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Removable moisture-wicking pillow case covering with velcro® fastened oppositely-disposed, different sized openning thereinto

Abstract: A removable moisture-wicking pillow case covering for a pillow for absorbing moisture and for maintaining the loft of the pillow upon which a person's places his or her sweat or perspiration on the head, neck and hair when in bed, or when laying down to rest, comprising a rectangularly-shaped sack having a volume which is slightly smaller than the volume of the pillow inserted and housed therein, the sack having four corners thereof rounded to eliminate the formation of sharp corners on the outside of the sack and for providing a means for registration of the pillow therein, the sack being made of a cloth base having a plurality of threads anchored therein and extending outwardly therefrom from about 3/16 to ⅜ of an inch and continuing through to the opposite side of the cloth base to form a plurality of relatively short loops extending therefrom, and having a pair of oppositely disposed openings into the sack along the seams thereof, one of the oppositely disposed openings being smaller than the other one, the peripheral lips of each of the openings having a pair of lipped portions having a Velcro® fastening system secured thereto so that when the lips are folded over 180 degrees and directed into the inside of the opening to the sack, the hook portion of the Velcro® fastening system when pressed together is operatively fastened to the oppositely-disposed loop portion of the Velcro® fastening system. ...

Agent: Ben E. Lofstedt - Fullerton, CA, US
Inventor: Michael Steven Taylor
USPTO Applicaton #: #20060112487 - Class: 005490000 (USPTO) -

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060112487, Removable moisture-wicking pillow case covering with velcro® fastened oppositely-disposed, different sized openning thereinto.

Loft Perspiration Sweat

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to coverings for pillows, and, more particularly, to coverings for pillows in which the entire pillow is removably secured within the pillow covering, and which absorbs moisture from a wet head of hair, from sweat on the face or neck, and yet presents a very soft and comfort fabric on which to lay one's head to sleep.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Various types of coverings for pillows or pillow cases are known in the prior art and are not new per se. A pillow is covered by a pillow cover or, as such cover is most frequently referred to, a pillow case. Such covers or pillow cases are normally formed from a cloth similar to the bed sheet fabric and usually serve the dual role of being decorative and protective of the pillow and the pillow housing whereby the pillow case can be laundered without the need to launder the enclosed pillow itself.

[0005] When pillows are used as a support for the head of a person, the face comes in very close contact with the outer surface. Consequently, the user breathes the air surrounding the pillow. Both the outer covering of the pillow and pillow itself, are susceptible to contamination.

[0006] Perspiration and other bodily fluids come in contact with the material forming the pillow case. This can lead to offensive odors being inhaled by the pillow user, and, in some cases, the risk of inhalation or contact with germs or viruses. To overcome this problem, the pillow cases are changed and re-washed.

[0007] A conventional pillow normally acts as a support for the head of a reclining individual. Such a pillow usually takes the form of a rectangular fabric bag filled with compressible filler such as kapok (cotton silk), feathers or down, high quality latex foam rubber or polyurethane foam. A pillow is usually provided with a removable pillow case of linen or cotton material.

[0008] Consequently, such a conventional combination of the pillow formed by pillow material stuffed into a pillow sack or covering and the pillow placed inside a pillow case cannot be used by a person whose head of hair is wet from just taking a bath or a shower without getting the permanent rectangular fabric bag wet. One of the reasons for encasing the permanent pillow covering with a removable pillow case is to protect the pillow covering from dirt and water.

[0009] All of the corners of the pillow are rounded to facilitate placement of the pillow into a pillow case and to prevent eye injuries in the event that the pillow is used without a pillowcase. Should the pillow not be used with a pillow case, it is preferred, for purposes of comfort, that the pillow be provided with a smooth, continuous exterior contour.

