WO2012047371A1

WO2012047371A1 - Pillow cover with neck support

Info

Publication number: WO2012047371A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/046959
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fong Yu Liu
Original assignee: Fong Yu Liu
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-08-08
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: TW201215356A; US20110061166A1

Abstract

A pillow cover includes a pillow casing and a neck support. The pillow casing includes a top layer and a bottom layer overlapping therewith, and defining a pillow cavity between the top and bottom layers for receiving a pillow element in the pillow cavity. The neck support is provided at the pillow casing at a position that the neck support is upwardly protruded from the top layer and is supported by the pillow element, wherein the neck support includes a retention pocket provided at the top layer and a neck supporting element received in the retention pocket to upwardly and longitudinally protrude from the top layer for filling at a neck curvature of a user to provide a natural neck support for the user when the head of the user supports on the pillow element.

Description

Title

Pillow C ov er with Neck Support

Background of the Present Invention Field of Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a pillow cover, and more particularly to a pillow cover with neck support, wherein the user is able to use his or her own pillow to incorporate with the pillow cover such that when the user sleeps in a bed by using his or her own pillow for head support in a comfortable way, the neck support of the pillow cover provides a substantial neck support to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping.

Description of Related Arts

[0002] Nowadays, pillows have become indispensable tools of in our lives. They usually used for providing support for the head while sleeping in a bed. A pillow can also be just a decoration such as a throw pillow. It is usually having filler inside made from feathers, synthetic fills, and so on. Through sleeping on the pillow, people can feel very relax and comfortable, and achieve the desired sleeping effect. However, although there are thousands of pillows in market, each pillow stores may only provide a very general style. In other words, people pursue for the pillow which is being smaller for people to carry on with them, more personal style, and more convenient and comfortable for people to use.

[0003] The traditional pillows usually comprise a pillow cover to cover on top of the pillow. Because the pillow cover is changeable, it provides a way to change the appearance of the pillows and always keeps the pillows clean. Even through constantly and long terms using, the pillows in the pillow covers still remains in good condition. However, when the user wants to adjust the height and the position of the pillow, the present pillow always can only make slightly change. In other words, every pillow user would like to adjust different height and position of their pillows so as to ensure which style fits his or her head the most to achieve the most comfortable way while sleeping in a bed.

[0004] Therefore, there is a kind of adjustable pillow, called memory pillow sold on the market, comprising memory foam, wherein the memory is made of polyurethane with additional chemicals that increase its viscosity level and density. Thus, when the user sleep on the memory pillow, the memory pillow automatically adjust its height and position to fit the user's head so as to make people feel more comfortable while sleeping in a bed. However, even though the memory foam pillow is flexible in its shape to fit the user's head, the memory foam pillow has several drawbacks. The main drawback of the memory foam pillow cannot be selectively adjusted its stiffness. Accordingly, some users may prefer to use the pillow having softer supportive ability. However, such memory foam pillow can only provide a standard softness. In addition, the memory foam pillow is too heavy and bulky. For example, when people go out for traveling, a conventional pillow or such memory pillow which is already making a good adjustment of its shape is not allowable for them to carry on with them. Thus, the user still needs to use the pillow provided by the hotel room. To make matters worse, through constantly and long terms using, some pillows go out of shape very easily such that people will feel not so comfortable while sleeping on it. It is a struggle for people to decide whether to keep the deformed pillow or get a new one. [0005] In addition, the existing pillow has a predetermined waved structure to form a neck support for supporting the neck of the user when the head of the user supports on the pillow. However, the neck support of the pillow has a standard size such that the neck support may not fit the neck curvature of the user. In addition, the location of the neck support is fixed that the neck support may not fit the neck position of the user. Therefore, the user will merely change the head position in order to align the neck of the user with the neck support of the pillow.

[0006] To sum up, the design of existing pillows cannot satisfy the current needs of people who like to have their individual style on pillows and pursue the most comfortable manner while they sleep in a bed. Summary of the Present Invention

100071 The invention is advantageous in that it provides a pillow cover with a neck support, wherein the user is able to use his or her own pillow to incorporate with the pillow cover such that when the user sleeps in a bed by using his or her own pillow for head support in a comfortable way, the neck support of the pillow cover provides a substantial neck support to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping.

[0008] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pillow cover with a neck support, wherein the geographic position of the neck support on the pillow casing is changeable and replaceable. Therefore, every pillow user is able to adjust its geographic position of their pillows so as to ensure which style fits his or her head the most to achieve the most comfortable way while sleeping in a bed.

