US20150250309A1

US20150250309A1 - Pillow Holding Device

Info

Publication number: US20150250309A1
Application number: US14/560,288
Authority: US
Inventors: Kristina McLoud
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-06
Filing date: 2014-12-04
Publication date: 2015-09-10

Abstract

Described is a pillow holding device for use in holding a number of pillows in a stacked orientation. The device includes a flat, rigid base on which pillows can be stacked. The base can have any of a variety of shapes including a square or circular shape. The base includes a number of posts thereon that are arranged about the periphery of the base. The posts help to maintain the pillows in a stacked configuration on the base, and prevent the pillows from falling off of the base. The base is supported above the ground by a number of legs. A second base may be disposed above or below the first base so as to serve as a shelf. The device may include a basket removably secured to the posts, and may include decorative toppers for each post.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/948,740 filed on Mar. 6, 2014, entitled “Pillow Tower.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pillow holding device. More specifically, the present invention provides a pillow holding device comprising a flat base on which pillows can be arranged in a stacked orientation. The base includes posts thereon for maintaining the pillows on the base. The base is disposed above the ground by a number of legs.
Decorative pillows are often arranged on couches, love seats, beds, and other pieces of furniture in order to improve the appearance of a room. The decorative pillows often have various colors and patterns and are aesthetically pleasing. People may place several decorative pillows on a bed or other furniture during the day, and then remove the pillows when the person wishes to use the furniture.
However, users often have no place to store the decorative pillows when they are removed from the bed or other furniture. Pillows are often thrown onto the floor or other pieces of furniture, creating a messy unorganized appearance. Further, when the pillows are thrown on the floor, the pillows may collect dust or debris, or may otherwise be damaged. Once the decorative pillows are desired to be repositioned, the user may have difficulty locating or picking up the pillows that have been scattered to various portions of a room. Thus, a device that helps to store and organize pillows is desired.
The present invention provides a pillow holding device adapted to hold pillows in a stacked orientation. The device includes a flat, rigid base on which a plurality of decorative pillows can be supported. The periphery of the base includes a plurality of vertical posts extending upward therefrom. The posts help to constrain the pillows so that they do not fall off of the base when stacked. Preferably, four posts are arranged on the base in a square configuration. The base is disposed above the ground on a plurality of legs. Further, additional bases may be positioned on the posts so as to provide additional storage area for pillows or other objects.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to pillow holding devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to pillow holding devices. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
One such device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,873 to Matthews discloses a method of displaying support pillows. The method includes the step of providing a display stand having a base and three or more vertical shafts extending upwards therefrom. The shafts are spaced so as to define an interior area therebetween. The pillows can be arranged between the shafts and on top of the base. Thus, Matthews discloses a method of storing pillows, and fails to disclose a base disposed on legs, and having additional bases or shelves for storing other objects or items.
Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,837 to Bragg et al. describes a pillow holding device. The device is adapted to be suspended from an overhead surface. The device includes a holding surface composed of a net or similar material and a frame therearound having upright connections for attaching the device to the overhead surface such as a ceiling, wall, door, or closet, among others. Thus, Bragg et al. discloses a pillow holding device, but fails to disclose a pillow holding device having a rigid base and a plurality of upright posts extending therefrom.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,278 to Howen discloses a holder that includes a circular base having recesses spaced around a perimeter thereof. The recesses are spaced equidistant apart from each other, and each of the recesses is adapted to hold a rod therein. In this way, three rods are spaced 120 degrees from one another, so as to hold circular containers therein. Thus, Howen discloses a device having a base and upright rods or posts, but fails to disclose a plurality of legs secured to said base, and additional shelves or bases disposed on the posts.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,874 to Ahlgrim et al. discloses a storage assembly. The device includes a bin with side panels, a bottom, a rim, defining an interior cavity. A pair of reception slots is disposed on opposing side panels of the bin. The reception slots are configured to receive a portion of a divider that divides the cavity into two or more compartments. Thus, Ahlgrim et al. discloses a storage bin, and does not disclose a pillow holding device having a base and a plurality of upright posts thereon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,506 to Lang discloses a display tower. The display tower comprises at least two successive tier trays and at least one spacing support connecting the trays. The trays are stacked in a vertical orientation. The spacing support is not adapted to prevent items, such as decorative pillows, from falling off of the trays. Thus, Lang fails to disclose a pillow holding device comprising a base and vertical posts.
Finally, U.S. Design Patent Number D278669 to Walpin describes an ornamental design for a pillow rack. The pillow rack includes a substantially rectangular enclosure composed of elongated tubes. The device includes a bottom, sidewalls, and an open upper end. Thus, Walpin fails to disclose a pillow holding device having a base and upright posts thereon.
These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. The devices in the prior art disclose object holding devices having various configurations. Such devices do not disclose devices having a base elevated from the ground or floor. Thus, such devices hold pillows close to the ground, where the pillows may contact dirt or dust. Further, such devices fail to disclose additional storage areas or baskets on which additional objects can be stored.
