Turn-over assist pads and mattresses

Abstract

The present invention provides a turning-over assist device and mattress that facilitates the series of turning movements for users with reduced muscle strength, thereby supporting their ability to turn over independently. The turning-over assist pad is placed on a mattress, a mattress pad, or other surface for use and includes at least a first pad positioned in the height direction and positioned against the user's upper body; and a second pad positioned against at least the user's lower body, around the waist and hips. The first pad is formed of a cushioning material of a specified thickness and is configured to support at least a portion of the back of a user in a supine position. The second pad is formed of a cushioning material of a specified thickness. A second supporting surface formed with a width narrower than the user's pelvic width is provided in the central portion in the width direction of the second pad. A pair of second inclined portions are provided at both ends in the width direction of the second pad. The second inclined portions are inclined downward outward in an inclined plane or step-like manner from the ends of the second supporting surface and are provided in at least a portion of the length direction of the second supporting surface. The second supporting surface is configured to support at least a portion of the waist and buttocks of a user in a supine position. The second inclined portion supports the greater trochanter of the femur of the user when turning over.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a turning-over assisting pad and a turning-over assisting mattress, and in particular to a turning-over assisting pad and a turning-over assisting mattress for promoting the self-reliance of a person requiring care and enabling the person requiring care to turn over by his or her own strength. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as we have entered a super-aging society, self-support nursing care, which promotes the independence of those who need care, has gained increasing attention. The self-support process for those who need care is broadly divided into the steps of getting up (living activities) from a supine position, through sitting up, and then standing up, and the steps after leaving the bed (rehabilitation training and daily activities), and is implemented.

[0003] Among them, getting up is the most important basic action and the beginning of independence. Therefore, various methods and devices for supporting the smooth getting up action have been proposed and studied. For example, when getting up from a supine position to standing up, it is necessary to first change the body position from the supine position (supine position) to the side position (side-lying position), that is, to turn over.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes a mattress with a structure that facilitates turning over. This mattress is based on the knowledge that by selectively allowing the shoulders or upper arms in the direction of turning over to sink into the mattress, the sunken shoulders become the axis of rotation for turning over, thereby facilitating turning over. The mattress comprises a central block arranged in the center of the mattress in the width direction to support the back and waist of a user in a supine position, and end blocks arranged at both ends of the mattress in the width direction to support the shoulders of a user in a supine position. The central block is formed to be softer than the outer edges of the end blocks. The end blocks are provided with a hardness adjustment mechanism in the direction of contact with the central block, adjusting the apparent hardness to form a gradually decreasing hardness gradient. The apparent hardness at the position of contact with the shoulder of a supine user is adjusted to be lower than the apparent hardness of the central block.

[0005]

Prior art literature

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-57712 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The turning motion when changing from a supine position to a side-lying position can be broadly divided into two types: a bending rotation type, which is formed by rotating the head → rotating the upper body → rotating the pelvis → rotating the lower limbs; and an extension rotation type, which is formed by rotating the lower limbs → rotating the pelvis simultaneously with or after the lower limbs → rotating the upper body → rotating the head. Among these, the shoulder rotation, in particular, is the heaviest load in the turning motion. Therefore, by setting a state that does not hinder the shoulder rotation and facilitates rotation, turning over can be facilitated in either rotation type. This is achieved in the mattress of Patent Document 1, where the hardness adjustment means provided in the end blocks facilitate the user's shoulders and upper wrists to selectively sink into the lower-hardness portion of the end blocks. The shoulders sunk into this portion become the axis of rotation for turning over, thus facilitating turning over.

[0009] However, the inventors of this application have discovered that, generally speaking, people requiring care who lack muscle strength in their lower body and abdomen often perform a bending and rotating motion starting with the upper body. Even if they can achieve upper body rotation, they tend to have difficulty rotating the pelvis. Specifically, they discovered that while attempting to turn over, grabbing the bedside railing or the like can tilt the upper body sideways, the lower body is unable to do so, and the user gives up, returning the upper body to its starting position in the supine position. Consequently, turning over is impossible. This indicates that when a user with insufficient muscle strength to rotate the lower body attempts to turn over independently, the rotation of the pelvis becomes a large hurdle. In this regard, the mattress of Patent Document 1 focuses solely on shoulder rotation and does not investigate methods for achieving complete turning over by focusing on pelvic rotation.