[0010] The pillow is made of compressible materials so as to prevent the pressure that causes facial wrinkles. Typically, pillows are made from one or more of a variety of resilient pillow materials, such as man-made plastic foams, such as polyurethanes, feathers, such as goose or duck down, or of natural fibers, such as buckwheat husk shells. "Resilient" pillow component materials as used herein means that the material used in the construction of the pillow component compresses or flexes with the application of pressure, that is, the weight of the person's head applied to the component during use, and that the component tends to return to approximately the same shape when the pressure is removed from the component. Materials with shape memory, that is, which retain the shape of a pressure imprint for a time, slowly returning to approximately the shape of the component prior to the application of pressure are considered "resilient" materials for purposes of this specification. Examples of such materials include polyurethane foam components which conform to a person's head or face at body temperature, but which gradually return to an original shape after the person's head or face is removed from the component and the components which are quilted or packed to retain a given shape are "resilient" materials for purposes of this specification. Typically, the polyurethane foams used in the pillows are of a suitable density and compressibility to support a human head, which typically weights between about 9 and 15 pounds. Usually, the resilient upper portion of the pillows of the invention are fabricated from a high density, high quality urethane foam.

[0011] Preferably, the pillow case is manufactured from a satiny, smooth, and soft material, including materials such as cotton, cotton-polyester, polyester, silk, rayon, and the like.

[0012] However, if the person places his or her head on the pillow case with a head of wet hair, the use of a smooth fabric alone will not offer much resistance to the water leaching through to the covering of the pillow and into the material forming the pillow itself. Such damages the pillow. Use of a plastic material to cover the pillow material is unacceptable because it does not allow the pillow material to be compressed when one places his or her head on the pillow and it is less than comfortable to the user's head and neck. Wrapping the pillow with a towel is helpful in absorbing water, but is unacceptably rough and uncomfortable to the user's face and neck.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,904 (Rudick, et al.) relates to a bed pillow having a pair of sections with two pillow covers which are connected by a fabric tether, inner pillows, and a decorative pillow case for each of the tethered inner pillow covers. The tether prevents separation of the two pillows beyond a predetermined maximum distance. The space created between the two pillows provides a cradle for the head in a supine sleeping position. In a prone sleeping position, the space between the two pillows acts as an air channel allowing for the free flow of air to and from the sleeper's nose.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,498 (Spector) discloses a dual-function pillow which is transformable into a figurative form or character. In it's normal mode, the pillow serves as a comfortable head rest. In it's transformed mode it functions as a plaything. The pillow which has a soft and compressible body includes a rectangular bag or outer case whose face has applied thereto a two-dimensional figure or character. The bag or case is provided with one or more transversely-placed draw strings which when tightened then act to constrict the pillow and to thereby impart contours thereto to define a main head portion and at least one secondary portion to create a three-dimensional form. The pillow 11 is covered with a casing 10 made of plastic film so that the entire combination will float in water thereby making it useable as a flotation water toy.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,448 (Boyd) relates to a pillow with cutouts adapted to accommodate the ear, nose and cheek of a user.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,379 (Freermann) relates to an apparatus for making a pillow or blanket case. This is an apparatus which automates a relatively complex operation.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,594 (Isogai) describes a combination pillow by which the cervical vertebras and the occipital region of a sleeper's head can be supported in a stable position relative to the pillow so that the head of the sleeper is prevented from accidentally coming off from the pillow even if he should toss about while sleeping.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,644 (Scheurer) relates to a recreational pillow that can be rolled-up and secured by tie straps.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,947 (Sramek) relates to an adjustable cervical pillow with depressions for a user's ears. The pillow described includes an absorptive covering made from a bactericidal fabric such as Staph-Check7. However, a loose-fitting pillow case is envisioned.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,375 (Horowitz) relates to an adjustable body support with improved neck and head support filled with granular material. A pillow case 26 is provided in this invention which " . . . is substantially rectangular of a dimension slightly larger than the body support 10.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,846 (Sullivan) discloses a combination beach towel and a pocket with a closure for a pillow.

[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,267 (Keilhauer) relates to a therapeutic sleeping pillow.

[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,266 (Pang) relates to a disposable pillow cushion cover.

[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,999 (Priolo) relates to a support pillow which is adjustable in height.

[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,998 (Torbik) relates to a cervical support pillow which provides cervical support during sleep, and, in particular, to a pillow which provides proper support whether the user is laying on his back or side.