In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing pillow holding devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pillow holding devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new pillow holding device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when storing a number of decorative pillows in an organized manner.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved pillow holding device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pillow holding device adapted to hold a number of pillows in a stacked orientation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pillow holding device having a base and a plurality of posts thereon for maintaining pillows on the base in a stacked orientation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pillow holding device having a base disposed above the ground on a plurality of legs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pillow holding device that includes decorative toppers that can be removably secured to the upper end of the posts for providing a decorative appearance.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a pillow holding device having a basket that is removably securable to the upper end of the posts for holding additional items thereon.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pillow holding device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a square base.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device as used to hold pillows thereon.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a circular base and removable toppers.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a secondary base thereon.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a basket secured thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the pillow holding device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting a plurality of pillows in a stacked configuration. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a square base. The pillow holding device 11 comprises a base 12 having a flat upper surface 16. The base 12 is disposed in a horizontal orientation so that pillows can be stacked on the upper surface 16 thereof. The base 12 comprises a rigid construction, and may be composed of wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 is shown as having a square shape, however, in other embodiments the base 12 includes various other shapes, including rectangular, circular, or elliptical shapes, among others.
A plurality of posts 13 extend upward from the upper surface 16 of the base 12. The posts 13 are arranged in an upright, vertical orientation and include a first end 14 secured to the upper surface 16 and a second end 15. The posts 13 may comprise a circular or square cross section. Further, the second end 15 of the posts 13 may have a rounded, pointed, or squared shape. The posts 13 are preferably composed of the same material as the base 12.
The base 12 is disposed at an elevated position above the ground on a plurality of legs 17. The legs 17 are attached to the base 12 on the underside thereof, and are preferably arranged on the periphery of the base 12. The legs 17 may be arranged so that they are disposed directly under the posts 13, so that the legs 17 and posts 13 are coaxial.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device 11 as used to hold pillows thereon. A plurality of pillows 20 can be disposed on the upper surface 16 of the base 12. The pillows 20 are stacked directly on top of one another. The pillows 20 are constrained by the posts 13 on the base 12. The posts 13 prevent the pillows 20 from falling off of the base 12, and the posts 13 help to arrange the pillows 20 in a stacked orientation. Pillows 20 can be inserted onto the base 12 or on top of other pillows 20 thereon by lowering the pillows 20 downward towards the base 12 and between the posts 13.
The posts 13 are preferably arranged on the periphery of the base 12 so as to constrain the pillows 20 held thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 13 are arranged in a square configuration, such that one post 13 is positioned on each corner of the square base 12. In the illustrated embodiment, four posts 13 are arranged in a square configuration, however, in other embodiments, fewer or more posts 13 may be used.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a circular base. In the illustrated embodiment, the pillow holding device 21 comprises a base 22 having a circular shape. A plurality of posts 23 is disposed in an upright, vertical orientation on the upper surface 26 of the base 22. The posts 23 include a first end 24 attached to the base 22, and a second end 25 that extends upward therefrom. The posts 23 are arranged in a square configuration on the circular base 22, however, the posts 23 can be arranged in other configurations. The posts 23 serve to constrain pillows placed on the upper surface 26 of the base 22. The base 22 is disposed above the ground on a plurality of legs 27 attached to an underside of the base 22.
The present invention further includes decorative toppers 41 that can be removably attached to the second end 25 of each post 23. The toppers 41 have a decorative appearance and can resemble geometric shapes, animals, and other objects. For example, the toppers 41 may be spherical as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the user can interchange the toppers 41 to provide a decorative appearance to the pillow holding device of the present invention. Each topper 41 includes a slot 42 adapted to receive the second end 25 of each post 23 therein. In this way, the toppers 41 can be easily installed and removed by positioning the topper 41 over the second end 25 of each post 23.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a secondary base thereon. The illustrated embodiment of the pillow holding device 31 includes a base 39 having an upper surface 40. The base 39 is supported on a plurality of legs 37 attached to the underside of the base 39. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of support posts 38 is disposed on the upper surface 40 of the base 39. A secondary base 32 is disposed on the support posts 38, and is arranged in a horizontal configuration. The secondary base 32 is arranged directly above the base 39. The secondary base 32 includes a plurality of posts 33 that extend upward from the upper surface 36 thereof. The posts 33 include a first end 34 attached to the upper surface 36 of the secondary base 32, and a second end 35 that extends upward therefrom. The posts 33 are preferably arranged on the periphery of the base 32. Thus, the illustrated embodiment provides a base 39 on which pillows or other articles can be stored, so that the pillow holding device 31 includes additional storage space for other items.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the pillow holding device having a basket secured thereto. The present invention further provides a basket 45 that can be removably positioned on the upper end of the pillow holding device. The basket 45 comprises a central panel 46. Preferably, the central panel 46 is substantially square in shape. The central panel 46 is preferably composed of a flexible material, such as wicker or rattan, or can be composed of fabric. Thus, small objects such as magazines or remote controls can be placed on the central panel 46. A plurality of flexible bands 47 are secured to and disposed around the perimeter of the central panel 46. The flexible bands 47 are affixed to the central panel 46 and are adapted to be removably positioned over the decorative toppers 41 or on the second end of the posts 13. The flexible bands 47 stretch over the toppers 41, regardless of the shape thereof, and the tension in the flexible bands 47 secures the basket 45 on the upper end of the pillow holding device. Thus, the user can easily install or remove the basket 45 by positioning the flexible bands 47 over the toppers 41 on each post 13.
The pillow holding device may further include a removable cover. The cover is adapted to fit snugly over the posts of the pillow holding device. In this way, the cover can be used to enclose the top and sides of the pillow holding device in order to enclose the pillows placed within the pillow holding device. This helps to protect the pillows from dust or spills. The cover is preferably composed of a fabric material or a flexible, plastic sheet.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 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.
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.