[0010] On the other hand, since sleep is generally essential for health, improving sleep quality has recently attracted attention. Natural turning during sleep has received significant attention as one of the key factors in improving sleep quality. It is well known that people unconsciously perform various types of turning movements, including bending and rotating movements originating from the upper body, and stretching and rotating movements originating from the lower body, as well as various other types of turning movements not categorized herein. Therefore, there is a need for devices or mattresses that facilitate various types of turning movements and enable smoother turning.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention has been developed in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a turning-over assisting device and a mattress that make the pelvic rotation action that is difficult for users with low muscle strength easier to perform and can support turning over by their own strength.

[0012] Furthermore, a further object of the present invention is to provide a turning-over assisting device and a mattress, which can facilitate a series of turning-over actions for users with low muscle strength and support the realization of turning over independently.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a turning-over assisting device and a mattress for improving sleep quality, facilitating various types of turning-over movements, and enabling smoother and more natural turning-over.

[0014] The turning-over assisting pad of the present invention is a turning-over assisting pad placed on a mattress, a quilt, or a bedding for use, the turning-over assisting pad comprising at least: a first pad arranged in the height direction and supporting the upper body side of the user, and a second pad supporting at least the waist and hip side of the lower body of the user, the first pad being formed of a cushioning material of a predetermined thickness and being configured to support at least a portion of the back of a user in a supine position, the second pad being formed of a cushioning material of a predetermined thickness and being configured to have a second supporting surface formed with a width narrower than the pelvic width of the user provided at a central portion in the width direction of the second pad, a pair of second inclined portions being provided at both ends in the width direction of the second pad, the second inclined portions being inclined downward outwardly in an inclined plane or step-like manner from the ends of the second supporting surface and being provided over at least a portion in the longitudinal direction of the second supporting surface, the second supporting surface supporting at least a portion of the waist and hip side of the user in a supine position, and the second inclined portions supporting the greater trochanter of the femur of the user when turning over.

[0015] In a supine sleeping position, the first pad supports the user's upper body, while the second pad supports the user's lower body. The first pad stably supports the back, centered around the head and spine, while the second pad's second support surface stably supports the lower back, centered around the sacrum. Furthermore, when performing a bending rotational turnover with the upper body as the starting point, the pelvis is rotated after the upper body is rotated. During this pelvic rotation, the second inclined portion supports the pelvic periphery, such as the greater trochanter of the femur and the ilium located nearby, which require the most force in the turning-over direction rotational movement. The second inclined portion is tilted downward from the end of the second support surface. Therefore, the point where the pelvic periphery, such as the greater trochanter of the femur, contacts the second inclined portion in the turning direction is closer to the user's body axis, reducing the force (torque) required for pelvic rotation and facilitating the rotation of the lower body, which is linked to the rotation of the pelvis and the rotation of the lower limbs. This reduces the load on the rotation of the lower body, so even a user with weak muscle strength related to the rotation of the lower body can easily turn over by themselves.

[0016] Furthermore, when performing a stretch-rotational roll with the lower body as the starting point, when starting to rotate from the side of the lower body, the second inclined portion supports the pelvic periphery, such as the greater trochanter of the femur and the ilium located nearby, located in the rollover direction. The second inclined portion slopes downward from the end of the second supporting surface. This brings the point where the pelvic periphery, such as the greater trochanter of the femur located in the rollover direction, contacts the second inclined portion closer to the user's body axis, reducing the force (torque) required for pelvic rotation and facilitating lateral rotation of the lower body.

[0017] Furthermore, the turning-over assist pad of the present invention may also preferably be constructed as follows: a first supporting surface having a width less than the shoulder width of the user is provided at a central portion in the width direction of the first pad, and a pair of first inclined portions are provided at both ends in the width direction of the first pad, which are inclined downward outward in an inclined plane or step-like manner from the ends of the first supporting surface and are provided on at least a portion of the length direction of the first supporting surface, the first supporting surface supports at least a portion of the back of a user in a supine position, and the first inclined portions support the shoulders of the user when performing a turning-over action.