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,362 (Yager) relates to pillow cases, and more particularly, to a pillow case including a three-dimensional figure attached to alter the aesthetic appearance of the pillow case. The invention described in this patent is pillow case formed from an envelope including a first sheet and a second sheet wherein each sheet includes an inner surface and an outer surface with each sheet joined together with a suffing material between the first and second sheet and by sewing creates a three-dimensional stuffed figure to the outer surface of the first sheet.

[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,194 (Dixon) relates to an adjustable cervical pillow with adjustable height, inclination and support using an improved construction which enhances sleep posture, comfort and durability relative to prior art pillows.

[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,117 (Bridges) relates to pillow construction which includes a pouch into which a person's head can be conveniently inserted to gain warmth and mask light.

[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,569 (Glenn) relates to a combination fitted sheet which is adapted to cover a face-down pillow.

[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,114 (Kjersem) relates to a supporting pillow for use to support the nape of the neck/head, or the small of the back.

[0031] U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,303 (Tanaka) relates to a cervical and head support pillow having an outer pillow covering with a top half and a bottom half. The pillow has foam inserts for insertion in the bottom half of the outer pillow covering. The inserts adjust the height of the pillow and also offer the user the feeling of less or more support for the head.

[0032] U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,634 (Koji, et al.) relates to a pillow case or covering formed of a sheet of anti-gas material.

[0033] U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,337 (Hull, et al.) pertains to a mechanic's support pillow which is secured to the user's head by means of an elastic or adjustable strap.

[0034] U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,928 (Skillington) discloses a pillowcase formed of elastic fabric.

[0035] U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,545 (Becton) pertains to a pillow case formed by modifying a T-shirt. Hook and loop fasteners strips 34 are used for closing the hole 30. Attached to an inner surface of pillow case tee 10 are circumferencially spaced mated Velcro.RTM. fasteners.

[0036] U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,157 (Story) relates to a pillow case construction with animal or other character appendages.

[0037] U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,719 (Anthony) relates to an integrated pillow case and fitted sheet. The location of the pillow case is definitively defined with respect to the fitted sheet and the pillow contained therein is not readily accessible to a would-be pilferer.

[0038] The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. The purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

[0039] The instant invention has been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0040] With this in mind, prior to providing a detailed explanation of at least one embodiment of the invention in depth, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not intended to be limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. It should thusly be understood that the within invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Additionally, it is to be further understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as in any way limiting.

[0041] Given these factors and understandings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other unique, but equivalent, structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS

[0042] Fundamentally, the invention disclosed herein is a removable pillow case for a pillow upon which a person's places his or her sweat or wet-after-showering head, neck and hair when in bed, or when laying down to rest, comprising a rectangularly-shaped sack having a volume which is slightly smaller than the volume of the pillow to be inserted and housed therein and having the four corners thereof rounded to eliminate the formation of sharp corners, the outside surface of the sack being made of a fluid-wicking cloth material formed of non-looped, short lengths of fluid-wicking threads in the range of 3/16 inch to 3/8 inch in length and an inside-facing surface whereby the ends of the non-looped threads are joined in a U-shape to form continuous loops, and short loops extending therefrom, and having a pair of oppositely disposed openings into the sack along the seams thereof, one of the oppositely disposed openings being smaller than the other one, the peripheral lips of each of the openings having a pair of lipped portions having a Velcro.RTM. fastening system secured thereto so that when the lips are folded over 180 degrees and directed into the inside of the opening to the sack, the hook portion of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system when pressed together is operatively fastened to the oppositely-disposed loop portion of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system.

[0043] It is one important and primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a pillow case which lifts and maintains the loft the pillow.

[0044] Another significant and important object and feature of the within invention is to provide a new and improved pillow case which is of a durable and reliable construction.

[0045] A yet still further and important feature of the new and improved pillow case is to provide a smooth, comfort surface for the head and neck of the person resting his or her head and neck on the pillow and pillow case combination.

[0046] It is one significant and primary object of the invention disclosed herein to provide a moisture wicking surface as an integral part of the pillow case for the absorption of sweat, water and other admixtures and mixtures of fluids on the hair, face, ears and neck of the person resting his or her head, face, ears and neck on the pillow case about the pillow.

