WO2014030157A2

WO2014030157A2 - Pillow toy

Info

Publication number: WO2014030157A2
Application number: PCT/IL2013/050701
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arie Carmon
Original assignee: Arie Carmon
Priority date: 2012-08-20
Filing date: 2013-08-19
Publication date: 2014-02-27
Also published as: AU2013202294B2; AU2013202294A1; WO2014030157A3

Abstract

A pillow or cushion (101) that is convertible into a first toy, and alternatively a second toy. The pillow may include a pillow body (102) and an appendage (103) attached to the pillow body (102) or a slip covering the pillow body. In this case, the appendage (103) is reversibly configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy.

Description

Pillow Toy

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a pillow that is convertible between a pillow mode and a toy mode.

Background of the invention

Pillows that double as stuffed toys are known. The intent of having a pillow that is also usable as a stuffed toy is to provide a child with a pillow that they can use to sleep with, or when awake a device that they can play with to keep them occupied. Additionally, children often sleep more readily with a favourite stuffed animal or toy.

Pillows that can be converted to stuffed animal toys are known, see for example US patent application publication 2008/0182478. This patent application addresses the need to provide a pillow that converts into a better stuffed animal. Specifically, this patent application discusses the idea of using a clasping arrangement so as to provide an improved three dimensional aspect to the toy by allowing the pillow body to be bunched together thereby defining the body of a stuffed animal, thus providing three dimensional shaping to encourage the child's imagination and/or curiosity.

While US patent application publication 2008/0182478 provides an improvement over simple pillow toys, it only provides for minimal interaction for the child. The child can simply clasp the convertible pillow to form the stuffed toy, play with the toy, and then unclasp the toy to revert the toy back into a pillow. To maintain the child's attention and to further enhance the interaction of the child with the toy, it is desirable to provide a toy with further interactive features.

Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pillow or cushion that is convertible into a first toy, and alternatively a second toy.

The present invention relates to a pillow that is convertible to a toy, such as a stuffed toy. The toy may then be converted back to the pillow and/or into another toy. This increases the level of interaction between a child and the toy by encouraging the child to engage more readily with the toy. Additionally, as the child becomes less interested in one form of the toy, it can be converted to a second toy to rekindle the child's interest.

The terms 'pillow' and 'cushion' are intended to refer to a type of cushion that is particularly used for supporting various body parts of a person, such as the head of a person, such as a child, when resting or sleeping. For example, the pillow or cushion can be used as a regular pillow that a person or child would use when sleeping, such as on a bed or mat. Alternatively or additionally, the pillow or cushion may be used as a typical cushion for sitting on, or resting against by a person or child whether that person or child is situated on a chair, couch, or floor etc.

In an embodiment, the pillow includes a pillow body, wherein the pillow body functions as a pillow to support a child's head, and additionally forms the body or bulk of the first and second toys.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a convertible pillow or cushion including a pillow body, the convertible pillow or cushion being convertible between different modes, including: a pillow mode, wherein the pillow body functions as a pillow to support a child's head; a first toy mode, wherein the pillow body functions as the body or bulk of a first toy; and a second toy mode, wherein the pillow body functions as the body or bulk of a second toy.

In an embodiment of each of the above described aspects, there is further provided an appendage attached to the pillow body; wherein the appendage is reversibly configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy. In an embodiment, the pillow further includes a connector for connecting a first part of the pillow body to a second part of the pillow body; wherein connection of the connector converts the pillow from a/the first mode serving as a pillow to either a/the second mode or a/the third mode, whereby, the second mode corresponds to the first toy and the third mode corresponds to the second toy. Generally, when in the second or third mode, the pillow toy is no longer suitable for use as a pillow, due to the reconfiguring such as bunching caused by the connector. However, the invention is not limited to this.

As discussed above, the first mode relates to a pillow body or the cushion body which is suitable for a person or child to rest various body parts, such as their head, against. The pillow or cushion body may have first and second sides which are substantially the same size and shape, and joined along the edges with internal filling or stuffing. In this way, the pillow or cushion body lies 'flat' in pillow mode with a first side being uppermost and a second side being lowermost with filling or stuffing therebetween. This is what is understood by the 'flat' form of the pillow. The pillow body or cushion body is not encumbered from lying flat by other parts of the pillow or cushion when in the pillow mode. When in the first mode, the pillow body is in this flat form and thus suitable for use as a support for the head of a reclining person, for example a sleeping person or child. The pillow or cushion body is preferably formed of two pieces of similarly shaped fabric joined together along corresponding edges so that the two pieces of fabric lie one above the other in alignment with one another. The pillow or cushion body has filing therebetween. Alternatively, yhe pillow body or cushion body may be formed by foldijng a single piece of fabric along a centrally disposed fold and joining overlapping edges. Seams are suitably hidden as known in the art. The shape may be square or rectangular with side lengths of at least 20cm. A typical dimension may be 30cm x 40cm, i.e. exceeding in plan the size of a person or child's head.