[0018] In a supine position, the user's upper body is supported by the first pad, and the lower body is supported by the second pad. The first support surface stably supports the back portion centered around the head and spine, and the second support surface stably supports the buttocks portion centered around the sacrum of the lower body. Furthermore, when performing a bending rotation type turnover with the upper body as the starting point, when rotating the upper body, the first inclined portion supports the shoulder that needs the most power in the turning-over direction rotation movement. The first inclined portion tilts downward from the end of the first support surface, so that the point where the shoulder contacts the first inclined portion and the distance from the user's body axis become closer, and the force (torque) required for the upper body side rotation decreases, which can make the rotation of the upper body side easier. Again, after the rotation of the upper body side, when then rotating the pelvis, the second inclined portion supports the greater trochanter of the femur and the pelvic peripheral portions such as the ilium located near it that need the most power in the turning-over direction rotation movement. The second inclined portion also slopes downward from the end of the second support surface. This reduces the contact point between the second inclined portion and the user's body axis, where the pelvic periphery (such as the greater trochanter of the femur) in the turning direction contacts the second inclined portion. This reduces the force (torque) required for pelvic rotation, facilitating lower body rotation, which is linked to pelvic rotation and lower limb rotation. This reduces the load on both upper and lower body rotation, making self-supporting turning easier.

[0019] Furthermore, when performing a stretch-rotational rollover with the lower torso as the starting point, when starting to rotate from the lower torso, the second inclined portion supports the pelvic periphery, such as the greater trochanter of the femur and the ilium located nearby, in the rollover direction. The second inclined portion slopes downward from the end of the second supporting surface. This reduces the distance between the point where the pelvic periphery, such as the greater trochanter of the femur, contacts the second inclined portion and the user's body axis, reducing the force (torque) required for pelvic rotation and facilitating the rotation of the lower torso. Furthermore, if the rotation of the lower torso is linked to the rotation of the upper torso, the first supporting portion supports the shoulder, which requires the most force during the rollover. The first inclined portion slopes downward from the end of the first supporting surface. This reduces the distance between the point where the shoulder contacts the first inclined portion and the user's body axis, reducing the force (torque) required for upper torso rotation and facilitating the rotation of the upper torso. Thus, in the stretch-rotation type somersault, the load on the rotation of not only the upper body but also the lower body is reduced, thereby facilitating self-supported somersaults.

[0020] Furthermore, in the turn-over assist pad of the present invention, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane is preferably different from the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane. By making the inclination angle θ of the first pad's inclined portion on the upper body side different from the inclination angle θ of the second pad's inclined portion on the lower body side, the rotation timing and load reduction effect associated with turn-over can be appropriately adjusted on the upper and lower body sides. This provides a turn-over assist pad tailored to the user's muscle strength and desired turn-over type.

[0021] Here, in the present invention, when the first inclined portion is formed not as a plane but as a step, the inclination angle θ1 in this case refers to the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane, when the end of the first supporting surface in a cross-sectional view is used as the inclination starting point, the shortest straight line connecting the inclination starting point and the top of the lowest step portion constituting the first inclined portion is used as the inclination plane. Similarly, in the present invention, the inclination angle θ2 when the second inclined portion is formed as a step refers to the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane, when the end of the second supporting surface in a cross-sectional view is used as the inclination starting point, the shortest straight line connecting the inclination starting point and the top of the lowest step portion constituting the second inclined portion is used as the inclination plane. Furthermore, in the present invention, when the first inclined portion is formed as a curved surface rather than a flat surface, the inclination angle θ1 in this case refers to the angle of the inclined surface formed by the shortest straight line connecting the inclination starting point of the end of the first support surface and the inclination end point of the bottom surface end of the first pad (the bottom surface end of the first inclined portion) in a cross-sectional view, with the plane containing the shortest straight line as the inclined surface being the angle relative to the horizontal plane. Similarly, the inclination angle θ2 when the second inclined portion is formed as a curved surface refers to the angle of the inclined surface formed by the shortest straight line connecting the inclination starting point of the end of the second support surface and the inclination end point of the bottom surface end of the second pad (the bottom surface end of the second inclined portion) in a cross-sectional view, with the plane containing the shortest straight line as the inclined surface being the angle relative to the horizontal plane.

