Pillow apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a pillow apparatus that can be turned inside out to expose the internal filler material. Typically, the pillow apparatus in configured for thorough cleaning via a conventional home washing machine and dryer. In some embodiments, the cushion apparatus comprises an outer shell and a filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment. The pillow apparatus further comprises a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed compartment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pillow apparatus, comprising:
 an outer shell;   a filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment;   a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed compartment; and   wherein the outer shell comprises at least one opening, the at least one opening configured to be in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the filter barrier.   
     
     
         2 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the outer shell may be turned inside out so that the filter barrier is exposed. 
     
     
         3 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second position is an inside-out position such that the outer shell and filler material are entirely contained within the filter barrier. 
     
     
         4 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the opening is positioned along a first adjacent lateral side of the outer shell. 
     
     
         5 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the opening is positioned along two or more adjacent lateral sides of the outer shell. 
     
     
         6 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is constructed out of synthetic fabrics, natural fabrics, allergy barrier materials, tightly woven barriers, and/or coated barriers. 
     
     
         7 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the filler material is configured to provide resiliency and support to the pillow apparatus, wherein the filler material comprises fiber or poly beads, polyfiber, reticulated foam, hollow petrochemical beads, and/or expanded polystyrene beads. 
     
     
         8 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the filler material comprises one or more apertures having a predetermined hole size, wherein the hole size of the one or more apertures is configured to be small enough to contain the filler material and large enough to allow contaminants to pass on washing. 
     
     
         9 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter barrier comprises a mesh. 
     
     
         10 . A pillow apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening is configured to be opened and closed using zippers hooks, loop fasteners, and/or snaps. 
     
     
         11 . A method of manufacturing a pillow apparatus, comprising:
 providing an outer shell comprising at least one opening;   providing a filter barrier and a filler material;   placing the filler material proximate an inner surface of the outer shell;   connecting the filter barrier to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment such that the filler material is contained within the at least one enclosed compartment; and   wherein the at least one opening is configured to be in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the at least one opening is closed and the filter barrier and filler material are entirely contained within the outer shell, and wherein in the second position the at least one opening is open such that the filter barrier is exposed and the filled material is contained within the filter barrier.