Disposable Pillowcase System

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

The present invention is related to pillowcases and cushion coverings. Generally, pillowcases are used and washed once a week. Between launderings, the pillowcase may become soiled (e.g., bacteria). Many times, the pillowcase exhibits no signs of being soiled. For users, soiled pillowcases may have negative effects on users' skin (e.g., acne). The present invention provides users the advantage of having a clean pillowcase as needed (even daily) in a convenient, cost-effective, and speedy manner. The present invention may be utilized in congregate living facilities (e.g., personal care homes, assisted living residences, retirement homes, etc.) and dormitories (colleges, boarding schools, summer camps, etc.).

An object of the present invention is a disposable pillowcase system comprising a top layer, a bottom layer, and a plurality of connectors. Each of the top layer and the bottom layer comprises a plurality of sheets. Each sheet comprises a plurality of slits. Each connector is adapted to secure the top layer to the bottom layer. Each connector is adapted to be inserted through the slit.

In another object of the present invention, one side of each sheet comprises a comfort side and a non-permeable side.

In yet another object of the present invention, the disposable pillowcase system further comprises at least one foam core tube. The foam core tube is adapted to be inserted between the top layer and the bottom layer.

In another object of the present invention, each connector comprises a post having a foot on both ends of the post. Each foot is adapted to be inserted through the slits.

In yet another object of the present invention, each connector comprises a post having a foot on one end of the post and a loop on the other end of the post. The foot is adapted to be inserted through the slit. The foot is adapted to be inserted through the loop.

In another object of the present invention, the disposable pillowcase system further comprises a non-permeable sheet that is adapted to be inserted between the plurality of sheets of the top layer and is adapted to be inserted between the plurality of sheets of the bottom layer.

In yet another object of the present invention, the disposable pillowcase system may further comprise an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder is adapted to be inserted between the top layer and the bottom layer.

For clarity purposes, all reference numerals may not be included in every figure.

As illustrated in, a disposable pillowcase systemcomprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a plurality of connectors. Each of the top layerand the bottom layercomprises a plurality of sheetsand each sheetcomprises a plurality of slits. Each connectoris adapted to secure the top layerto the bottom layer. Each connectoris adapted to be inserted through the slits.

Preferably, one side of each sheet comprises a comfort sideand a non-permeable side, as illustrated in, respectively. Each sheetof the top layerand the bottom layermay be made of the suitable pillowcase materials known in the art. For example, the material may be cotton, linen, velvet, satin, silk, polyester, other known pillowcase materials, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the sheetsmay be made from paper pulp (from wood or fiber crops). The sheetsmay also be woven, non-woven, or knitted. The non-permeable sideis water resistant or waterproof. Each sheetmay be made by bonding a suitable pillowcase material to a non-permeable material. Alternatively, each sheet may be a suitable pillowcase material where the sheet has been treated on one side where that side becomes non-permeable (i.e., the non-permeable side) and where the other non-treated side is the comfort side. The comfort sideis the side that contacts the user. The non-permeable sideacts as a barrier, preventing contaminants from soiling the other sheets.

The user may utilize the user's own pillow for the disposable pillowcase system. Alternatively, the disposable pillowcase systemmay further comprise at least one foam core tube, as shown in(no connectorsare illustrated in this figure for clarity purposes only). The foam core tubemay be inserted into the cavity formed between the top layerand the bottom layer. As illustrated in, more than one foam core tubemay be inserted into the cavity. However, some embodiments may be where only one foam core tubemay be utilized to fill the cavity if the foam core tubeis appropriately shaped. Additionally, although theillustrates that the foam core tubesare different sizes and form a generally double-tapered shape, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Different size foam core tubesmay be utilized to fit the user's specific preferences.

In other embodiments, the disposable pillowcase systemmay further comprise an inflatable bladder, as illustrated in. The inflatable bladdermay be inflated for use with the disposable pillowcase system. The inflatable bladdermay be inserted between the top layerand the bottom layer. The inflatable bladdermay be deflated for the user's convenience (e.g., storage, travel, etc.). For example, the disposable pillowcase systemmay be used as a travel pillow. As a flight traveler, the user for convenience may wait until the user is seated on a plane before inflating the inflatable bladderto use the disposable pillowcase system. Additionally, the user may deflate the inflatable bladderbefore deplaning.

In some embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in, the connectormay comprise a posthaving a footon both ends of the post. Each footis adapted to be inserted through the slits.

In other embodiments, the connectormay comprise a posthaving a footon one end of the postand a loopon the other end of the post, as shown in. The footis adapted to be inserted through the slit. The footis adapted to be inserted through the loop.

The connectoris preferably flexible and elastic, where the user may deform (e.g., contract, distort, compress, etc.) any or all of the post, foot, and loopto allow the user to more easily insert the connectorthrough the slits. The connector'selasticity allows the connector to resume its normal shape after the insertion of the connectorthrough the slitsis complete. The connectormay be made of a flexible material such as soft, pliable, medical-grade biocompatible polymers, such as silicones, resins, plastics, and nylons. Other more rigid materials may be utilized, for example, stainless steel. If more rigid materials are utilized, then the sheetwould be stretched thereby widening the slitto allow the insertion of the connectorthrough the slit. This is similar to the process of inserting rigid cuff links through button holes. The connectorspreferably may be cleaned and reused. Furthermore, the shape and design of the connectoris not limited to those shown in, as long as the connectoris able to be inserted through the slitand secures the top layerto the bottom layer. For example, the connectormay be shaped like a keyring (e.g., wire keychain with twist lock, carabiner, etc.). Furthermore, the connectormay be any apparatus (e.g., zip ties and string) that may secure the top layerto the bottom layerthrough the slits.