[0022] Furthermore, in the turn-over assisting pad of the present invention, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane is preferably greater than the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane (θ1>θ2). This provides a turn-over assisting pad that enhances the effect of promoting upper body rotation while allowing the lower body to rotate more slowly during turn-over.

[0023] Furthermore, it is also preferred that the width W1 of the first support surface of the turning-over assist pad of the present invention is wider than the width W2 of the second support surface (W1>W2). Thus, the inclined portion of the second pad on the lower body side is located closer to the center of the turning-over assist pad in the width direction than the first pad on the upper body side. Therefore, when the pelvis is rotated, the peripheral portion of the pelvis in the turning direction quickly contacts the second inclined portion and receives support, presetting the time to begin pelvic rotation with low torque. Therefore, when the user performs a bending rotational turn, the initiation of pelvic rotation after upper body rotation is facilitated. Furthermore, when performing an extension rotational turn, pelvic rotation begins smoothly and is easily linked to upper body rotation. Thus, the lower body rotation (hereinafter referred to as the lower body rotational movement), formed by the combination of the pelvic rotation and the lower limb rotation, is linked to the upper body rotation with lower torque, making self-supported turning easier.

[0024] Furthermore, it is also preferred that the height H1 of the first support surface of the turning-over assist pad of the present invention is greater than the height H2 of the second support surface (H1>H2). This creates a height difference between the first pad on the upper body side and the second pad on the lower body side. This height difference provides support along the user's body curve from the buttocks to the lumbar spine, enabling a natural sleeping position. This height difference also facilitates the initiation of pelvic rotation when the user turns over. Therefore, regardless of whether the user turns over in a bending rotation or an extension rotation, the rotation of the upper body and the rotation of the lower body are more naturally linked, making it easier to turn over independently.

[0025] Furthermore, it is also preferred that the width W1 of the first support surface of the turn-over assist pad of the present invention is wider than the width W2 of the second support surface (W1>W2), and the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane is approximately equal to the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane (θ1=θ2). Thus, the inclined portion of the second pad on the lower body side is located closer to the center of the turn-over assist pad in the width direction than the first pad on the upper body side. Therefore, when the pelvis is rotated, the pelvic periphery in the turning direction quickly contacts and receives support from the second inclined portion. This facilitates the initiation of pelvic rotation after upper body rotation during a bending rotational turn. On the other hand, during a stretching rotational turn, lower body rotation begins smoothly, facilitating coordinated rotation with upper body rotation. Furthermore, by making the inclination angles of the two inclined portions approximately equal (θ1=θ2), the rotational forces on the upper and lower body sides can be set to be similar. As a result, the rotational movement of the upper body is linked with the rotational movement of the lower body, and the rotational torque of the upper body and the lower body can be kept in a good balance, making it easy to turn over by yourself.

[0026] Furthermore, it is also preferred that the width W1 of the first support surface of the turning-over assist pad of the present invention is wider than the width W2 of the second support surface (W1>W2), the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane is substantially equal to the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane (θ1=θ2), and the height H1 of the first support surface is greater than the height H2 of the second support surface (H1>H2). This creates a height difference between the first pad on the upper body side and the second pad on the lower body side. This height difference supports the user's body curve from the buttocks to the lumbar region, thereby achieving a natural sleeping position. Furthermore, this height difference facilitates the initiation of pelvic rotation when the user turns over. Furthermore, by making the width W1 of the first support surface wider than the width W2 of the second support surface (W1>W2), when the user performs a bending rotational turn, the initiation of pelvic rotation after the upper body rotation is facilitated. When performing a stretching rotational turn, the pelvic rotation is smoothly initiated, making it easier to coordinate the rotation from the lower body to the upper body. Furthermore, by making the inclination angles of the two inclined portions approximately equal (θ1=θ2), the rotational forces of the upper and lower body can be uniformly set. Thus, while the rotational movements of the upper and lower bodies are coordinated, the rotational torques of the upper and lower bodies can be well balanced, making it easier to turn over independently.