In an embodiment, the connector is located to connect opposite sides or opposite ends of the pillow body or cushion body so that the pillow or cushion body no longer lies flat. There are a number of ways in which to connect opposite sides or ends of the pillow body. Each of the opposite sides or ends may be provided with a strap that connects to an opposing strap. In this situation, one strap may include a first connection element, and the opposing strap includes a second connection element, the first and second connection elements being connectible.

Alternatively, one side or end may have a strap that can be affixed to a connection location on the opposite side or end of the pillow or cushion body. The strap may include a first connection element, and the connection location on the opposing side or end includes a second connection element, the first and second connection elements being connectible. In each case, suitable connection elements may be selected from the group consisting of buttons, buckles, a hook and loop fastener, Velcro, zippers etc. The connection elements may also include a cover to protect the first and second connection elements when they are not connected. For example, when the first and second connection elements are Velcro, a first and second cover may be affixed adjacent to the first and second connection elements respectively, the first and second covers having a corresponding Velcro surface that can be engaged with the Velcro surface on the first and second connection elements. In this way, the first and second connection elements can be covered and protected from wear and tear when not in use by using the first and second covers. Preferably the first connection element is located on a strap and is the hook portion of the Velcro fastener, and the second connection element is located on a side of the pillow body opposite the strap and is the pile portion of the Velcro fastener. More preferably, a cover is stitched to the strap, adjacent the hook portion of the Velcro fastener, the cover including a pile portion of a Velcro fastener is suitable to engage and cover the hook portion of the Velcro fastener on the strap.

In an embodiment, the appendage includes a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed.

In an embodiment, the first configuration of the appendage and the second configuration of the appendage are oriented upside-down from each other. The pillow or cushion may further include a coverslip for receiving the pillow body.

In an embodiment, the pillow body or the coverslip further includes a first pillow surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second pillow surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first pillow surface and the second pillow surface having a different visual appearance.

Preferably, in the first mode, the connector connects the pillow body/coverslip with the first pillow surface substantially exposed and the second pillow surface substantially concealed, and in the second mode, the connector connects the pillow body/coverslip with the second pillow surface substantially exposed and the first pillow surface substantially concealed.

Preferably, when the appendage is in the first configuration, the first pillow surface is an upper surface of the pillow and the second pillow surface is a under surface of the pillow; and when the appendage is in the second configuration, the second pillow surface is the upper surface of the pillow, and the first pillow surface is the under surface of the pillow.

In an embodiment, the appendage has a pouch type structure having an opening through which the appendage can be converted from the first configuration to the second configuration.

In an embodiment, the appendage represents a head, such as an animal's head or any type of creature's head, in which case the pillow body/coverslip serves as the body of the animal/creature.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a pillow or cushion that is convertible into a first toy, and alternatively a second toy, the pillow or cushion including: a pillow body; an appendage attached to the pillow body, wherein the appendage is reversibly configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy; wherein the appendage includes a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has the first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed; and wherein the pillow further includes a first pillow surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second pillow surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first pillow surface and the second pillow surface having a different visual appearance.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a coverslip including a coverslip body for receiving a pillow or cushion body wherein the coverslip body is such that the combination of coverslip and pillow/cushion body is convertible in its function as a pillow or cushion to either of a first toy or a second toy.

In yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a coverslip including a coverslip body for receiving a pillow or cushion body to cover the pillow body or cushion body such that the combination of the coverslip and pillow body or cushion body is convertible between different modes, including a pillow mode, wherein the combination functions as a pillow to support a child's head; a first toy mode, wherein the pillow body or cushion body functions as the body or bulk of a first toy; and a second toy mode, wherein the pillow body or cushion body functions as the body or bulk of a second toy.

The coverslip may include an appendage attached to the coverslip body; wherein the appendage is reversibly configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy. Alternatively, the appendage may be attached to the pillow or cushion body.

