JP7748197B2 - Cushion body - Google Patents

Description

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies https://airweave. jp/up/news/f809cdd9fb8aac0daa1ea0154d02df35e15c59fb. pdf (posted on February 18, 2021) https://sleep. airweave. jp/category/CUSHION/4_265011_NV_1. html (posted on February 17, 2021) https://sleep. airweave. jp/category/CUSHION/4_265011_RE_1. html (posted on February 17, 2021) https://sleep. airweave. jp/category/CUSHION/4_265031_NV_1. html (posted on February 17, 2021) https://sleep. airweave. jp/category/CUSHION/4_265031_RE_1. html (posted on February 17, 2021)

The present invention relates to a cushion body formed using a cushion member.

Cushions have traditionally been widely used for a variety of purposes to provide elastic support to users. The overall shape of the cushion can vary depending on the application, but a roughly plate-like shape is often used, as it is convenient for use when placed on the floor or a chair.

A variety of cushioning materials suitable for forming such cushions have also been developed. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a three-dimensional filament bond obtained by three-dimensionally fusion-bonding filaments made of thermoplastic resin, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Patent No. 6527602 Patent No. 4966438

Conventionally, cushions, which are used as a cushion to sit on, have been widely used. Generally, cushions are formed into the characteristic rounded shape of cushions by stuffing cotton or the like inside the cover. However, when using a cushioning material such as a three-dimensional filament bonded body instead of cotton or the like, it is not easy to create a cushion with an appropriate roundness while still maintaining good comfort. Without the appropriate roundness, there is a risk of discomfort when using the cushion.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a cushion body that uses a cushioning member to create a cushion with a moderate roundness while maintaining a comfortable feel.

The cushion body of the present invention is formed by encasing an internal unit in a cover member and is used as a cushion. The internal unit is formed by placing a pad member with lower resilience than the cushion member on at least one of the top and bottom of the cushion member. The pad member has an extension that extends outward from the outer edge of the cushion member when viewed from above, and the extension of the pad member is configured to bend inward in the vertical direction due to the cover member. With this configuration, it is possible to use the cushion member to create a cushion with a moderate roundness while maintaining good usability.

More specifically, the internal unit may be formed by placing a pad member above and below the cushion member, and the extensions of the upper and lower pad members may be bent inward in the vertical direction by the cover member. This configuration makes it easier to achieve the rounded shape characteristic of a zabuton cushion.

More specifically, the extensions on the upper and lower pad members may extend outward from the entire outer edge of the cushion member when viewed from above. This configuration makes it easier to achieve the rounded shape characteristic of a zabuton cushion.

More specifically, the cushion member may be configured as a three-dimensional filament assembly obtained by three-dimensionally fusing and bonding filaments made of thermoplastic resin. This configuration makes it possible to create a cushion that takes advantage of the benefits of three-dimensional filament assembly.

More specifically, the internal unit may be washable, and the cover member may have an opening/closing part that allows the cover member to be switched between an open state in which an opening is formed to allow the internal unit to be inserted and removed, and a closed state in which the opening is closed. This configuration allows the cushion to be used more hygienically. More specifically, the opening/closing part may be a zipper that extends along the outer edge of the cover member when viewed from above.

The cushion body of the present invention uses a cushion member to create a cushion that is appropriately rounded while still providing good comfort.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cushion body 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the cushion body 1 as viewed from above. 1 is a schematic perspective view of each member that can be used as an internal unit U of the cushion body 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a cushion body 2 according to a second embodiment. 1 is a schematic perspective view of each member that can be used as an internal unit U of the cushion body 2. FIG. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams relating to another configuration example of the cushion body 2. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a cushion body 3 according to a third embodiment. 1 is a schematic perspective view of each member that can be used as an internal unit U of the cushion body 3. FIG. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams relating to other configuration examples of the cushion body 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cushion body 1a according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

Each exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the up-down, left-right, and front-to-back directions (directions that are perpendicular to each other) are as shown in Figure 1, etc. In this embodiment, the up-down direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the cushion.