[0027] Furthermore, it is also preferred that the width W1 of the first support surface and the width W2 of the second support surface of the turning-over assist pad of the present invention are approximately equal (W1 = W2), the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane are approximately equal (θ1 = θ2), and the height H1 of the first support surface is greater than the height H2 of the second support surface (H1 > H2). This creates a height difference between the first pad on the upper body side and the second pad on the lower body side. This height difference provides support along the body curve from the buttocks to the lumbar spine of the user. Simultaneously, this height difference facilitates the initiation of pelvic rotation when the user turns over. Consequently, the rotation of the upper body and the rotation of the lower body are linked, making it easier to turn over independently with a simple structure.

[0028] Furthermore, the turning assisting pad of the present invention may preferably include at least a third pad made of a cushioning material of a predetermined thickness between the first and second pads, thereby enabling adjustment to the user's physique, physical activity difficulty, etc., to form a turning assisting pad.

[0029] Alternatively, the turn-over assist pad of the present invention may be provided with a third pad made of a cushioning material having a predetermined thickness, on the foot side of the second pad. This third pad may have the same structure as the first pad. This allows the turn-over assist pad to be configured such that the first pad is disposed on both sides of the second pad in its longitudinal direction. This allows the user to achieve the effects of the present invention regardless of sleeping orientation.

[0030] The turning-assisting mattress of the present invention is a mattress equipped with the turning-assisting pad, wherein the turning-assisting pad is disposed on a base layer formed of a cushioning material.

[0031] Furthermore, it is also preferred that the first pad and the second pad of the turning-over assisting mattress of the present invention are spaced apart on the base layer. Thus, a suitable position can be selected to configure the turning-over assisting pad on the base layer.

[0032] Furthermore, the base layer of the turning-assisting mattress of the present invention may preferably be wider than the first and second pads, and end blocks protruding in the height direction may be provided at at least one end of the base layer in the width direction and at least a portion of the base layer in the length direction. The provision of the end blocks prevents the user from falling off the base layer when turning over, allowing safer turning movements on the mattress.

[0033] Furthermore, the turning-assist mattress of the present invention may preferably include at least one upper layer of cushioning material laminated on the turning-assist pad, wherein the cushioning material constituting the upper layer has a lower hardness than the cushioning material constituting the first pad. By selecting a cushioning material having a lower hardness than the cushioning material of the first pad as the cushioning material for the upper layer, the function of the turning-assist pad is maintained while the user's body comes into contact with the soft upper layer, thereby improving sleeping comfort.

[0034] The effect of the present invention is described below:

[0035] According to the present invention, a turning over assisting pad and a mattress including the turning over assisting pad having the following excellent effects can be provided.

[0036] (1) The load involved in the rotation of the lower body, particularly the load involved in the rotation of the pelvis, is reduced, thereby making it easier for users with low muscle strength related to the rotation of the lower body to turn over on their own.

[0037] (2) The structure is such that the rotation of the upper body is linked to the rotation of the pelvis, thereby making it easier for users with low muscle strength to turn over by themselves.

[0038] (3) It can promote various types of turning over movements, thereby promoting natural turning over during sleep and improving sleep quality.

[0039] (4) In the supine position, it plays a role in opening the thoracic spine, thereby making breathing smooth during sleep and improving sleep quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 The turning-over assisting pad according to the first embodiment is shown in FIG. (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a perspective view. Figure 1 (a) is the A-A' line cross-section, (c) is Figure 1 (a) BB' line cross-sectional view.

[0041] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the contact position of the turning assist pad with the shoulders and pelvis of a user in a supine position.

[0042] Figure 3 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams showing torque (T=F×L) when the upper body is rotated in a supine position. (a) shows the torque when the turning assist pad according to the first embodiment is used, and (b) shows the torque when a conventional mattress is used as a comparative example.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing another example of the turning assisting pad according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing another example of the turning assisting pad according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 6 Yes Figure 1 This figure illustrates the use of the turning assist pad.

[0046] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a turning assisting mat according to a second embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing another example of the turning assisting pad according to the second embodiment.

[0048] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing a turning assisting pad according to a third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 10 The turning-over assisting pad according to the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a perspective view. Figure 10 (a) is the C-C' line cross-section, (c) is Figure 10 (a) Cross-sectional view along the D-D' line.