In an embodiment, the first configuration of the appendage and the second configuration of the appendage are oriented upside-down from each other.

The appendage may include a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has the first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed.

The coverslip body preferably further includes a first surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first surface and the second surface having a different visual appearance.

The coverslip preferably includes a connector for connecting a first part of the coverslip body to a second part of the coverslip body; wherein connection of the connector in use converts the pillow or cushion from a first mode serving as a pillow or cushion to either a second mode or a third mode, whereby the first mode corresponds to the first toy and the second mode corresponds to the second toy.

In the first mode, the connector preferably connects the coverslip body with the first surface substantially exposed and the second surface substantially concealed and in the second mode, the connector preferably connects the coverslip with the second surface substantially exposed and the first surface substantially concealed.

When the appendage is in the first configuration, the first surface is an upper surface of the coverslip and the second surface is an under surface of the coverslip; and when the appendage is in the second configuration, the second surface is the upper surface of the coverslip, and the first surface is the under surface of the coverslip.

The appendage may have a pouch type structure having an opening through which the appendage can be converted from the first configuration to the second configuration.

In an embodiment, the appendage represents a head, such as an animal's head, in which case the coverslip with the pillow body inserted serves as the body of the animal.

In yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a coverslip for a pillow or cushion that when applied to a pillow or cushion, is convertible into a first toy, and alternatively a second toy, the coverslip including: a coverslip body for receiving a pillow or cushion body; an appendage attached to the coverslip body; and a connector for connecting a first part of the coverslip body to a second part of the coverslip body; wherein the appendage is reversible configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy; wherein the appendage includes a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has the first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed; and wherein the coverslip body further includes a first surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first surface and the second surface having a different visual appearance.

Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of the pillow arrangement, in accordance with the present invention, the pillow arrangement being in pillow mode.

Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of the pillow arrangement of Figure 1 when in toy mode.

Figure 2B illustrates a plan view of the upper surface of the pillow arrangement of Figure 2A.

Figure 2C illustrates a view of the bottom surface of the pillow arrangement of Figure 2A.

Figure 3A illustrates the appendage wherein a first appendage surface, being the outer surface of the appendage, is a dog head. Figure 3B illustrates the appendage wherein the first appendage surface is undergoing a transition by being inverted such that its orientation changes from the outer surface to the inner surface, with a second appendage surface changing from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Figure 3C illustrates the appendage wherein the second appendage surface is now the outer surface of the appendage, and is a bird head.

Figure 4A illustrates a perspective view of the pillow arrangement of Figure 1 when the appendage is a dog head.

Figure 4B illustrates a perspective view of the pillow arrangement of Figure 1 when the appendage is a bird head.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the appendage is attached to a pillow case.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a combination of pillow case and a pillow including the appendage.

Detailed description of the embodiments

In a preferred form, the present invention relates to a pillow that includes at least one appendage that is attached to the body of the pillow, the pillow being convertible between a pillow, a first toy, and a second toy.

In another preferred form, the present invention relates to a coverslip for a pillow or cushion that includes at least one appendage that is attached to the body of the coverslip; and when the coverslip is applied to a pillow, the combination of the coverslip and pillow is convertible between a usable pillow, a first toy, and a second toy.

The invention is generally discussed in the context of a pillow having a pillow body and an appendage attached to the pillow body. However, it is to be understood that the invention is equally applicable to a coverslip for a pillow or cushion, the coverslip having a coverslip body that is adapted and/or sized to receive a pillow or cushion, and at least one appendage attached to the coverslip body. Additionally, the invention may also be in the form of a pillow body to which the appendage is attached, with a coverslip provided over the pillow body.

It is preferred that the appendage is attached to a side of the pillow body (or coverslip body). The term "side" when used in respect of a pillow, or a coverslip for a pillow or cushion, is intended to refer to the edges that form a perimeter of the pillow body, and is intended to encompass any side of a pillow, cushion or coverslip, regardless of the number of sides that the pillow, cushion, or coverslip may have or the length of those sides. For a standard four sided pillow, cushion, or coverslip, having two sets of opposing sides, where one set of opposing sides is longer than the other set of opposing sides (i.e. in the case of a rectangular pillow), the term "sides" is intended to encompass both the longer and shorter sides. In an alternative arrangement, the appendage could be attached to another part of the pillow body (or coverslip body), such as a corner.

The appendage exhibits an external surface and an internal surface. The appendage is reversible, such that the external surface becomes the internal surface, and the internal surface becomes the external surface.