1. First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cushion body 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that each cross-sectional view in this application is shown as a cross-sectional view when the cushion body 1 is cut along a plane that divides the cushion body 1 into front and rear halves. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the cushion body 1 as viewed from above.

The cushion body 1 is designed to be used as a cushion that the user places under when sitting. The cushion body 1 is formed by encasing an internal unit U, which includes a cushion member 11 and two upper and lower pad members 12, in a cover member 13. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of each member that can be used as the internal unit U.

The cushion member 11 is a three-dimensional filament bond obtained by three-dimensionally fusing and bonding filaments made of thermoplastic resin. When viewed from above, the cushion member 11 has a rectangular shape with opposite sides extending front to back and opposite sides extending left to right, and is formed like a plate with its thickness extending from top to bottom.

Three-dimensional filament bonded materials have good breathability and are easy to wash with water, making them excellent for hygienic use. Since the manufacturing method for three-dimensional filament bonded materials is publicly known, a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

The upper and lower pad members 12 are rectangular, with opposite sides extending front to back and opposite sides extending left to right when viewed from above, and are formed into plate-like members with their thickness extending from top to bottom. They have the same shape and dimensions. Furthermore, each pad member 12 is made of, for example, a polyester material, is washable, has a significantly lower resilience than the cushion member 11, and feels very soft to the touch.

The upper pad member 12 is arranged above the cushion member 11, and the lower pad member 12 is arranged below the cushion member 11. In this way, the internal unit U is configured such that, from top to bottom, the upper pad member 12, cushion member 11, and lower pad member 12 are stacked one on top of the other.

The dimensions of each pad member 12, when viewed from above, are larger than those of the cushion member 11, and the pad members 12 and cushion members 11 are arranged so that their centers coincide when viewed from above. Therefore, each of the upper and lower pad members 12 has an extension portion 12a that extends outward from the entire outer edge of the cushion member 11 when viewed from above.

In addition, various measures may be taken to easily align the center positions of each pad member 12 and cushion member 11 when viewed from above. For example, a shallow depression aligned with the outer edge of the cushion member 11 may be formed in the central region of each pad member 12, and the cushion member 11 may be positioned by fitting into this depression, so that the center positions of each pad member 12 and cushion member 11 when viewed from above align.

The cover member 13 is made of a thin fabric (preferably double raschel fabric, etc.) and is a bag-shaped member that completely covers the internal unit U. A zipper 13a is provided on the right edge of the cover member 13, extending in the front-to-rear direction from the front end to the rear end. This allows the internal unit U to be freely inserted and removed from the cover member 13 through an opening formed by opening the zipper 13a, and the opening can be closed by closing the zipper 13a. In this way, the zipper 13a serves to freely switch the state of the cover member 13 between an open state in which an opening is formed that allows the internal unit U to be inserted and removed, and a closed state in which the opening is closed.

The cushion body 1, which is equipped with a zipper 13a, allows the internal unit U to be removed from the cover member 13 as needed for washing. The cushion member 11, pad members 12, and cover member 13 that make up the internal unit U are all washable, and all parts of the cushion body 1 can be washed using a home or commercial washing machine. This allows the cushion body 1 to be used more hygienically as a cushion than typical conventional cushions. Furthermore, the three-dimensional filament bond of the cushion member 11 is washable and has good breathability, making it less likely to trap moisture than materials such as cotton, making the cushion body 1 advantageous for keeping clean.

In addition, in the cushion body 1, the size of the inner space of the cover member 13 is set to be slightly smaller than the size of the internal unit U (the size of the entire internal unit U when it is assumed that the dimensions of the cushion member 11 viewed from above are the same as those of the pad member 12). As a result, as shown in Figure 1, the extension portions 12a of the upper and lower pad members 12 are pressed by the inner surface of the cover member 13 and bend inward in the vertical direction.

