped.

A method of using the sack as disclosed can include receiving a pillow 90 in the pocket 22 of the body 20 of the sack 10. For example, with the sack 10 in the use position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the pillow can be inserted into the pocket 22 through the opening 24 along the second axis 6. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a handle 102 of a suitcase 100 can be received through the receiving space (e.g., slot) 44 of the sleeve 42 (e.g., along the first axis 4). For example, the handle 102 can be inserted through the receiving space 44 of the sleeve 42 so that the sack 10 rests on an upper surface 104 of the suitcase 100. Optionally, a top portion of the handle 102 can be positioned above the sleeve 42, and a lower portion of the handle 102 can be positioned below the sleeve 42, thereby minimizing the vertical footprint of the sack 10 and maximizing the stability provided to the sack 10 by the suitcase 100.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the method and compositions described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sack for holding a pillow, the sack comprising: a body defining a pocket that is sized to receive a pillow, the body having: a top and a bottom that are spaced along a first axis,first and second lateral ends that are spaced along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis,wherein the pocket has an opening at the first lateral end of the body; anda sleeve extending outwardly from the body in between the first and second lateral ends of the body, wherein the sleeve defines a receiving space extending along the first axis, wherein the receiving space of the sleeve is configured to receive therethrough a handle of a suitcase.

2. The sack of claim 1, further comprising a carrying strap.

3. The sack of claim 2, wherein the carrying strap has an adjustable length.

4. The sack of claim 2, wherein the body has opposite first and second end portions spaced along the second axis, the first end portion comprising the first lateral end, the second end portion comprising the second lateral end, wherein the carrying strap has a first end that is coupled to the first end portion and a second end that is coupled to the second end portion.

5. The sack of claim 1, wherein the sack does not comprise any additional pockets.

6. The sack of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises a strap, and wherein the strap and an outer surface of the body cooperate to define the sleeve.

7. The sack of claim 1, further comprising a closure element that is configured to at least partly close the opening.

8. The sack of claim 7, wherein the closure element comprises: a drawstring, a zipper, at least one button, or hook and loop fastener.

9. The sack of claim 7, wherein the closure element comprises a drawstring and a fastening slider.

10. The sack of claim 1, wherein the first lateral end has a dimension measured along the first axis, wherein, when the pocket is open, the opening of the pocket extends at least 80% of the dimension of the lateral end along the first axis.

11. The sack of claim 1, wherein the strap is coupled to the body by stitching.

12. The sack of claim 1, wherein the body comprises fabric.

13. The sack of claim 12, wherein the body consists essentially of fabric.

14. A method of using the sack as in claim 1, the method comprising: positioning a pillow in the pocket of the body of the sack; andinserting a handle of a suitcase through the sleeve of the sack.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising resting the sack on an upper surface of the suitcase.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising closing the opening of the pocket of the body of the sack with a closure element.