Travel Pillow Slip-On Cover

Abstract

A slip-on travel pillow cover is disclosed. The cover is detachable and reusable to enclose standard travel pillows. The cover features an outer surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface tailored to cradle the neck opening of the pillow cover. A zipper fastener is disposed along the outer surface enabling easy insertion and securement of a travel pillow within the cover. The cover is adaptable and stretchable to accommodate various pillow sizes and comes in multiple designs and colors. In another embodiment, a rectangular or square cover is provided. The cover includes a unique zipper disposed along one edge for accommodating a travel pillow. The pillow covers of the invention can include anti-microbial properties for enhanced hygiene and customizable designs for user satisfaction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of pillow covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel coverings for standard, neck, and travel pillows. The covering has a slip-on design that can be secured over the pillow with a zipper that remains out of the way while the pillow is being used. The cover is washable and snugly fits on a pillow to not impact the utility of the pillow. The pillow cover can have anti-microbial properties and can come in different sizes, colors, and designs. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, a travel pillow is a portable pillow designed to provide comfort and relaxation during journeys. A neck wrap travel pillow is a U-shaped pillow that provides comfort and support for the head and neck during travel, especially on long journeys such as airplanes, trains, or buses. Other types of pillows are also available for supporting the back of a user during travel. The travel pillows are filled with a special type of foam that conforms to the shape of the head, neck, and back, thereby providing personalized support and pressure relief.

However, despite the comfort and support they provide, travel pillows can also have a downside, especially concerning hair care. The exterior of some travel pillows has zippers or is made from materials that are not smooth. Such travel pillows can inadvertently cause damage to the user's hair. Zipper or other fasteners are positioned such that they touch the skin and hair of a user, thereby causing inconvenience. Washing and cleaning of the pillows are not easy and unhygienic pillows can cause damage to hair and skin. Conventional covers are difficult to slip on and impact the utility of the pillows. Individuals desire an improved pillow cover that does not catch the hair of users using the cover and does not impact utility of the pillow.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved covering for standard, neck, and travel pillows. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved covering for travel pillow that has a slip-on design that can be secured over the pillow with a zipper. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel travel pillow cover that has a zipper which remains out of the way while the pillow is being used. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel travel pillow cover that can be easily slipped on and removed from a pillow. Further, there is a long felt need in the art of specially designed travel pillow cover that maintains optimal comfort of a pillow for a user during travel and in all postures. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel covering that does not tangle a user's hair while the covering is in use with a pillow. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a removable covering for travel pillows which is washable and maintains hair safety of users using the pillow.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a travel pillow cover. The travel pillow cover features a piece of silk, polyester, wool, cotton, or similar fabric having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is configured to circumscribe a neck opening or cradle, a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion sewn together along the inner surface and configured to fasten along the outer surface using a zipper disposed along the outer surface, wherein the zipper is adapted to provide access to an inner cavity of the pillow cover for storing a travel pillow. The zipper does not touch the skin of a user using the travel pillow accommodated inside the pillow cover.

In this manner, the travel pillow cover of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a cover for a travel pillow. The smooth surface of silk, polyester, wool, cotton, or similar cover reduces friction between the hair and the pillow, which can help in preventing hair breakage, tangles, and frizz. The cover is travel-friendly and can be adapted to standard, neck, and travel pillows. The cover is removable and washable and helps maintain a clean sleeping environment. The zipper enables easy slip-on of the pillow cover and the zipper remains out of the way of the user when the cover is used with a pillow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a travel pillow cover. The travel pillow cover comprises a piece of fabric having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is configured to circumscribe a neck opening or cradle, a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion sewn together along the inner surface and configured to fasten along the outer surface using a zipper disposed along the outer surface, wherein the zipper is adapted to provide access to an inner cavity of the pillow cover for storing a travel pillow. The zipper does not touch the skin of a user using the travel pillow accommodated inside the pillow cover.