In other words, the extending portion 12a of the upper pad member 12 bends downward, while the extending portion 12a of the lower pad member 12 bends upward. As a result, the shape of the cushion body 1 resembles the rounded shape unique to a zabuton, making it possible to use the cushion body 1 as a zabuton as comfortably as possible. The thickness of each pad member 12 may be gradually reduced from the central region toward the edges when viewed from above, and the upper and lower surfaces of the cushion body 1 may be made even more rounded (so that they have a gently bulging arc shape in the vertical direction when viewed from the side), further approximating the shape of the cushion body 1.

Furthermore, the internal unit U of the cushion body 1 has pad members 12 arranged above and below the cushion member 11. As a result, the cushion body 1 provides a soft feel due to the upper pad member 12, which is relatively close to the user, while the cushion member 11 provides a moderate resilience, making it a comfortable cushion to use.

In addition, while ordinary cushions are often placed under the buttocks, zabuton cushions are used when sitting upright, and are often in contact with the shins, which are harder than the buttocks. Taking this into consideration, the cushion 1 has a soft pad member 12 positioned close to the user, which is designed to reduce the strain on the shins. Furthermore, by positioning the pad member 12 with low resilience close to the user, there is also the advantage that posture is less likely to become unstable when sitting upright on the cushion 1. Furthermore, because the internal unit U also has a lower pad member 12, the same feeling of use can be achieved even when the cushion 1 is used upside down.

In this embodiment, pad members 12 with lower resilience than the cushion member 11 are disposed on both the top and bottom of the cushion member 11, but it is also possible to dispose pad members 12 on only one of the top and bottom. Also, in this embodiment, the upper and lower pad members 12 each have an extension portion 12a, but it is also possible to provide an extension portion 12a on only one of the pad members 12. Also, in this embodiment, the extension portion 12a extends outward from the entire outer edge of the cushion member 11 when viewed from above, but it may also extend outward from only a portion of the outer edge of the cushion member 11 (for example, only two opposing sides of the rectangular outer edge).

The specific size of the cushion body 1 is preferably set appropriately in accordance with the specifications of various types of cushions. As an example, if it conforms to the specifications of a meisen-ban (Japanese traditional cushion), the cushion member 11 should have a width (left-right dimension) of 450 mm, a length (front-to-back dimension) of 500 mm, and a thickness (up-to-down dimension) of 35 mm; the pad member 12 should have a width of 520 mm, a length of 560 mm, and a thickness of 35 mm; and the cover member 13 should have a width of 550 mm and a length of 590 mm.

As another example, to make a half-size meisen-sized cushion, the width should be 450 mm, the length 250 mm, and the thickness 35 mm, the pad member 12 should be 420 mm wide, 420 mm long, and 35 mm thick, and the cover member 13 should be 450 mm wide and 450 mm long. The half-size cushion body 1 is also suitable for use as a cushion placed under the buttocks during zazen meditation to reduce the strain of maintaining posture.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the differences from the first embodiment will be emphasized, and descriptions of the commonalities between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one configuration example of the cushion body 2 according to the second embodiment. The cushion body 2 uses the cushion member 21 and at least one of the two pad members 22 as an internal unit U, and is formed by encasing the internal unit U in a cover member 23. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of each component that can be used as the internal unit U.

As shown schematically in Figure 5, the cushion member 21 and the two pad members 22 are rectangular plate-shaped members with opposite sides extending front to back and opposite sides extending left to right when viewed from above, and with their thickness extending from top to bottom; all have the same dimensions when viewed from above. Furthermore, the material and thickness of the cushion member 21 are the same as those of the cushion member 11 of the first embodiment, and the material and thickness of each pad member 22 are the same as those of each pad member 12 of the first embodiment.