The appendage may represent a head, preferably the head of an animal or fictional character, although the head of a non-fictional character may also be used. A depiction of a head may be imprinted on both the internal and external surface of the appendage. It is preferred that the head depicted on the external surface is different from the depiction on the internal surface. Thus, by reversing the appendage a different head or image may be depicted. By way of example, the head on the initial external surface may be the head of a dog, while the head on the initial internal surface may be the head of a bird. Thus initially, the appendage depicts the head of a dog. Reversing the surface such that the initial external surface becomes the internal surface and the initial internal surface becomes the external surface results in the appendage now depicting the head of a bird. The appendage can then be returned to its initial state if desired by reversing the head. It will be understood that the appendage is not limited to representing a head. The appendage may, for example, represent another body part such as a tail. The toy need not be in the form of an animal and could be an object such as a vehicle. Thus the appendage could be a component of the vehicle. There may be more than one appendage. For example, there could be 4 appendages, each in the form of a vehicle tyre so that the pillow is convertible from one type of vehicle to another.

The external and internal surface of the appendage may have an image applied in a two-dimensional manner, or may include three dimensional features. In the case where the appendage represents a head, suitable three dimensional features may include for example, hair, a nose, eyes, ears, or other such features as appropriate. These features may be stitched on to the surfaces of the appendage or attached by other suitable means. Alternatively, the features may be integrated as components of the surfaces. It will be appreciated that the appendage is not restricted to depicting a head, and thus any three dimensional features that are appended to the surfaces of the appendage are not limited to facial features.

The appendage may exhibit a pouch-type arrangement. In this case, the first surface of the pouch is the external surface, and the second surface of the pouch is the internal surface. As above, the first and second surfaces may include two dimensional and/or three dimensional aspects. In this arrangement the external surface encloses the internal surface. The pouch may be reversed by turning the pouch inside-out such that the first surface is converted from the external surface to the internal surface, and the second surface is converted from the internal surface to the external surface. A hand may be inserted into the pouch to manipulate the appendage.

In one embodiment, the appendage having a pouch-like structure will be stitched onto the pillow body. The appendage will include a small opening so that a hand can be placed inside the pouch. The hand will be able to grab an internal surface of the pouch and pull this internal surface through the opening to turn the pouch inside-out, so that the internal surface becomes an external surface, and the former external surface becomes the new internal surface. Preferably, the opening is adjacent, or near the point of attachment of the appendage to the pillow body. The pillow body (or the coverslip body) may additionally include a connector for forming a connection between at least two portions of the pillow body (or the coverslip body) when connected. The portions of the pillow body (or the coverslip body) that may be connected may include two sides, whether opposite or adjacent, or may include two corners.

In the embodiment where the invention relates to a pillow having a pillow body, it is preferred that the connectors are arranged to connect opposite sides of the pillow body. In this way, the pillow is convertible between at least a first mode and alternatively a second mode or a third mode. In the first mode the pillow body is in its rest state and is comfortably useable as a pillow. This mode may be referred to as the "pillow mode". In the second mode or third mode, when two sides of the pillow are connected and bunched together, the pillow body represents the body of a toy. These modes may be referred to as the "toy mode". In the toy mode, the bunching of the pillow body serves to provide a three dimensional component to the toy aspect of the pillow when in toy mode e.g. the pillow body functions as the body of the stuffed toy.

In the embodiment using a coverslip, the coverslip has a coverslip body. It is preferred that the connectors are arranged to connect opposite sides of the coverslip body. In this way, when a pillow or cushion is placed within the coverslip body, the coverslip and pillow or cushion combination is convertible between the first mode and either the second or third mode as described above.

The connector may be selected from any suitable connection mechanism, specific non- limiting examples of connectors that may be suitable include: Velcro, clips, clasps, buckles, ties etc. It is intended that when connected, the sides of the pillow body are pulled towards one another such that the pillow becomes gathered, where the term 'gathered' is intended to encompass the pillow being bunched, rolled, concertinaed, or otherwise scrunched.

When in pillow mode, the pillow has a flat from profile which is typical of most pillows, and is configured to serve as a standard pillow against which a person or child may rest their head. The pillow body (or coverslip body) further includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being the upper plan surface of the pillow body (or coverslip body) and the second surface being the underside plan surface of the pillow body (or coverslip body). The pillow body is soft for comfortably receiving a person's or child's head. It is preferred that the first and second sides of the pillow body (or coverslip body when fitted over a pillow or cushion) can be used interchangeably as a surface against which to rest a person's head. The first surface and the second surface may be coloured, patterned or otherwise illustrated differently from each other. Furthermore, the first surface and the second surface may have the same texture, or may be textured differently from each other.