[0009] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pillow cover with a neck support, wherein the size of the pillow cover is extremely portable such that the user is able to always carry them especially in the travel time. In other words, the user is able to cany the pillow cover only and to incorporate with any existing pillow provided by others, such as hotel.

[0010] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pillow cover with a neck support, wherein the neck supporting element comprises an inflatable bag and a valve provided thereon for popping the inflatable bag by air inflation. Thus, the volume of the neck supporting element is further reduced by air inflation method, and the pillow has become extremely portable.

[0011] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.

[0012] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a pillow cover which comprises: [0013] a pillow casing comprising a top layer and a bottom layer overlapping therewith, and defining a pillow cavity between the top and bottom layers for receiving a pillow element in the pillow cavity; and

[0014] a neck support provided at the pillow casing at a position that the neck support is upwardly protruded from the top layer and is supported by the pillow element, wherein the neck support comprises a retention pocket provided at the top layer and a neck supporting element received in the retention pocket to upwardly and longitudinally protrude from the top layer for filling at a neck curvature of a user to provide a natural neck support for the user when the head of the user supports on the pillow element.

[0015] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

[0016] These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pillow cover with a neck support according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the alternatives of the neck supporting element.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a side view of the pillow receiving in the pillow cover according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the head and neck support of the user by the pillow and the neck support of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the pillow cover with the neck support incorporating with the traditional pillow according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0020] Fig. 4 illustrates the structural configuration of the pillow cover according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative mode of the retention pocket of the pillow cover according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0022] Fig. 5A illustrates another alternative mode of the pillow cover according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative mode of the pillow cover according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024J Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pillow cover with a neck support according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a pillow cover with a neck support according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention

[0026] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a pillow cover with a neck support according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0027] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, a pillow cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the pillow cover comprises a pillow casing 10 and a neck support 20.

[0028] The pillow casing 10 has a top layer 11 and a bottom layer 12 overlapping therewith and defines a pillow cavity 13 between the top and bottom layers 11, 12, wherein a traditional pillow element 1 is adapted to be received in the pillow cavity 13 of the pillow casing 10.

[0029] The neck support 20 comprises an elongated retention pocket 21 longitudinally provided at the top layer 1 1 of the pillow casing 10 and a neck supporting element 22 receiving in the retention pocket 21 at a position that the neck supporting element 22 is upwardly protruded from the top layer 11, in such a manner that the neck supporting element 22 is adapted for filling at a neck curvature of a user to provide a natural neck support for the user when a head of the user supports on the pillow element 1 so as to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping. Accordingly, the elongated retention pocket 21 is extending along the length of the pillow casing 10 and has a width substantially less than the width of the pillow casing 10.

[0030] Accordingly, the pillow element 1, which is a traditional pillow, comprises a pillow envelop and a filler filled therein, wherein the filler is generally made of down, feathers, or synthetic fills. According to the preferred embodiment, the user is able to dispose his or her own pillow in the pillow cover such that the user is able to sleep in a bed by using his or her own pillow for head support in a comfortable way.

[0031] According to the preferred embodiment, the pillow casing 10 is made of non- irritant, comfortable, and launderable material, such as woven fabric or cotton, to provide a relatively close fitting and to provide a soft surface in contact with the body of the user. The pillow casing 10 can be washable after the pillow element 1 is removed from the pillow casing 10 for hygiene purpose.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the pillow casing 10 has a head support portion 101 defined at a center portion of the top layer 11 for the head of the user lying thereat and a neck support portion 102 adjacent to the head support region 101 at a position between two longitudinal ends of the top layer 11 at a position where the neck support 20 is located on the top layer 1 1 to align with the neck curvature of the user. Therefore, when the pillow element 1 is disposed in the pillow casing 10, the head of the user is supported by the pillow element 1 at the head support portion 101 of the pillow casing 10 while the neck of the user is supported by the neck support 20 at the neck support portion 102 of the pillow casing 10.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the retention pocket 21 has at least a side accessing opening 201 for the neck supporting element 22 replaceably receiving in the retention pocket 21 through the side accessing opening 201. An attachment, such as Velcro, can be provided at the side accessing opening 201 to enclose the neck supporting element 22 in the retention pocket 21.