In another aspect, the travel pillow cover has anti-microbial properties to prevent sweating and hair loss and is stretchable to accommodate and snugly fit onto a travel pillow.

In yet another embodiment, a method slipping a travel pillow cover on a travel pillow is described. The method comprises the steps of providing a travel pillow cover, the travel pillow cover includes a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion sewn together along the inner surface and configured to fasten along an outer surface using a zipper disposed along the outer surface, unfastening the zipper fastener along the outer surface of the cover, separating a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion along the zipper fastener to transition the cover into an open position, inserting a travel pillow into the inner cavity of the pillow cover, and fastening the zipper to secure the travel pillow within the pillow cover.

In a further embodiment, a travel pillow cover is disclosed. The travel pillow cover includes a fabric body having a rectangular or square shape with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, a top surface and a bottom surface sewn along the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, a zipper is disposed along the fourth edge to access an internal space of the pillow cover to accommodate a travel pillow.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a hook and loop fastener is disposed along an edge of the pillow cover.

In another aspect, a travel pillow cover is disclosed. The travel pillow cover includes a piece of fabric configured as a detachable and reusable cover for a travel pillow, wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton, silk, polyester, wool, or similar, providing a soft and comfortable surface for a user's skin, an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface circumscribes a neck opening or cradle, and the outer surface forms the outer periphery of the travel pillow cover, a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion are sewn together along the inner surface and configured to fasten along the outer surface, a zipper fastener runs along the outer surface from a first leg outer end to a second leg outer end and is adapted to unfasten the top cover portion and the bottom cover portion to provide access to the inner cavity of the travel pillow cover for storing a travel pillow, wherein the zipper is strategically positioned to avoid adherence with the skin or hair of a user.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the travel pillow cover of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view showing the travel pillow cover of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the travel pillow cover in an open position for accommodating a travel pillow in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the travel pillow cover in a closed position with an accommodated travel pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the travel pillow slip-on cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a travel pillow accommodated in the travel pillow cover of FIG. 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved covering for standard, neck, and travel pillows. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved covering for a travel pillow that has a slip-on design that can be secured over the pillow with a zipper. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel travel pillow cover that has a zipper which remains out of the way while the pillow is being used. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel travel pillow cover that can be easily slipped on and removed from a pillow. Further, there is a long felt need in the art of specially designed travel pillow cover that maintains optimal comfort of a pillow for a user during travel and in all postures. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel covering that does not tangle a user's hair while the covering is in use with a pillow. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a removable covering for travel pillows which is washable and maintains hair safety of users using the pillow.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a travel pillow cover. The travel pillow cover includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface circumscribes a neck opening or cradle, and the outer surface forms the outer periphery of the travel pillow cover, a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion are sewn together along the inner surface and configured to fasten along the outer surface, a zipper fastener runs along the outer surface from a first leg outer end to a second leg outer end and is adapted to unfasten the top cover portion and the bottom cover portion to provide access to the inner cavity of the travel pillow cover for storing a travel pillow, wherein the zipper is strategically positioned to avoid adherence with the skin or hair of a user.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the travel pillow cover of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The travel pillow reusable cover 100 of the present invention is designed as a detachable and reusable cover for standard travel pillow. The travel pillow cover 100 is in the form of a piece of fabric which is soft and is comfortable for the skin of a user and can be made of cotton, silk, polyester, wool, or similar, and more. More specifically, the travel pillow cover 100 is made of silk, polyester, wool, cotton, or similar and includes an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104. The inner surface 104 is designated as the portion of the pillow cover 100 that circumscribes or forms the neck opening or cradle 106. The outer surface 102 form the outer periphery 108 of the pillow cover 100. The smooth surface of silk, polyester, wool, cotton, or similar cover reduces friction between the hair and the pillow, which can help in preventing hair breakage, tangles, and frizz.