The cover member 23 is made of thin fabric and is a bag-shaped member that completely covers the internal unit U. A zipper 23a is provided on the right edge of the cover member 23, extending from the top to the bottom. This allows the internal unit U to be freely inserted and removed from the cover member 23 through the opening formed by opening the zipper 23a, and the opening can be closed by closing the zipper 23a.

The cushion body 2 equipped with the fastener 23a allows the internal unit U to be removed from the cover member 23 as needed, and all parts of the cushion body 1 can be washed with water. Therefore, as with the first embodiment, the cushion body 2 can be used as a cushion more hygienically than a typical conventional cushion.

Furthermore, the internal unit U of the cushion body 2 shown in Figure 4 has pad members 22 arranged above and below the cushion member 21. As a result, the cushion body 2 provides a soft feel due to the upper pad member 22, which is relatively close to the user, while the cushion member 21 provides a moderate resilience, making it comfortable to use as a cushion. Note that, because the internal unit U also has a lower pad member 22, the same feel can be achieved even when the cushion body 2 is used upside down.

The cushion body 2 can also be configured in a variety of ways by changing the shape of the internal unit U. Other configuration examples of the cushion body 2 are described below with reference to Figure 6.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 2 shown in Figure 6(a), the internal unit U has two pad members 22 stacked on top of the cushion member 21. When this configuration is adopted, the pad member 22 is doubled on the upper side closer to the user, making it possible to achieve an even softer feel when using the cushion body 2 than in the configuration example shown in Figure 4.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 2 shown in Figure 6(b), the internal unit U has a cushion member 21 stacked on top of two pad members 22. When this configuration is adopted, it is possible to obtain a firmer feel when using the cushion body 2 compared to the configuration example shown in Figure 4, while still maintaining the same height as the configuration example shown in Figure 4.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 2 shown in Figure 6 (c), the internal unit U has a cushion member 21 stacked on top of one pad member 22. When this configuration is adopted, it is possible to achieve a lower height compared to the configuration example shown in Figure 4, while still providing a firmer feel when using the cushion body 2 compared to the configuration example shown in Figure 4.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 2 shown in Figure 6 (d), the internal unit U has a configuration in which one pad member 22 is layered on top of a cushion member 21. When this configuration is adopted, it is possible to achieve a lower height compared to the configuration example shown in Figure 4, while still achieving a soft feel equivalent to that of the configuration example shown in Figure 4.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 2 shown in Figure 6 (e), the internal unit U consists of only the cushion member 21. When this configuration is adopted, it is possible to achieve a firmer feel compared to the configuration example shown in Figure 4 while still maintaining a sufficiently low height. In this way, the cushion body 2 can be configured in a variety of ways depending on the user's preferences, etc. In any of the configuration examples described above, it is preferable that the cover member 23 be made of a stretchy material so that it fits the internal unit U.

3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be emphasized, and descriptions of commonalities with the first embodiment may be omitted.

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example configuration of the cushion body 3 according to the third embodiment. The cushion body 3 uses at least one of the cushion member 31 and the pad member 32 as an internal unit U, and is formed by encasing the internal unit U in a cover member 33. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of each component that can be used as the internal unit U.

As shown schematically in FIG. 8 , the pad member 32 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, with opposite sides extending front to back and opposite sides extending left to right, and is formed into a cylindrical shape with a cavity 32a penetrating from front to back, rather than a plate-like shape with its thickness extending up and down. Instead of being formed into a cylindrical shape, the pad member 32 may be formed into a bag-like shape with one of the front and rear ends of the cavity 32a closed. Both the left and right sides of the cavity 32a are covered by thin side portions, the upper side of the cavity 32a is covered by an upper surface portion 32U, and the lower side of the cavity 32a is covered by a lower surface portion 32D. The material of the pad member 32 is the same as that of the pad member 12 of the first embodiment, and the thicknesses of the upper surface portion 32U and the lower surface portion 32D are the same as those of the pad member 12 of the first embodiment.