[0034] In particularly, the retention pocket 21 comprises a pocket layer 211 overlapped on an outer surface of the top layer 1 1 of the pillow casing 10 to define an elongated pocket cavity 212 between the pocket layer 211 and the outer surface of the top layer 11 for retaining the neck supporting element 22 in the pocket cavity 212, as shown in Fig. 3. Preferably, two longitudinal edges of the pocket layer 211 are stitched on the top layer 11 of the pillow casing 10 at the neck support region 102 thereof while at least one of the transverse edges of the pocket layer 211 is remained unsewn to form the side accessing opening 201. Therefore, the neck supporting element 22 is adapted to dispose in the pocket cavity 212 through the side accessing opening 201.

[0035] Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative mode of the retention pocket 21 A, wherein the retention pocket 21 A comprises a pocket layer 21 1 A overlapped on an inner surface of the top layer 11 of the pillow casing 10 to define an elongated pocket cavity 212A between the pocket layer 211 A and the inner surface of the top layer 1 1 for retaining the neck supporting element 22 in the pocket cavity 212A. In other words, the retention pocket 21 A is formed within the pillow cavity 13 in a hidden manner, so as to keep the aesthetic appearance of the pillow casing 10.

[0036] Fig. 5A illustrates an alternative mode of the pillow cover, wherein the pillow casing 10 further has two side edge portions 103 and a center usage portion 104 between the two side edge portions 103. Accordingly, the head of the user will lie on the pillow cover at the center usage portion 104, wherein the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104 is long enough for the head of the user to turn right or left while the head of the user still supports on the pillow cover. [0037] In particular, the neck supporting element 22 has a length at least equal to the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104 of the pillow casing 10, such that when the neck supporting element 22 is received in the elongated retention pocket 21, the neck supporting element 22 is long enough to match with the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104 of the pillow casing 10. In other words, the length of the neck supporting element 22 can be shorter than the length of the pillow cover 10 to provide the natural neck support for the user when a head of the user supports on the pillow element 1 so as to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping. It is appreciated that the elongated retention pocket 21 A can be formed with a length matching with the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104 of the pillow casing 10 such that the length of the elongated retention pocket 21 A matches with the length of the neck supporting element 22. In addition, the pocket layer 21 1 A can be overlapped on the inner surface of the top layer 11 of the pillow casing 10 to define an elongated pocket cavity 212A between the pocket layer 211 A and the inner surface of the top layer 11 for retaining the neck supporting element 22 in the pocket cavity 212A. Or, the pocket layer 211 is overlapped on the outer surface of the top layer 1 1 of the pillow casing 10 to define an elongated pocket cavity 212 between the pocket layer 211 and the outer surface of the top layer 11 for retaining the neck supporting element 22 in the pocket cavity 212.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1 , the neck supporting element 22, which is made of deformable material, has a top curved supporting surface having a curvature matching with a curvature of the neck of the user to fittingly support the neck of the user at the top curved supporting surface. Accordingly, the neck supporting element 22, having an elongated structure corresponding to the pocket cavity 212, comprises a tubular pillow bag 221 and a pillow filler 222 filled in the pillow bag 221. The pillow filler 222 can be made of made of down, feathers, or synthetic fills. Accordingly, the pillow filler 222 can also be made of activated carbon for air purification, herbs such as Lavender or Rosemary, or beans depending on the user's preference.

[0039] Alternatively, the neck supporting element 22A comprises an elongated foam detachably received in the pocket cavity 212, wherein the neck supporting element 22 A is preferably made of memory foam. Likewise, the neck supporting element 22B comprises an inflatable bag 22 IB and a valve 222B provided thereon for popping the inflatable bag 22 IB by air inflation. Accordingly, the stiffness of the neck supporting element 22B can be selectively adjusted by retaining a desired volume of air in the inflatable bag 22 IB. Once the inflatable bag 22 IB is deflated, the pillow cover can be folded into a relatively small size for enhancing the portability of the pillow cover.

[0040] It is worth to mention that the neck supporting elements 22, 22A, 22B are replaceable and interchangeable such that the user is able to choose the corresponding neck supporting element 22, 22A, 22B for neck support according to the user preference. Therefore, the user is able to select and adjust different stiffness of the neck supporting elements 22, 22A, 22B for neck support.