[0047] A yet still further and important object and feature of the instant invention is to provide a large evaporative surface to enhance the process of evaporation of the moisture wicked from the head, hair and neck of the individual using the pillow and pillow case.

[0048] A yet still further important object and feature of the present invention is to provide a new and improved pillow case which overcomes the disadvantages normally associated with the prior art pillow cases.

[0049] It is yet another feature and unique characteristic of the present invention to improve the comfort of the user.

[0050] Another important and significant feature and characteristic of the present invention is to improve air circulation between the head and neck of the user and the pillow case.

[0051] A yet still further significant and important feature and characteristic of the instant invention described and disclosed herein is to enhance the cooling effect of the pillowcase following the moisture wicking from the person's body to the pillowcase as the moisture evaporates therefrom.

[0052] It is one important and significant feature of the instant invention to provide generally uniform support for the user's head when the user is sleeping on his or her back short loops extending therefrom, and having a pair of oppositely disposed openings into the sack along the seams thereof, one of the oppositely disposed openings being smaller than the other one, the peripheral lips of each of the openings having a pair of lipped portions having a Velcro.RTM. fastening system secured thereto so that when the lips are folded over 180 degrees and directed into the inside of the opening to the sack, the hook portion of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system when pressed together is operatively fastened to the oppositely-disposed loop portion of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system.

[0053] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity In the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be bad to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0054] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention herein will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein a satisfactory embodiment of the invention is shown. However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details disclosed but includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become obvious to those skilled in the art when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0056] FIG. 1 is a view of the pillow cover of the character and type of one embodiment of the invention shown turned inside out.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a view taken along Plane A-A of FIG. 1 of one of the preferred embodiments of the invention showing the opening thereinto that the pillow fits through to be covered by the pillow covering.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a view of one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein with the two contiguous sections of the pillow covering shown joined along the normally closed end thereof and opposite the joined ends are the Velcro.RTM. fastening elements secured across the opposite ends of the pillow covering

[0059] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a cross-section taken through one side of the pillow cover at C-C in FIG. 3.

[0060] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of a cross-section taken through one edge of the pillow cover at B-B in FIG. 1.

[0061] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section of an alternative type of velour-type of construction of the material from which the pillow covering is made taken along D-D in FIG. 3.

[0062] FIG. 7 depicts in perspective view the pillow covering with a hidden Velcro7 fastened seam of the present invention with a pillow inside of it.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a view of the open end of the pillow cover of the present invention showing the Velcro.RTM. hook and loop fastening system on the lips of the opening thereinto.

[0064] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view taken about E-E of FIG. 1 of one of the inside sewn corners of the present invention showing the nature and character of the corner of the present invention near the pillow entrance thereinto.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pillow which is insertable into the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the present invention showing the Velcro.RTM. tape fastening system in a fastened mode with the Velcro.RTM. tape in a preferred flattened vertical arrangement.

[0067] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the Velcro fastening system taken along Plane R-R of FIG. 11.

[0068] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view taken along Plane Q-Q of FIG. 11.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a view of the preferred Velcro fastening system closure seam presently a smooth, continuous exterior pillow case surface taken along Plane S-S of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0070] With continuing reference to all of the drawings and figures herein, and with special reference now to FIG. 1, there is shown and depicted a removable moisture-wicking pillow case covering for a pillow for absorbing moisture and which maintains the loft of the pillow upon which a person's places his or her sweat or perspiration-covered or wet-after-showering head, neck and hair when in bed, or when laying down to rest, generally indicated at 10, comprising a rectangularly-shaped sack or pillow case 11 having a volume which is slightly smaller than the volume of the pillow 12 to be inserted and housed therein and having the four corners 13, 14, 15 and 16 thereof rounded to eliminate the formation of sharp corners and to provide a means for registration and fixing the pillow 12 within the pillow case 11, the outside facing surface of the sack 11 being formed from a combination cloth material having a cloth base 17 with a plurality of threads 9 anchored therein.

[0071] The threads 9 being mounted through and supported by the cloth base 17 are arranged to extend outwardly from the outside face of the cloth base 17 and are also arranged to extend away from inside face of the cloth base 17.