To utilize the connectorshown in, either footmay be inserted through the slitsof the top layerand the bottom layer. The top layeris secured to the bottom layer, where one footis on the outer surface (i.e., the surface in contact with the user) of the top layerand other footis on the outer surface (i.e., the surface in contact with the bed) of the bottom layer. This connectoris similar to the way a cuff link is utilized.illustrates the use of this connector. One of the connectorsin this figure is stretched for illustration purposes. When this connectoris released, it will return to a normal state where it is not stretched (i.e., it will be shorter) and will secure the top layercloser to the bottom layer.

To utilize the connectorshown in, the footmay be inserted through the slitsof the top layerand the bottom layer. The top layeris secured to the bottom layer, where the footis on the outer surface (i.e., the surface in contact with the user) of the top layerand the loopis on the outer surface (i.e., the surface in contact with the bed) of the bottom layer. The footmay then be inserted through the loop. Preferably, this connectoris made of a soft, pliable, medical-grade biocompatible polymers, such as silicone, which may be stretched and then retracted back into its original shape. The loopmay be stretched for ease of insertion of the foot. Then, the loopretracts back to its original shape, which better secures the connector, which would better secure the top layerto the bottom layer.

The present invention is a pillowcase that has disposable sheets. The top layeris comprised of sheetsstacked on top of each other, where the slitsare aligned. Similarly, the bottom layeris also comprised of sheetsstacked on top of each other, where the slitsare aligned. Then, the top layeris placed upon the bottom layer, resulting in the slitsof the top layerand the bottom layerbeing aligned. This alignment allows the connectorto be inserted through the slitsof both the top layerand the bottom layer, resulting in the top layerbeing secured to the bottom layer. The number of slitsand connectorsmay vary depending upon the design of the pillow to be encased. Additionally, all slitsmay have connectors. Alternatively, not all slitsmay have connectors. The amount of connectorswill vary depending upon the number needed to secure the pillow within the pillowcase. The user may remove one or more soiled topmost sheetsfrom either the top layer, the bottom layer, or both. The number of sheets removed may be based on soil or contamination level, user preference, etc. The user may remove a sheetfrom the top layer, then flip the pillow over to have a cleaner bottom layer contact the user the next time the pillow is utilized. The frequency (twice daily, daily, every 3 days, weekly, etc.) of removing a sheetdepends upon many factors, such as the user's preference, level of soiling of the sheet, etc. To remove a sheet, the user may free the sheet from the connector. Alternatively, the user may rip the sheet(e.g., for sheetsmade from paper pulp) away from the connector.

Generally, pillowcases are rectangular. However, the present invention is not limited in shape, asillustrates different embodiments of the present invention, where the disposable pillowcase systemmay be different shapes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the disposable pillowcase systemmay comprise a non-permeable sheet, as shown in. The non-permeable sheetis adapted to be inserted between the plurality of sheetsof the top layer. Additionally, the non-permeable sheetis adapted to be inserted between the plurality of sheetsof the bottom layer. The non-permeable sheetinmay be placed between the plurality of sheetsof either or both the top layerand the bottom layer. Preferably, the non-permeable sheetis inserted between the top most sheet (i.e., the sheet closest to the user and furthest from the cavity between the top layerand bottom layer) and the next sheet. The non-permeable sheetacts as a barrier, preventing contaminants from soiling the next sheet. The non-permeable sheet may be cleaned and laundered to be reused. The sheetspreferably serve to absorb and wick away liquids. For example, if the user is prone to drooling, then the sheets act to draw the drool away from the surface and allow the user to lay on a more dry surface. Depending upon the user's preferences and needs, the non-permeable sheetmay be inserted between any of the sheets. For example, if the user is an excessive drooler, then the user may prefer to insert the non-permeable sheetbetween the third and fourth sheet(with the topmost sheetbeing the sheet in contact with the user). This orientation allows more sheets (three in this example) to absorb or wick away the drool.

illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention. Top layerand bottom layerare formed by continuous sheetsfolded in half, whereby the top half forms the top layerand the bottom half forms the bottom layer. When the topmost sheetof the top layerbecomes soiled and the user may cut the edge formed where the sheetsare folded, remove the soiled sheet, and then flip the pillowcase systemover allowing the user to sleep on the clean topmost sheetof the bottom layer. When the topmost sheetof the bottom layerbecomes soiled, the user may then remove the soiled sheet.

Alternatively, after the topmost sheetof the top layeris soiled, the user may then flip the pillowcase systemover allowing the user to sleep on the clean topmost sheetof the bottom layer. When the topmost sheetof the bottom layerbecomes soiled, the user may then remove both the soiled sheetof the top layerand the bottom layertogether.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions, and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, top, bottom, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, top, bottom, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.