[0041] In order to manufacture the pillow cover of the present invention, the pillow casing 10 comprises a piece of fabric layer 14 folded in half and stitched along two longitudinal edges 141 as a comiection line to form the top and bottom layers 11, 12, wherein the retention pocket 21 is provided at the fabric layer 21 1 along a centerline 142 between the two longitudinal edges 141 such that the connection line always located at the bottom layer 12 while the neck supporting element 22 is retained at the top layer 1 1. [0042] Preferably, two transverse edges of the fabric layer 14 are remained unsewn to form two side openings of the pillow casing 10 such that the pillow element 1 is adapted to receive in the pillow cavity 13 through one of the side openings. Accordingly, the neck supporting element 22 is selectively adjusted to its geographic location with respect to the pillow element 1 by encirclingly shifting the pillow casing 10 around the pillow element 1. Therefore, the user is able to re-locate the geographic location of the neck supporting element 22 to fittingly support the neck of the user with respect to the curvature and contour of the neck of the user during sleeping. Accordingly, one of the side openings of the pillow casing 10 can also be sewn that one side of the pillow casing 10 forms an opening side while another side of the pillow casing 10 forms a closed side. [0043] It is appreciated that the pillow casing 10 comprises two fabric layers overlapped with each other that the longitudinal edges of the fabric layers are sewn with each other as shown in Fig. 5 to define the top and bottom layers 11, 12.

[0044] It is appreciated that the pillow casing 10 forms as the pillow envelope that the filler is directly filled into the pillow casing 10, as shown in Fig. 6, so as to omit the pillow envelope of the traditional pillow element 1. Therefore, the pillow element 1 is embodied as the filler only to receive in the pillow casing 10. In other words, the top and bottom layers 1 1, 12 of the pillow casing 10 are affixed edge-to-edge that two side openings of the pillow casing 10 are sewn to retain the filler in the pillow cavity 13 such that the pillow casing 10 with the filler therein becomes a head support with built-in neck support ability. [0045] As shown in Fig. 7, a pillow cover according to a second embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the pillow cover comprises a pillow casing 10D and a neck support 20D.

[0046] The pillow casing 10D has a top layer 1 ID and a bottom layer 12D overlapping therewith and defines a pillow cavity 13D between the top and bottom layers 11D, 12D, wherein a traditional pillow element 1 is adapted to be received in the pillow cavity 13D of the pillow casing 10D. The pillow casing 10D has a head support portion 10 ID defined at a center portion of the top layer 1 ID for the head of the user lying thereat and a neck support portion 102D adjacent to the head support region 101D at a position between two longitudinal ends of the top layer 11D where the neck support 20D is located on the top layer 11D to align with the neck curvature of the user. Therefore, when the pillow element 1 is disposed in the pillow casing 10D, the head of the user is supported by the pillow element 1 at the head support portion 101D of the pillow casing 10D while the neck of the user is supported by the neck support 20D at the neck support portion 102D of the pillow casing 10D.

[0047] The top layer 1 ID of the pillow casing 10D further has two side edge portions 103D and a center usage portion 104D between the two side edge portions 103D. Accordingly, the head of the user will lie on the pillow cover at the center usage portion 104D, wherein the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104D is long enough for the head of the user to turn right or left while the head of the user still supports on the pillow cover.

[0048] The neck support 20D comprises an elongated retention pocket 21D longitudinally provided at the top layer 11D of the pillow casing 10D and a neck supporting element 22D receiving in the retention pocket 2 ID at a position that the neck supporting element 22D is upwardly protruded from the top layer 1 ID, in such a maimer that the neck supporting element 22D is adapted for filling at a neck curvature of a user to provide a natural neck support for the user when a head of the user supports on the pillow element 1 so as to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping. Accordingly, the elongated retention pocket 21D is extending along the length of the pillow casing 10D and has a width substantially less than the width of the pillow casing [0049] The neck support 20D further comprises a neck support adjustment 23D for selectively adjusting the position of the neck supporting element 22D at the top layer 1 ID of the pillow cover 10D. As shown in Fig. 7, the neck support adjustment 23D comprises a plurality of first fasteners 23 ID provided at the pillow cover 10D and a plurality of second fasteners 232D provided at the retention pocket 2 ID to detachably and selectively fasten with the first fasteners 23 ID respectively to adjustably hold the retention pocket 2 ID in position, so as to adjustably retain the neck support element 22D at the pillow casing 10D. It is worth mentioning that the retention pocket 2 ID is preferably fastened at the inner side of the top layer 1 ID of the pillow cover 10D. [0050] According to the preferred embodiment, the first fasteners 23 ID are a plurality of buttonholes and are spacedly formed along the side edge portions 103D of the top layer 11D of the pillow cover 10D. It is worth mentioning that the user will not use the side edge portions 103D of the pillow cover 10D for head support, therefore, the user will not feel any uncomfortable with the first fasteners 23 ID. The second fasteners 232D are a plurality of corresponding button elements and are provided at two side portions of the retention pocket 2 ID respectively. Since the length of the retention pocket 21 D is shorter than the length of the top layer 1 ID, the number of first fasteners 23 ID is larger than the number of the second fasteners 232D. In other words, the first fasteners 23 ID are provided along the side edge portions 103D of the top layer 11D while the second fasteners 232D are only provided at the side edge portions of the retention pocket 2 ID.