[0072] The portion of threads 9 extending outwardly from the cloth base 17 which form the exterior face of the cloth base 17 are cut and trimmed to form lengths of fluid-wicking threads and extending from the surface of the cloth base 17 in the range of 3/16 inch to 3/8 inch in length. These are the ideal cut and trimmed lengths of the threaded material which, in combination with the cloth base 17, forms a soft, easy on the face of the person who rests his or her head on the exterior surface of this new and novel, removable, moisture-wicking pillow case 11. Not only does this arrangement serve as a superior arrangement presenting a soft-to-the-touch exterior surface, but when placed in contact with the face of the pillow user, it maintains a plurality of air-circulation gaps between the surface of the facial skin and the material forming the base cloth 17. Such plurality of air-circulation gaps formed thereby not only create an unparalleled soft interfacial surface between the face of the pillow user and the pillow case, but also provides for continuous air circulation between the face of the pillow user and the material forming the cloth base 17 to further promote drying of water or sweat on the face of the person using the pillow and pillow case combination. Still further, the cut ends 18 of the threads 9 create innumerable moisture wicking surfaces which when in contact with moisture on the neck, face, ears, or the hair of the person using the pillow and pillow case combination will draw the moisture into it by the process of wicking. Additionally, once the moisture is wicked by the cut ends 18 of the threads 9, the moisture travels into the cloth base 17 where it is held until it evaporates. The moisture after being wicked into the cut ends 18 of the threads 9 and into the cloth base 17 then begins to evaporate from the threads 9 and the cloth base 17 which further cools the neck, ears and head of the person using the pillow and pillow case combination of the present invention herein.

[0073] The inside-facing surface 29 of the combination cloth material is characterized by loops 19 of the threads 9 of which the outside-facing, cut ends 18 are a part. The loops 19 of the threads 9 act to keep the body of the threads 9 securely anchored in the cloth base 17. Further, the loops 19 act as spongy-type of buffer to maintain an air space between the cloth base 17 and the pillow 12 when the pillow 12 is disposed inside of the pillow case 10.

[0074] The inside facing surface of the combination cloth base 17 and the threads 9 are joined in a U-shape to form continuous loops 19, and an opening 20 into the sack 11 via one of the ends 21, 22 thereof with the opening 20 having a pair of lips 23, 24 to which a Velcro.RTM. fastening system, generally indicated at 25 in FIG. 3, having a hook portion 27 and a loop portion 28, is secured so that when the lips 23, 24 are directed into the inside of the opening 20 to the sack 11, and the pillow 12 inserted thereinside, the hook portion 27 of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25 may be operatively joined or fastened to the oppositely-disposed loop portion 28 of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25.

[0075] The generally rectangularly shaped sack 11 is formed so that the inside measurements therein are slightly smaller than the outside measurements of the pillow 12. The rectangular shape of the sack 11 conformably registers the generally rectangularly-shaped pillow 12 so that the four outside corners 30, 31, 32 and 33 of the pillow 12 are effectively locked into position with the inside four matching, complementary corners 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the sack 11 to prevent shifting or movement of the pillow 12 when it is inside of the sack 11. The purpose aid function of the sack 11 having inside dimensions which are slightly smaller than the outside dimensions of the pillow 12 is to force the pillow 12 to remain "fluffed up" when it is disposed within the sack 11 prior to the person's head being placed thereon.

[0076] A shown and illustrated in FIG. 3, the invention 10 is formed by two oppositely-disposed, matching pieces 26a and 26b of cloth 17 of the character and nature as hereinbefore described in detail. Along the outermost longitudinal portions of the two pieces 26a and 26b are oppositely-disposed, but relatively matching, lips 24, 23, each having, respectively, strips of Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25 with hooks 27 and loops 28 secured thereon.

[0077] It should be noted that while such securement of the Velcro.RTM. system 25 tapes to the cloth 17 can be readily accomplished by sewing as illustrated by the stitches 29 in FIGS. 1 and 9, such can also be secured thereto by adhesive means as well. Stitches 29, however, are the preferred medium by which to secure the Velcro.RTM. system 25 hook 27 and loop 28 tapes to the cloth 17 lips 23 and 24.