In the flat form profile, one of the first or second surfaces forms the top of the pillow upon which a person rests their head, and the other of the first or second surfaces forms the underside of the pillow, which rests on a surface upon which the pillow is placed.

The first surface and second surface are defined by a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material respectively. The first and second sheets of material together define a cover, casing, or sham within which a soft material is retained. The first and second sheets of material may be made of any fabric, such as cotton, wool, silk, or various polymer fibres. The soft material retained within the casing may be straw, foam, synthetic plastic fibres, feathers such as down, wool, cotton, viscoelastic foam, or latex etc.

It is preferred that the first and second sheets of material exhibit the same cut-out profile, for example, each of the first and second sheets of material may be rectangular, circular, square, triangular, or irregularly shaped, but having the same dimensions. The first and second sheets of material have a first and second outer perimeter respectively, defined by the edges of the cut-out profile. The cut-out profile includes at least a first dimension and a second dimension. Preferably the first dimension relates to the width of the pillow, that is, when the pillow is in use by a person, the width of the pillow is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the person is laying. Preferably the second dimension relates to the length of the pillow, that is, when the pillow is in use by a person, the length of the pillow is generally parallel with the direction in which the person is laying. Thus the first dimension and the second dimension lie in the plane of the cut-out profile. It is preferred that the first dimension and second dimension are orthogonal. In the case where the cut-out profile is a circle or square, then the first dimension and second dimension are equal, and are a radius, or length. In the case where the cut-out profile is rectangular, such as with a standard pillow, the first dimension is the width, and the second dimension is the length. In the case where the first dimension and the second dimension are different, it is preferred that the first dimension is greater than the second dimension.

The first and second sheets may be connected together by stitching, or otherwise, to connect at least a portion of the outer perimeters of the first and second sheets of materials to each other to form the cover, casing, or sham. Alternatively, the first and second sheets may be connected to each other indirectly, for example by intermediary material.

Soft material is then placed within in the cover, casing, or sham to give the pillow bulk. The first and second sheets of materials are spaced apart by the inclusion of the soft material within the pillow providing the pillow with a thickness. It will be understood that the thickness is generally in a direction that is orthogonal to both the first and second directions. Thus, the thickness is in a direction that is orthogonal to the plane of the cutout profile. Preferably the thickness is less than the first dimension. More preferably the thickness is less than the second dimension.

Preferably the pillow has a first dimension of about 33 cm or 13 inches, about 46 cm or 18 inches, about 51 cm or 20 inches, about 66 cm or 26 inches, about 71 cm or 28 inches, about 76 cm or 30 inches, about 91 cm or 36 inches. Preferably the pillow has a second dimension of about 15 cm or 6 inches, about 30 cm or 12 inches, about 33 cm or 13 inches, about 36 cm or 14 inches, about 40 cm or 16 inches, about 46 cm or 18 inches, about 51 cm or 20 inches, about 66 cm or 26 inches. Preferably the pillow has a thickness of about 5 cm or 2 inches, about 8 cm or 3 inches, about 10 cm or 4 inches, about 13 cm or 5 inches, or about 15 cm or 6 inches. The pillow body may for example have the dimensions of a standard pillow, a queen sized pillow, a king sized pillow, a European square pillow, a breakfast pillow, a typical square throw pillow, or a typical neckroll pillow.

Illustrative pillow sizes are listed in the table 1 below:

Table 1 : Common pillow sizes

When in toy mode, each of the first and the second surface may correspond with a specific appendage configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the first surface of the appendage represents a dog head and the second surface of the appendage represents a bird head. When the appendage represents the head of a dog and the connector is engaged, a first surface of the pillow body is exposed, thus providing the illustration of the body of the dog i.e. the first surface may be patterned or coloured as to reflect the fur of a dog. In this state, the second surface is contained internally (i.e. on the underside of the pillow) and is thus at least partially concealed. When the appendage is reversed, and thus changed from a dog's head to a bird's head, the pillow may be flipped such that when the connector is engaged, the second surface is now exposed. This second surface may for example be of a different colour, or include patterning that may in this case represent feathers. Thus the pillow is convertible into two distinct toys. When in toy mode, the pillow can be converted from a first toy to a second toy by inverting the head. In the situation where the second head is oriented in an upside-down arrangement from the first head, conversion between the first toy and second toy additionally requires the connector to be undone, the pillow to be turned over such that the second head is oriented in an upright manner, and then reconnecting the connector in the appropriate manner.