Claims

1) A pillow holding device, comprising:

a base disposed in a horizontal orientation and having an upper surface adapted to support one or more pillows thereon;

a plurality of posts having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is attached to said upper surface of said base and extends vertically upward therefrom;

a plurality of legs attached to an underside of said base and that support said base in an elevated position above the ground;

a basket removably secured to said second end of said plurality of posts.

2) The pillow holding device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of posts are disposed on the periphery of the base.

3) The pillow holding device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of posts are arranged in a square configuration.

4) The pillow holding device of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a square shape.

5) The pillow holding device of claim 4, wherein said plurality of posts are arranged in a square configuration on the periphery of said base.

6) The pillow holding device of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a circular shape.

7) The pillow holding device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of posts comprises comprise a square cross section.

8) The pillow holding device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of legs is aligned directly beneath one of said plurality of posts.

9) The pillow holding device of claim 1, wherein each of said second end of said plurality of posts comprises a decorative topper removably secured thereto.

10) The pillow holding device of claim 9, wherein said decorative topper comprises a slot adapted to receive said second end of said plurality of posts therein.

11) (canceled)

12) The pillow holding device of claim 11, wherein said basket comprises a central panel and one or more flexible bands disposed about the perimeter thereof, wherein said one or more flexible bands are adapted to be secured to said second ends of said plurality of posts.

13) A pillow holding device, comprising:

a plurality of support posts having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said plurality of support posts is attached to said upper surface of said base and extending vertically upward therefrom;

a secondary base disposed in a horizontal orientation and having an upper surface and a lower surface;

said second end of said plurality of support posts attached to said lower surface of said secondary base;

a plurality of posts having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said plurality of posts is attached to said upper surface of said secondary base and extending vertically upward therefrom;

a basket removably secured to said second end of said plurality of posts.

14) The pillow holding device of claim 13, wherein each of said second end of said plurality of posts comprises a decorative topper removably secured thereto.

15) The pillow holding device of claim 14, wherein said decorative topper comprises a slot adapted to receive said second end of said plurality of posts therein.

16) The pillow holding device of claim 13, wherein said basket comprises a central panel and one or more flexible bands disposed about the perimeter thereof, wherein said one or more flexible bands are adapted to be secured to said second ends of said plurality of posts.