The pillow cover 100 also includes a top cover portion 110 and a bottom cover portion 112 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The top cover portion 110 and the bottom cover portion 112 are sewn together along inner surface 104 and are configured to fasten together along the outer surface 102 using a zipper fastener 114 which runs along the outer surface 102 from the first leg outer end 116 to the second leg outer end 118. The zipper 114 is adapted to unfasten the top cover portion 110 and the bottom cover portion 112 to provide access to the inner cavity of the pillow cover 100 for storing a travel pillow and accessing the accommodated pillow.

The zipper 114 is strategically positioned along the outer surface 102 and not on the inner surface 104 to avoid adherence of the zipper 114 with skin or hair of a user when a pillow accommodated inside the pillow cover 100 is used by the user. The zipper 114 helps in securing a pillow inside the pillow cover 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view showing the travel pillow cover of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the bottom cover portion 112 and the top cover portion 110 are fastened using the fastener 114 to orient the travel pillow cover 100 in the closed position. The pillow cover 100 can be stretchable to accommodate and snugly fit onto a travel pillow. The pillow cover 100 can come in different sizes, designs, and colors to meet requirements of different users.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the travel pillow cover 100 in an open position for accommodating a travel pillow in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the travel pillow cover 100 can be transformed into an open position by unfastening the zipper 114 from the end 118 to the opposite end 116. In the open position, the top cover portion 110 and the bottom cover portion 112 are separated along the outer surface 102 but remain sewn along the inner surface 104. A travel pillow may be aligned with the pillow cover 100 and can be inserted in the pillow cover 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the travel pillow cover 100 in a closed position with an accommodated travel pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The pillow cover 100 securely stores the pillow 402 therein without any slipping of the pillow 402 inside the cover 100. Further, the pillow cover 100 functions as an extension of the pillow 402 without reducing utility of the pillow 402. The pillow cover 100 is lightweight and does not add to the weight of the pillow 402.

The process of accommodating a pillow in the pillow cover 100 is as follows. First, a travel pillow slip-on cover 100 as described above is provided. A user unzips the zipper fastener 114 positioned along the outer surface 102 and separates the top cover portion 110 and the bottom cover portion 112 along the zipper fastener 114. A travel pillow 402 is placed inside the pillow cover 100 and once accommodated, the zipper fastener 114 is zipped to secure the pillow 402 inside the pillow cover 100. The pillow cover 100 can include anti-microbial properties to prevent sweating and hair loss. The pillow cover 100 can be customized as per the preferences of a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the travel pillow slip-on cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the pillow cover 500 is preferably rectangular or square and has a first edge 502, a second edge 504, a third edge 506, and a fourth edge 508. The top surface 510 and the bottom surface 512 are sewn along the edges 502, 504, 506 and a zipper 514 is disposed along the fourth edge 508. The zipper 514 is unzipped to access the internal space 516 of the pillow cover 500 to accommodate a compatible travel pillow. The zipper 514 can be zipped to secure the pillow inside the pillow cover 500.

In some embodiments, a hook and loop fastener can be disposed along the fourth edge 508 for accessing the internal space 516. In further embodiments, the fastener can be disposed along any two adjacent edges such as first edge 502 and the fourth edge 508.

The top surface 510 may have a pocket 518 thereon for accommodating a heating pad 520 for providing comfort to back of a user when the pillow cover 500 is being used by a user along with an accommodated pillow.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a travel pillow accommodated in the travel pillow cover 500 of FIG. 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the pillow 600 is inserted through the fourth edge 508 of the cover 500 in the internal space 516 and the zipper 514 is zipped to secure the pillow 600. The pillow covers 100, 500 are flexible and foldable. Further, the pillow covers 100, 500 are washable and reusable.