[0078] When the two matching pieces of cloth 26a and 26b as shown in FIG. 3 are sewn together along F (of which an enlarged cross-sectional portion as shown in FIG. 5 which is taken along B-B of FIG. 1), a sack 11 is formed as shown in FIG. 1

[0079] As shown in the figures herein, there is an opening 20 covered by a pair of flaps or lips 23, 24. This opening 20 is the entrance into the improved pillow case 10 of the present invention which permits the insertion and removal of the pillow 12 from the pillow case or cover 11. The overlap of flaps 23, 24 is in the nature of the opening 20 provided in a conventional pillow case, whereby the lips 23, 24 are complementarily matched and are secured by the Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25 so that the opening 20 is normally closed when the pillow 12 is mounted thereinside.

[0080] With reference now to FIG. 11, there is shown an end view of the entrance or opening 20 (depicted in its closed position) to the present invention of the type and character of the present invention 10. Inside of the pillow case 10 is a compressed pillow 12. The Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25 is shown and illustrated in it's CLOSED position with the lip 23 and lip 24 fastened together. It should be noted that the entire Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25 is closed and tucked inside of the pillow case to present a smooth surface to the outside of the pillow case 10 so that the user of the pillow 12 and pillow case 10 combination can comfortably use it.

[0081] As depicted in FIG. 12 which is an enlarged view of one preferred embodiment of the invention 10 taken along Plane R-R of FIG. 11 of one preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the Velcro.RTM. fastening and closure system 25 is shown in a vertical arrangment so that the Velcro.RTM. fastening and closure system 25 is, in a way, hidden and protected from being accidently caught and opened or separated unintentionally by the pillow user.

[0082] In FIG. 13, an enlarged view taken about Plane Q-Q of FIG. 11 of the same preferred embodiment of the invention 10 as depicted in FIG. 12, the flattened, vertically-arranged, Velcro.RTM. fastening and closure system 25 is clearly indicated.

[0083] In FIG. 14 there is shown and depicted the view taken along Plane S-S of FIG. 13 to illustrate the closed, folded seam of the opening 20 into the pillow case 10 showing the smooth exterior of the closed, folded seam of the opening 20.

[0084] As noted further in the drawings herein, a second opening 34 is formed into the sack 11. The second opening 34 into the sack 11 is oppositely disposed in complementary relationship to the first opening or entrance 20 into the sack 11. The pair of openings 20, 34 are conveniently disposed along the seam 37 of the sack 11. The second opening 34 into the sack 11 is in the range of 30% to 50% smaller than the opening 20 forming the entrance into the sack 11. Both of the openings 20, 34 into the sack 11 have a pair of lips 23, 24 and 35, 36 respectively about the periphery of each of the openings 20, 34 thereinto, said lips 23, 24 and 35, 36 each incorporate a Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25 secured thereto so that when the lips 23, 24 and 35, 36 to the openings 20, 34 respectively are folded over 180 degrees and directed into the inside of the sack 11, so that when the hook portion of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system 25 is pressed together with the oppositely-disposed loop portion of the Velcro.RTM. fastening system the lips 23, 24 and 35, 36 are operatively fastened together.

[0085] The second opening 34 of the pillow case 11 is opened to allow the pillow 12 to be manually pulled inside of the pillow case 11 and compressed to obtain the desire loft of the pillow 12. Once the pillow 12 has been manually drawn inside the pillow case 11 by the use of the second opening 34, the lips 35, 36 of the second opening 34 are pressed together and closed. The second opening 34 of the pillow case 11 is made smaller in size than the entrance 20 into the pillow case sack 11 so that the pillow 12 cannot be drawn beyond the second opening 34. In short, the net effect of the smaller opening 34 into the pillow case 11 acts as a "stop" or barrier to prevent the pillow 12 from being drawn therethrough.

[0086] The inventor herein has discovered that the present invention by captivating the pillow, for use with the standard size bed pillow measuring 20 inches.times.26 inches and filled with 100% polyesther material, the pillow case 10 of the present invention is dimensioned at 19 inches.times.24 inches, to product the desirable pillow loft. This represents a 13% REDUCTION in the pillow size.

[0087] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0088] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0089] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

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