[0051] Therefore, by selectively fastening the button elements with two corresponding buttonholes to hold the retention pocket 21D at a desired position, the neck supporting element 22D can be received in the retention pocket 21D matching with the neck position of the user when the head of the user supports on the pillow cover 10D. [0052] The retention pocket 21 D has at least side accessing opening 201 D. Therefore, the neck supporting element 22D is adapted to dispose in the pocket cavity 212D through the side accessing opening 201D. It is worth mentioning that when the retention pocket 21D is detachably affixed to the top layer 1 ID of the pillow casing 10D via the first and second fasteners 23 ID, 232D, the side accessing opening 201D of the retention pocket 21D will be closed via the attachment between the first and second fasteners 23 ID, 232D, so as to secure the neck supporting element 22D within the retention pocket 2 ID. [0053] It is appreciated that the first and second fasteners 23 ID, 232D can be buttonholes and button elements, snap buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or the like.

[0054] In particular, the neck supporting element 22D has a length at least equal to the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104D of the pillow casing 10D, such that when the neck supporting element 22D is received in the elongated retention pocket 2 ID, the neck supporting element 22D is long enough to match with the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104D of the pillow casing 10D. In other words, the length of the neck supporting element 22D can be shorter than the length of the pillow cover 10 to provide the natural neck support for the user when a head of the user supports on the pillow element 1 so as to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping. It is appreciated that the elongated retention pocket 2 ID can be formed with a length matching with the length of the pillow casing 10D such that the length of the elongated retention pocket 2 ID is longer than the length of the neck supporting element 22D. [0055] As shown in Fig. 8, a pillow cover according to a third embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the pillow cover comprises a pillow casing 10E and a neck support 20E.

[0056] The pillow casing 10E has a top layer 1 IE and a bottom layer 12E overlapping therewith and defines a pillow cavity 13D between the top and bottom layers 1 IE, 12E, wherein a traditional pillow element 1 is adapted to be received in the pillow cavity 13E of the pillow casing 10E. The pillow casing 10E has a head support portion 101E defined at a center portion of the top layer 1 IE for the head of the user lying thereat and a neck support portion 102E adjacent to the head support region 10 IE at a position between two longitudinal ends of the top layer 1 IE where the neck support 20E is located on the top layer HE to align with the neck curvature of the user. Therefore, when the pillow element 1 is disposed in the pillow casing 10E, the head of the user is supported by the pillow element 1 at the head support portion 101E of the pillow casing 10E while the neck of the user is supported by the neck support 20E at the neck support portion 102E of the pillow casing 10E. [0057] The pillow casing 10E further has two side edge portions 103E and a center usage portion 104E between the two side edge portions 103E. Accordingly, the head of the user will lie on the pillow cover at the center usage portion 104E, wherein the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104E is long enough for the head of the user to turn right or left while the head of the user still supports on the pillow cover.

[0058] The neck support 20E comprises a retention pocket 2 IE longitudinally provided at the top layer HE of the pillow casing 10E and a neck supporting element 22E receiving in the retention pocket 21 E at a position that the neck supporting element 22E is upwardly protruded from the top layer HE, in such a manner that the neck supporting element 22E is adapted for filling at a neck curvature of a user to provide a natural neck support for the user when a head of the user supports on the pillow element 1 so as to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping. Accordingly, the elongated retention pocket 21E is extending along the length of the pillow casing 10E and has a width substantially less than the width of the pillow casing 10E.

[0059] The neck support 20E further comprises a neck support adjustment 23E for selectively adjust the position of the neck supporting element 22E at the pillow cover 10E. As shown in Fig. 8, the neck support adjustment 23E comprises a pocket layer 23 IE overlapped under the top layer HE of the pillow casing 10E and a plurality of longitudinal stitches evenly and spacedly formed to affix the pocket layer 23 IE with the top layer HE so as to form the retention pocket 2 ID between two adjacent longitudinal stitches. In other words, the top layer HE of the pillow casing 10E forms a double- layered structure with the pocket layer 23 IE.