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a pillow according to the present invention. The pillow 101 includes a pillow body 102 having a first surface 102A and a second surface (not shown), an appendage 103 attached on one side of the pillow body 102, and connection tabs 104A and 104B arranged on opposing sides of the pillow body 102. In Figure 1 the pillow is in the first mode, i.e. pillow mode. The pillow is comfortably useable as a regular pillow on which to rest or sleep.

In an alternative arrangement, Figure 1 may equally be interpreted as a coverslip applied over a pillow 101. Under this arrangement, 102A represents a first surface of the coverslip. The appendage 103 may be attached either on one side of the coverslip or alternatively to the pillow body contained within the coverslip. Connection tabs 104A and 104B are arranged on opposing sides of the coverslip.

Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate an embodiment of the pillow when it is placed in the second mode, i.e. toy mode, specifically, Figure 2A provides a perspective view of the pillow, Figure 2B provides a plan view of the top surface, and Figure 2C provides a plan view of the bottom surface. As above, the pillow 201 includes: a pillow body 202, an appendage 203 attached on one side of the pillow body 202, and connected connection tabs 204. In this embodiment the connection tabs have been connected together to pull opposing sides of the pillow together, thus bunching the pillow and providing a body to the toy aspect of the pillow. Specifically, when the appendage represents the head of an animal or other fictional character, the bunching of the pillow provides a three dimensional body component for that animal or other fictional character. As discussed above, in an alternative arrangement, Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C may equally be interpreted as a coverslip applied over a pillow

Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate an embodiment of the appendage portion of the pillow (or coverslip) undergoing a reversal process to change the appendage from a dog's head to a bird's head. Figure 3A shows an appendage 303 having a pouch type structure including a first surface 305, an opening 306, and a tab 307 where the appendage is connected to the pillow body (or coverslip body). In this particular figure, the first surface 305 is the external surface. The first surface is depicted as a dog's head and includes a number of components to give the dog's head three dimensional aspects, such as ears, eyes, and a snout etc. The pouch opening 306 provides access to the second surface (not shown). A person can insert a hand into the pouch opening, coming into contact with the second surface (which in this case is an internal surface of the pouch) so that the dog's head can be manipulated. In this embodiment, the second surface (not shown) contains a depiction of a bird's head. To convert the dog's head to the bird's head, the pouch is reversed, inverted, or turned inside-out via the opening 306.

Figure 3B illustrates the reversing (or turning inside-out) process for this embodiment. The front portion of the dog head is pushed in so that the second surface (i.e. the presently internal surface) begins to emerge from the opening. Figure 3B illustrates the appendage 303 being inverted, with the first surface 305 being pushed in-on-itself such that the second surface 308 depicting the bird's head begins to emerge via the opening 306. As previously, the tab 307 connects the head to the pillow body.

Figure 3C illustrates the completion of the reversing process for this embodiment, where the appendage 303 is now a bird's head. Specifically, the second surface 308 has been converted from the internal surface to the external surface, and the first surface (not shown) has been converted from the external surface to the internal surface. The process can be easily reversed to revert back to the dog's head by simply inverting the head via the opening 306 in the manner described above. In this specific embodiment, with the dog's head oriented upright, the first surface of the pillow (or the slipcover) will be exposed and the second surface of the pillow (or the slipcover) concealed by the act of connecting the connector. The dog's head and the bird's head are upside down from one another. So, once the process of converting from the dog's head to the bird's head is complete, the connector will need to be disconnected. The pillow will then need to be flipped over so that the bird's head is upright, and then the connector reconnected so that the second surface of the pillow (or the slipcover) will be exposed and the first surface of the pillow (or the slipcover) concealed by the act of reconnecting the connector. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate this feature. As discussed above, in an alternative arrangement, Figures 4A and 4B may equally be interpreted as a coverslip applied over a pillow. The connector is therefore double functioning to gather the cushion in the first mode and in the second mode.

Figure 4A shows the pillow 401 in the toy mode where the appendage is a dog's head 403A. The pillow body 402 is arranged so that the dog head 403A is upright. Two sides of the pillow are connected via the connector 404 causing the pillow to be folded around on its self such that a first surface 402 A of the pillow body is exposed, and a second surface 402B of the pillow body is enclosed. In this case, the first surface 402A has a pattern that corresponds with the dog head arrangement of the appendage.

