In 2007, when Brock Matthews’ 2-year-old daughter made a popcorn-and-soda mess in his home, a frustrated Matthews wondered if there wasn’t a better way to hold food, drinks, computers and other items on one’s lap. The idea came late that night as he rearranged the decorative pillows on his sofa.
When unzipped, Matthews’ pillow invention folds out to provide a tabletop and drink holder; the pillow locks when open to keep it from bending or folding shut when in use. When not in use as a tray, the halves fold back together and the pillow is tossed back on the furniture.
The majority of Matthews’ pillows are sold online (www.itsallinthepillow.com), but Matthews recently signed a contract with American Furniture Warehouse to sell his invention in the company’s 12 statewide locations beginning in July.
A big break came in December, when the company sold 4,500 pillows in three days in its debut on QVC. Matthews is scheduled to reappear on QVC at 5 p.m. Friday.
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