As shown schematically in Figure 8, the cushion member 31 is a rectangular, plate-shaped member with opposite sides extending front-to-back and opposite sides extending left-to-right when viewed from above, and with its thickness extending up and down. The dimensions of the cushion member 31 are set to be roughly the same as those of the cavity 32a of the pad member 32, and while it is the same as the pad member 32 in the front-to-back direction, it is slightly smaller than the pad member 32 in the up-down and left-to-right directions. This allows the cushion member 31 to be freely inserted and removed from the cavity 32a, and the cushion member 31 inserted into the cavity 32a fits snugly against the pad member 32. The material and thickness of the cushion member 31 are the same as those of the cushion member 11 of the first embodiment.

The cover member 33 is made of thin fabric and is a bag-shaped member that completely covers the internal unit U. A zipper 33a is provided on the right edge of the cover member 33, extending from the top to the bottom. This allows the internal unit U to be freely inserted and removed from the cover member 33 through the opening formed by opening the zipper 33a, and the opening can be closed by closing the zipper 33a.

The cushion body 3 equipped with the fastener 33a allows the internal unit U to be removed from the cover member 33 as needed, and all parts of the cushion body 3 can be washed with water. Therefore, as with the first embodiment, the cushion body 3 can be used as a cushion more hygienically than a typical conventional cushion.

Furthermore, the internal unit U of the cushion body 2 shown in Figure 7 has pad members 32 arranged above and below the cushion member 31. As a result, the cushion body 3 provides a soft feel due to the upper portion of the cavity 32a of the pad member 32, which is relatively close to the user, while the cushion member 31 provides a moderate resilience, making it comfortable to use as a cushion. Note that even when the cushion body 3 is used upside down, the same feeling of use can be achieved, as the lower portion of the cavity 32a of the pad member 32 is positioned closer to the user.

The cushion body 3 can also be configured in a variety of ways by changing the shape of the internal unit U. Other configuration examples of the cushion body 3 are described below with reference to Figure 9.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 3 shown in Figure 9(a), the internal unit U has a pad member 32 layered on top of the cushion member 31. When this configuration is adopted, the upper surface portion 32U and lower surface portion 32D are provided on the upper side closer to the user, making it possible to obtain an even softer feel when using the cushion body 3 than in the configuration example shown in Figure 7.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 3 shown in Figure 9 (b), the internal unit U has a cushion member 31 layered on top of a pad member 32. When this configuration is adopted, it is possible to obtain a firmer feel when using the cushion body 3 than in the configuration example shown in Figure 7, while still maintaining the same height as in the configuration example shown in Figure 7.

In the configuration example of the cushion body 3 shown in Figure 9 (c), the internal unit U consists of only the cushion member 31. When this configuration is adopted, it is possible to achieve a firmer feel when using the cushion body 3 compared to the configuration example shown in Figure 7 while still maintaining a sufficiently low height. In this way, the cushion body 3 can be configured in a variety of ways depending on the user's preferences, etc. In any of the configuration examples described above, it is preferable that the cover member 33 be made of a stretchy material so that it fits the internal unit U.

4. Other As described above, the cushion body according to each embodiment is formed by encasing an internal unit U in a cover member and is used as a cushion. The internal unit U includes a three-dimensional filament assembly as a washable cushion member. Furthermore, the cover member has an opening/closing part that allows the cover member to be switched between an open state in which an opening is formed to allow the internal unit to be inserted and removed, and a closed state in which the opening is closed. Therefore, the cushion body can be used as a cushion in a more hygienic manner.