Figure 4B shows the same pillow, except where the dog head has been inverted and internalised so that the bird head is exposed. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the bird's head is oriented upside-down with respect to the dog head. Thus the pillow is flipped over to attain an upright orientation for the bird head. Engagement of the connectors now results in the second surface 402B of the pillow body being exposed, while the first surface 402A of the pillow body is enclosed. In this case, the second surface 402B has a pattern that differs from the first surface, the pattern on the second surface corresponding with the bird head arrangement of the appendage.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment which illustrates the combination 501 of a pillow case 502 and pillow 502A. In this embodiment the appendage 503 is attached to a side of the pillow case 502. The pillow case 502 also includes includes the appendage 503of the appendage is attached to the pillow case. In this embodiment, connection tabs 504A and 504B are arranged on opposing sides of the pillow case 502. In this embodiment, the combination 501 of the pillow case 502 and pillow 502A are in the first mode, i.e. pillow mode. The pillow is comfortably useable as a regular pillow on which to rest or sleep. However, as discussed above in relation to the other embodiments, this combination is configurable to and from the first and second toy modes.

Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment of a combination 601 of a pillow case 602 and pillow 602A. This combination 601 is a variation on that described above, wherein the appendage 603 is attached to the pillow 602A, and the appendage 603 protrudes through an opening in the pillow case 602. As above, connection tabs 604A and 604B are arranged on opposing sides of the pillow case 602. Again, in this embodiment the combination is in pillow mode and is configurable to and from the first and second toy modes.

While the Figures illustrate an embodiment that includes a dog head and a bird head, it will be understood that the head of any animal and/or character may instead be used. In another potential embodiment, the appendages may be representative of components of a vehicle, with the pillow body (or coverslip body) representing the chassis of the vehicle. The Figures are merely intended to represent one such functional arrangement of the pillow. It will of course be appreciated, as earlier stated that the connectors are not restricted to the placement on, or for the connection of opposing sides of the pillow, and may be placed or used to attach corners or adjacent sides depending on the situation. Multiple connectors may be used as the situation warrants.

It will also be understood that the appendage is not intended to be restricted to being attached to one particular side; the appendage may be attached to any side or corner. Furthermore, multiple appendages may be present. For example in the above situation where there is an appendage that represents a head, there may be further appendages that represent limbs or perhaps a tail. In the embodiment where one appendage represents the head of a vehicle, such as the cab of a truck, the other appendages may represent wheels. These appendages may also be reversible, invertible, or otherwise able to be turned inside out. In one embodiment, an appendage represents the cab of a truck, and four other appendages represent wheels. The appendage representing the cab of the truck can be inverted so that it represents the head of an animal. The appendages representing wheels of the truck can similarly be inverted to represent appropriate limbs associated with the head of the animal. Some or all of the appendages may be removably attachable from the pillow body. Alternatively, some or all of the appendages may be fixedly attached to the pillow body.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A pillow or cushion that is convertible into a first toy, and alternatively a second toy.

2. The pillow or cushion as claimed in claim 1 further including a pillow body convertible between different modes include a pillow, a first toy, and a second toy.

3. A convertible pillow or cushion including a pillow body, the convertible pillow or cushion being convertible between different modes, including: a pillow, wherein the pillow body functions as a pillow to support a child's head; a first toy, wherein the pillow body functions as the body or bulk of a first toy; and a second toy, wherein the pillow body functions as the body or bulk of a second toy.

4. The pillow or cushion as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including an appendage attached to the pillow body, wherein the appendage is reversibly configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy.

5. The pillow or cushion as claimed claim 4, wherein the appendage includes a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has the first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed.

6. The pillow or cushion as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pillow further includes a first pillow surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second pillow surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first pillow surface and the second pillow surface having a different visual appearance.

7. A pillow or cushion that is convertible into a first toy, and alternatively a second toy, the pillow or cushion including: a pillow body; an appendage attached to the pillow body, wherein the appendage is reversibly configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy; wherein the appendage includes a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has the first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed; and wherein the pillow further includes a first pillow surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second pillow surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first pillow surface and the second pillow surface having a different visual appearance.