[0060] Accordingly, at least one of the transverse edges of the pocket layer 21 IE is remained unsewn to form the side accessing opening 20 IE of each of the retention pockets 2 IE. Therefore, the neck supporting element 22E is adapted to dispose in the pocket cavity 212E through the side accessing opening 20 IE.

[0061] Therefore, the user is able to selectively dispose the neck supporting element 22E in one of the retention pockets 21E to match with the neck position of the user when the head of the user supports on the pillow cover 10E. [0062] In particular, the neck supporting element 22E has a length at least equal to the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104E of the pillow casing 10E, such that when the neck supporting element 22E is received in the elongated retention pocket 2 IE, the neck supporting element 22E is long enough to match with the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104E of the pillow casing 10E.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 9, a pillow cover according to a fourth embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the pillow cover comprises a pillow casing 10F and a neck support 20F.

[0064] The pillow casing 10F has a top layer 1 IF and a bottom layer 12F overlapping therewith and defines a pillow cavity 13F between the top and bottom layers 1 IF, 12F, wherein a traditional pillow element 1 is adapted to be received in the pillow cavity 13E of the pillow casing 10F. The pillow casing 10F has a head support portion 101F defined at a center portion of the top layer 1 IF for the head of the user lying thereat and a neck support portion 102E adjacent to the head support region 10 IF at a position between two longitudinal ends of the top layer 1 IF where the neck support 20F is located on the top layer 1 IF to align with the neck curvature of the user. Therefore, when the pillow element 1 is disposed in the pillow casing 1 OF, the head of the user is supported by the pillow element 1 at the head support portion 101 F of the pillow casing 10F while the neck of the user is supported by the neck support 20F at the neck support portion 102F of the pillow casing 1 OF.

[0065] The pillow casing 10F further has two side edge portions 103F and a center usage portion 104F between the two side edge portions 103F. Accordingly, the head of the user will lie on the pillow cover at the center usage portion 104F, wherein the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104F is long enough for the head of the user to turn right or left while the head of the user still supports on the pillow cover.

[0066] The neck support 20F comprises a retention pocket 21 F longitudinally provided at the top layer 1 IF of the pillow casing 10F and a neck supporting element 22F receiving in the retention pocket 21 F at a position that the neck supporting element 22F is upwardly protruded from the top layer 1 IF, in such a manner that the neck supporting element 22F is adapted for filling at a neck curvature of a user to provide a natural neck support for the user when a head of the user supports on the pillow element 1 so as to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping. Accordingly, the elongated retention pocket 2 IF is extending along the length of the pillow casing 10F and has a width substantially less than the width of the pillow casing 10F. [0067] The neck support 20F further comprises a neck support adjustment 23F for selectively adjusting the position of the neck supporting element 22F at the pillow cover 10F. As shown in Fig. 9, the neck support adjustment 23F comprises a pocket layer 23 IF foldably overlapped on the outer side of the top layer 1 IF of the pillow casing 10F to define the retention pocket 2 IF between the top layer 1 IF and the pocket layer 23 IF and a fastening unit 232F provided between the top layer 1 IF and the pocket layer 231F to adjustably retain the neck supporting element 22F within the retention pocket 2 IF.

[0068] In particular, the neck supporting element 22F has a length at least equal to the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104F of the pillow casing 1 OF, such that when the neck supporting element 22F is received in the elongated retention pocket 2 IF, the neck supporting element 22F is long enough to match with the longitudinal length of the center usage portion 104F of the pillow casing 10F.

[0069] According to the preferred embodiment, the pocket layer 23 IF has a longitudinal folding edge, preferably top edge thereof, affixed to the top layer 1 IF and an opposed longitudinal free edge, such that the pocket layer 23 IF can be folded to overlap on the top side of the top layer 1 IF so as to form a double-layered structure. It is worth mentioning that the size of the pocket layer 23 IF matches with the size of the top layer 1 IF such that the pocket layer 23 IF can fit to fold on the top layer 1 IF.

[0070] The fastening unit 232F comprises a plurality of first fasteners 2321F provided on the outer side of the top layer 1 IF of the pillow casing 10F and a plurality of second fasteners 2322F provided at the inner side of the pocket layer 23 IF to detachably fasten with the first fasteners 232 IF respectively, so as to adjustably retain the neck support element 22F in position when the pocket layer 23 IF is folded on top of the top layer 1 IF.