In each embodiment, the opening and closing section uses a zipper that extends along the outer edge of the cover member when viewed from above. In this way, the zipper is positioned in an inconspicuous position, allowing the cover member to be opened and closed freely without impairing the appearance of the cushion as much as possible. In each embodiment, the zipper is located along the entire right edge (one side) of the cover member, but it may also be located so that it is L-shaped when viewed from above, for example, extending along both the right and front edges (two sides). In this case, a large opening can be formed in the cover member, making it easier to insert and remove the internal unit. Furthermore, to make the zipper less noticeable, it may be possible to hide the zipper in the fabric of the cover member, use a so-called reverse zipper specification, or use a concealed zipper.

The cushion body of each embodiment can also omit the cushion member and use only the pad member as the internal unit U, sandwiched between the buttocks and calves when sitting upright. In each embodiment, in order to create a bulge in the cushion body, the four corners of the cushion member, which is rectangular when viewed from above, are not rounded (R).

As a modification of the cushion body 1 of the first embodiment, instead of using only one pad member 12, the left-right dimension of the pad member 12 may be approximately doubled, resulting in a cushion body 1a formed as shown in Figure 10. In the internal unit U of the cushion body 1a, the pad member 12 is folded back at the left-right central portion 12b near the right end of the cushion member 11, and the cushion member 11 is sandwiched between the upper and lower portions of the pad member 12. In the cushion body 1a, the portion near the left-right central portion 12b is rounded when viewed from the front, and plays a role similar to the right-side extension portion 12a of each pad member 12 in the first embodiment.

Furthermore, although the cushion body in each embodiment is provided with one cushion member, multiple cushion members may also be provided. While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and should be considered not to be limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims.

The present invention can be used for cushions used as seat cushions.

1. Cushion body (first embodiment)
11 Cushion member 12 Pad member 12a Extension portion 13 Cover member 13a Fastener 2 Cushion body (Second embodiment)
21 Cushion member 22 Pad member 23 Cover member 23a Fastener 3 Cushion body (third embodiment)
31 Cushion member 32 Pad member 32a Cavity 32U Upper surface portion 32D Lower surface portion 33 Cover member 33a Fastener U Internal unit

Claims (8)

A cushion body formed by encasing an internal unit in a cover member and used as a seat cushion,
The internal unit comprises:
The cushion member is formed by arranging pad members above and below the cushion member, each of which has a lower resilience than the cushion member,
Each of the pad members has an extension portion that extends outward from an outer edge of the cushion member when viewed from above,
The extension portions of the pad members are bent inward in the up-down direction by the cover members,
Each of the pad members has the same thickness dimension at the top and bottom,
Each of the pad members is provided with a recess that matches the outer edge of the cushion member,
A cushion body, wherein the cushion member is fitted into the recess . 2. The cushion body according to claim 1, wherein each of the pad members has the same rectangular shape when viewed from above . 3. The cushion body according to claim 1, wherein the cushion member and each of the pad members are arranged so that their centers coincide with each other when viewed from above . A cushion body formed by encasing an internal unit in a cover member and used as a seat cushion,
The internal unit comprises:
The cushion member is formed by arranging pad members above and below the cushion member, each of which has a lower resilience than the cushion member,
Each of the pad members has an extension portion that extends outward from an outer edge of the cushion member when viewed from above,
The extension portions of the pad members are bent inward in the up-down direction by the cover members,
A cushion body characterized in that the thickness of each of the pad members gradually decreases from a central region toward an edge when viewed from above . 5. The cushion body according to claim 1, wherein the extending portions of the upper and lower pad members extend outward from the entire outer periphery of the cushion member when viewed from above . 6. The cushion body according to claim 1, wherein the cushion member is a three-dimensional filament bonded body obtained by three-dimensionally fusing and bonding filaments made of a thermoplastic resin . The internal unit is washable,
The cover member is
7. The cushion body according to claim 1, further comprising an opening/closing portion that allows the state of the cover member to be switched between an open state in which an opening is formed to allow the internal unit to be inserted and removed, and a closed state in which the opening is closed . The cushion body according to claim 7, wherein the opening and closing portion is a fastener provided so as to extend along the outer edge of the cover member when viewed from above .