In some embodiments, the zipper of different embodiments can have a flap for preventing the zipper to touch any external surface such as skin of a user. The flap can run along the length of the zipper and can be displayed to access the zipper.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “travel pillow slip-on cover”, “travel pillow cover”, “travel pillow reusable cover”, “travel pillow covering”, and “cover” are interchangeable and refer to the travel pillow slip-on cover 100, 500 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the travel pillow slip-on cover 100, 500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the travel pillow slip-on cover 100, 500 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the travel pillow slip-on cover 100, 500 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the travel pillow slip-on cover 100, 500 are important design parameters for user convenience, the travel pillow slip-on cover 100, 500 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A travel pillow reusable cover comprising: a cover;an inner cavity;a top cover portion;a bottom cover portion;an inner surface; andan outer surface;wherein said inner surface circumscribes a neck opening;wherein said outer surface forms an outer periphery of said cover;wherein said top cover portion and said bottom cover portion are sewn together along said inner surface;wherein said top cover portion and said bottom cover portion having a fastener along said outer surface from a first leg outer end to a second leg outer end;wherein said fastener is selectively unfastenable for separating said top cover portion from said bottom cover portion along said outer surface for accessing said inner cavity of said cover for storing a travel pillow and accessing the travel pillow; andfurther wherein said fastener positioned on said outer surface.

2. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 1, wherein said cover having a material selected from the group consisting of a silk and a polyester.

3. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 1, wherein said cover having a material selected from the group consisting of a cotton and a wool.

4. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 2, wherein said fastener is a zipper fastener.

5. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 4, wherein said material is stretchable.

6. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 5, wherein said zipper extends from said first leg outer end to said second leg outer end.

7. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 6, wherein said top cover portion pivotal from said bottom cover portion along said first leg outer end and said second leg outer end; and further wherein said top cover portion having a pocket for accommodating a heating pad therein.

8. A travel pillow reusable cover comprising: a cover;an inner cavity;a top cover portion;a bottom cover portion;an inner surface; andan outer surface;wherein said inner surface circumscribes a neck opening;wherein said outer surface forms an outer periphery of said cover;wherein said top cover portion and said bottom cover portion having a fastener along said outer surface from a first leg outer end to a second leg outer end;wherein said fastener selectively unfastenable for separating said top cover portion from said bottom cover portion along said outer surface for accessing said inner cavity of said cover for storing a travel pillow and accessing the travel pillow;wherein said fastener positioned on said outer surface; andfurther wherein said fastener is a zipper fastener.

9. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 8, wherein said cover having a material selected from the group consisting of a silk and a polyester.

10. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 8, wherein said cover having a material selected from the group consisting of a cotton and a wool.

11. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 9, wherein said top cover portion having a pocket for accommodating a heating pad therein.

12. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 11, wherein said material is stretchable.

13. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 12, wherein said zipper extends from said first leg outer end to said second leg outer end.

14. The travel pillow reusable cover of claim 13, wherein said top cover portion pivotal from said bottom cover portion along said first leg outer end and said second leg outer end.

15. A method of covering a travel pillow with a reusable cover, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover having an inner cavity, a top cover portion, a bottom cover portion, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein said inner surface circumscribes a neck opening, and wherein said top cover portion and said bottom cover portion having a fastener along said outer surface from a first leg outer end to a second leg outer end;forming an outer periphery of said cover with said outer surface;separating said top cover portion from said bottom cover portion with said fastener along said outer surface, wherein said fastener positioned on said outer surface, and wherein said fastener is a zipper fastener;accessing said inner cavity of said cover; andstoring a travel pillow inside said inner cavity.

16. The method of covering a travel pillow with the reusable cover of claim 15, wherein said cover having a material selected from the group consisting of a silk and a polyester.

17. The method of covering a travel pillow with the reusable cover of claim 16, wherein said top cover portion having a pocket for accommodating a heating pad therein.

18. The method of covering a travel pillow with the reusable cover of claim 17, wherein said material is stretchable.

19. The method of covering a travel pillow with the reusable cover of claim 18, wherein said zipper extends from said first leg outer end to said second leg outer end.

20. The method of covering a travel pillow with the reusable cover of claim 19, wherein said top cover portion pivotal from said bottom cover portion along said first leg outer end and said second leg outer end.