8. The pillow or cushion as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein, when the appendage is in the first configuration, the first pillow surface is an upper surface of the pillow and the second pillow surface is a under surface of the pillow; and when the appendage is in the second configuration, the second pillow surface is the upper surface of the pillow, and the first pillow surface is the under surface of the pillow.

9. The pillow or cushion as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first configuration of the appendage and the second configuration of the appendage are oriented upside-down from each other.

10. The pillow or cushion as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the appendage has a pouch type structure having an opening through which the appendage can be converted from the first configuration to the second configuration.

1 1. The pillow or cushion as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pillow or cushion further includes a connector for connecting a first part of the pillow body to a second part of the pillow body; wherein connection of the connector converts the pillow from the pillow to either of the first toy or the second toy.

12. The pillow or cushion as claimed in claim 11 wherein when the pillow or cushion is the first toy, the connector connects the pillow body with the first pillow surface substantially exposed and the second pillow surface substantially concealed, and when the pillow is the second toy, the connector connects the pillow body with the second pillow surface substantially exposed and the first pillow surface substantially concealed.

13. The pillow or cushion as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, further including a coverslip for receiving the pillow body, wherein the first pillow surface and the second pillow surface are provided on the coverslip.

14. A coverslip including a coverslip body for receiving a pillow or cushion body wherein the coverslip body is such that the combination of the coverslip and the pillow body or cushion body is convertible in its function as a pillow or cushion to either of a first toy or a second toy.

15. A coverslip including a coverslip body for receiving a pillow or cushion body to cover the pillow body or cushion body such that the combination of the coverslip and pillow body or cushion body is convertible between different modes, including: a pillow, wherein the combination functions as a pillow to support a child's head; a first toy, wherein the pillow body or cushion body functions as the body or bulk of a first toy; and a second toy, wherein the pillow body or cushion body functions as the body or bulk of a second toy.

16. The coverslip as claimed in claims 14 or 15, further including a connector for connecting a first part of the coverslip body to a second part of the coverslip body; wherein connection of the connector in use converts the pillow or cushion from serving as a pillow or cushion to either the first toy or the second toy.

17. The coverslip as claimed in claim 16, wherein when the combination of the coverslip and pillow body or cushion body is the first toy, the connector connects the coverslip body with the first surface substantially exposed and the second surface substantially concealed and when the combination of the coverslip and pillow body or cushion body is the second toy, the connector connects the coverslip with the second surface substantially exposed and the first surface substantially concealed.

18. The coverslip as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, including an appendage attached to the coverslip body, wherein the appendage is reversibly configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy.

19. The coverslip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the appendage includes a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has the first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed.

20. The coverslip as claimed in claim 19, wherein the coverslip body further includes a first surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first surface and the second surface having a different visual appearance.

21. A coverslip for a pillow or cushion that when applied to a pillow or cushion, is convertible into a first toy, and alternatively a second toy, the coverslip including: a coverslip body for receiving a pillow or cushion body; an appendage attached to the coverslip body; and a connector for connecting a first part of the coverslip body to a second part of the coverslip body; wherein the appendage is reversible configurable between a first configuration representing a portion of the first toy and a second configuration representing a portion of the second toy; wherein the appendage includes a first appendage surface and a second appendage surface, wherein the appendage in the first configuration has the first appendage surface substantially exposed and the second appendage surface substantially concealed, and in the second configuration, the appendage has the first appendage surface substantially concealed and the second appendage surface substantially exposed; and wherein the coverslip body further includes a first surface visually corresponding with the first appendage surface, and a second surface visually corresponding with the second appendage surface, the first surface and the second surface having a different visual appearance.

22. The coverslip as claimed in claim 21 , wherein when the combination of the coverslip and pillow body or cushion body is the first toy, the connector connects the coverslip body with the first surface substantially exposed and the second surface substantially concealed and when the combination of the coverslip and pillow body or cushion body is the second toy, the connector connects the coverslip with the second surface substantially exposed and the first surface substantially concealed.

23. The coverslip as claimed in any one of claims claim 20 to 22, wherein, when the appendage is in the first configuration, the first surface is an upper surface of the coverslip and the second surface is a under surface of the coverslip; and when the appendage is in the second configuration, the second surface is the upper surface of the coverslip, and the first surface is the under surface of the coverslip.

24. The coverslip as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the first configuration of the appendage and the second configuration of the appendage are oriented upside-down from each other.

25. The coverslip as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the appendage has a pouch type structure having an opening through which the appendage can be converted from the first configuration to the second configuration.