[0071] Accordingly, the first fasteners 232 IF are two elongated hook fasteners and are formed along the side edge portions 103F of the top layer 1 IF of the pillow cover 10F. It is worth mentioning that the user will not use the side edge portions 103F of the pillow cover 10F for head support, therefore, the user will not feel any uncomfortable with the first fasteners 2321F. The second fasteners 2322F are two elongated loop fasteners and are provided at two side portions of the pocket layer 21 IF respectively. Therefore, when the pocket layer 21 IF is folded on top of the top layer 1 IF, the first and second fasteners 2321F, 2322F are fastened with each other to hold two side portions of the neck supporting element 22F in position. In other words, when the two side portions of the neck supporting element 22F are held by the attachment between the first and second fasteners 2321F, 2322F, the neck supporting element 22F can be retained at a desired position corresponding to the neck position of the user. Accordingly, the user is able to locate the neck supporting element 22F on the top layer 1 IF at a desired position to match with the neck position of the user, such that when the pocket layer 21 IF is folded on top of the top layer 1 IF, the neck supporting element 22F will be retained at the desired positon. [0072] It is appreciated that the first and second fasteners 2321F, 2322F can also provided at the top and bottom sides of the neck supporting element 22F at the side portions thereof, such that the first fasteners 232 IF at the top layer 1 IF can fasten with the second fasteners 2323F at the bottom side of the neck supporting element 22F while the second fasteners 2322F at the pocket layer 21 IF can fasten with the first fasteners 232 IF at the top side of the neck supporting element 22F so as to further secure the position of the neck supporting element 22F.

[0073] In addition, the first and second fasteners 232 IF, 2322F can also provided at the top layer 1 IF and the free edge of the pocket layer 21 IF such that when the pocket layer 21 IF is folded on top of the top layer 1 IF, the free edge of the pocket player 21 IF can be retained on the corresponding position of the top layer 1 IF via the first and second fasteners 2321F, 2322F.

[0074] It is worth mentioning that the neck supporting element 22D, 22E, 22F can be one of the tubular pillow bag filled with the pillow filler, the elongated foam support, and the inflatable bag with a valve for popping the inflatable bag by air inflation as mentioned above. [0075] It is worth to mention that the user is able to keep his or her own pillow element 1 in order to incorporate with the pillow cover of the present invention because of his or her own sleeping habit. In compassion with the traditional pillow, the size of the pillow cover of the present invention is relatively portable. Therefore, the user is able to carry the pillow cover of the present invention only during traveling. For example, the user is able to dispose the pillow element 1 provided by the hotel in the pillow cover of the present invention such that the neck support 20 of the pillow cover provides a substantial neck support to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping. The user does not have to carry his or her own large pillow during traveling in order to provide the neck support function. In addition, it would be more personal hygiene that the user uses the pillow cover of the present invention to cover the pillow from the hotel.

[0076] One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. [0077] It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A pillow cover, comprising: a pillow casing comprising a top layer and a bottom layer overlapping therewith, and defining a pillow cavity between said top and bottom layers for receiving a pillow element in said pillow cavity so as to allow a user to select his own said pillow element to be used; and a neck support provided at said pillow casing at a position that said neck support is upwardly protruded from said top layer and is supported by said pillow element, wherein said neck support is adjustably supported at said pillow casing to define a head portion head support region on said top layer for the head of said user lying thereat and a neck support portion where said neck support is located on said top layer for aligning with the neck curvature of said user; wherein said neck support comprises a retention pocket provided at said top layer and a neck supporting element replaceably received in said retention pocket to upwardly and longitudinally protrude from said top layer for filling at the neck curvature of said user to provide a natural neck support for said user when said head of said user supports on said pillow element.

2. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 1, wherein said top layer of said pillow casing has two side edge portions and a center usage portion between said two side edge portions, wherein a length of said neck supporting element at least equals to a longitudinal length of said center usage portion of said pillow casing.

3. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 1, wherein said neck support further comprises a neck support adjustment for selectively adjusting a position of said neck supporting element at said top layer of said pillow casing.

4. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 2, wherein said neck support further comprises a neck support adjustment for selectively adjusting a position of said neck supporting element at said top layer of said pillow casing.

5. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 3, wherein said neck support adjustment comprises a plurality of first fasteners provided at said pillow cover and a plurality of second fasteners provided at said retention pocket to detachably and selectively fasten with said first fasteners respectively to adjustably hold said retention pocket in position, so as to adjustably retain said neck support element at said pillow casing.

6. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 4, wherein said neck support adjustment comprises a plurality of first fasteners provided at said pillow cover and a plurality of second fasteners provided at said retention pocket to detachably and selectively fasten with said first fasteners respectively to adjustably hold said retention pocket in position, so as to adjustably retain said neck support element at said pillow casing.

7. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 6, wherein said first fasteners are a plurality of buttonholes spacedly formed along said side edge portions of said top layer of said pillow cover while said second fasteners are a plurality of button elements provided at two side portions of said retention pocket respectively, wherein said second fasteners are selectively fastened with said buttonholes to adjustably retain said retention pocket at said top layer.

8. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 6, wherein said retention pocket has a side accessing opening to enable said neck supporting element replaceably receiving in said retention pocket through said side accessing opening, wherein when said first fasteners are fastened with said second fasteners, said side accessing opening of said retention pocket is closed to retain said neck supporting element in said retention pocket.

9. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 7, wherein said retention pocket has a side accessing opening to enable said neck supporting element replaceably receiving in said retention pocket through said side accessing opening, wherein when said first fasteners are fastened with said second fasteners, said side accessing opening of said retention pocket is closed to retain said neck supporting element in said retention pocket.

10. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 6, wherein said retention pocket is detachably affixed to an inner side of said top layer of said pillow casing.

1 1. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 9, wherein said retention pocket is detachably affixed to an inner side of said top layer of said pillow casing.

12. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 3, wherein said neck support adjustment comprises a pocket layer overlapped under said top layer of said pillow casing and a plurality of longitudinal stitches evenly and spacedly formed to affix said pocket layer with said top layer so as to form said retention pocket between two adjacent longitudinal stitches, such that said neck supporting element is selectively received in one of said retention pockets to adjust the position of said neck supporting element at said top layer of said pillow casing.

13. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 4, wherein said neck support adjustment comprises a pocket layer overlapped under said top layer of said pillow casing and a plurality of longitudinal stitches evenly and spacedly formed to affix said pocket layer with said top layer so as to form said retention pocket between two adjacent longitudinal stitches, such that said neck supporting element is selectively received in one of said retention pockets to adjust the position of said neck supporting element at said top layer of said pillow casing.

14. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 12, wherein each of said retention pockets has a side accessing opening to enable said neck supporting element replaceably receiving in said retention pocket through said side accessing opening.

15. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 13, wherein each of said retention pockets has a side accessing opening to enable said neck supporting element replaceably receiving in said retention pocket through said side accessing opening.

16. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 3, wherein said neck support adjustment comprises a pocket layer foldably overlapped on an outer side of said top layer of said pillow casing to define said retention pocket between said top layer and said pocket layer, and a fastening unit provided between said top layer and said pocket layer to adjustably retain said neck supporting element within said retention pocket.

17. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 4, wherein said neck support adjustment comprises a pocket layer foldably overlapped on an outer side of said top layer of said pillow casing to define said retention pocket between said top layer and said pocket layer, and a fastening unit provided between said top layer and said pocket layer to adjustably retain said neck supporting element within said retention pocket.

18. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 16, wherein said fastening unit comprises a plurality of first fasteners provided on said outer side of said top layer of said pillow casing and a plurality of second fasteners provided at an inner side of said pocket layer to detachably fasten with said first fasteners respectively, so as to adjustably retain said neck support element in position when said pocket layer is folded on top of said top layer.

19. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 17, wherein said fastening unit comprises a plurality of first fasteners provided on said outer side of said top layer of said pillow casing and a plurality of second fasteners provided at an inner side of said pocket layer to detachably fasten with said first fasteners respectively, so as to adjustably retain said neck support element in position when said pocket layer is folded on top of said top layer.

20. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 19, wherein said first fasteners are provided at said two side edge portions of said top layer respectively while said second fasteners are provided at two side portions of said pocket layer respectively.

21. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 20, wherein said pocket layer has a longitudinal folding edge affixed to said top layer, and an opposed longitudinal free edge, such that said pocket layer is adapted to be folded to overlap on top of said top layer.

22. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 21, wherein said first and second fasteners are hook and loop fasteners respectively.

23. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 11, wherein said neck supporting element is selected from the group consisting of a tubular pillow bag filled with a pillow filler, an elongated foam support, and an inflatable bag.

24. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 15, wherein said neck supporting element is selected from the group consisting of a tubular pillow bag filled with a pillow filler, an elongated foam support, and an inflatable bag.

25. The pillow cover, as recited in claim 22, wherein said neck supporting element is selected from the group consisting of a tubular pillow bag filled with a pillow filler, an elongated foam support, and an inflatable bag.