[0050] Figure 11 Shows another example of a turning-over assisting pad according to the fourth embodiment, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a perspective view Figure 11(a) is the E-E' line cross-sectional view, (c) is Figure 11 (a) Cross-sectional view along the line F-F'.

[0051] Figure 12 The turning-over assisting pad according to the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a perspective view. Figure 12 (a) G-G' cross-sectional view.

[0052] Figure 13 An embodiment of a turning assisting mattress assembled with a turning assisting pad is shown, (a) is an exploded perspective view, (b) is a Figure 13 (a) is a side view of the first pad as seen from the head side, (c) is Figure 13 (a) is a side view of the second pad as seen from the foot side.

[0053] Figure 14 It is a perspective view showing a turning-assisting mattress according to another embodiment.

[0054] Figure 15 1 and 2. The diagram shows a simulator for quantifying the load of a turning motion. (a) is a simulator, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a method for measuring the torque associated with the turning motion using the simulator.

[0055] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the relationship between the inclination angle of the inclined surface of the turn assist mat according to Example 1 and the torque.

[0056] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the relationship between the tilt structure of the turn assist pad according to Example 2 and the torque.

[0057] Figure 18 1 is a perspective view showing five turning assist pads tested in Example 3.

[0058] Figure 19 It is a perspective view showing four turning assist pads tested in Comparative Examples 1 to 4.

[0059] Figure 20 1 is an exploded view showing the structures of three turning-assisting mattresses tested in Example 4.

[0060] Specific implementation form

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the turning-over assisting pad 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a first pad 3 for placing the upper body of the user, and a second pad 4 for placing the lower body of the user, wherein the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 are arranged in a row in the height direction. In this specification, the term "upper and lower" refers to the upper and lower directions when the turning-over assisting pad 2 is placed on a mattress or a quilt, that is, Figure 1The vertical direction mentioned in the specification is the width direction when the turning assist pad 2 is in use, that is, Figure 2 so-called longitudinal direction refers to the longitudinal direction (height direction) of the turning auxiliary pad 2 when used, ie, Figure 2 The up and down directions mentioned in.

[0062] First, the first pad 3 placed on the upper body side of the user will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the first pad 3 includes: a first supporting surface 31, which extends in the longitudinal direction (height direction) from the central part in the width direction and forms a roughly flat surface; and a first inclined portion 32, which is inclined downward outward from the end of the longitudinal direction of the first supporting surface 31 to form a pair of inclined surfaces.

[0063] The widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 of the first pad 3 and the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32 can be set to achieve the desired effect on the first pad 3. By appropriately setting the widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31, the start time or torque of upper body rotation, as well as the back support stability in the supine position, can be adjusted. By coordinating the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 31 to adjust the torque during rotation, the desired low-load upper body rotation can be appropriately set. Specifically, the widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 is within a range that ensures support stability for the user's upper body. Within this range, the smaller the widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 is set, the smaller the force (torque) required for upper body rotation, and the earlier the rotation begins. Furthermore, the larger the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32 is set, the smaller the torque required for upper body rotation. Therefore, by combining various setting values ​​for the widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 and the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32, the ease of rotation of the upper body can be adjusted according to the turning mode or the user's body shape. The first support surface 31 and the first inclined portion 32 are described in detail below.

[0064] like Figure 2As shown, the first support surface 31 of the first pad 3 is configured to support at least a portion of the back of a user B in a supine position. In this embodiment, the first support surface 31 has a widthwise length W1 of 25 cm, a lengthwise length (height-wise) of 90 cm, and a height H1 (the thickness of the cushioning material in the first support surface 31) of 3 cm. This is designed to support the back of the user B in a supine position, centered around the head and spine. The widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 is configured so that the shoulder S of the user B in a supine position faces the first inclined portion 32 on the outside of the first support surface 31, as described below. Therefore, the widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 is less than the shoulder width SW of the user B, preferably less than the length from one acromion to the other acromion (acromial width). The shoulder S of the user B refers to the area near the acromion, including at least the area from the acromion to the greater tuberosity of the upper arm. Furthermore, the shoulder width SW of user B refers to the length from one shoulder to the other. More specifically, it is the maximum transverse diameter of the body measured perpendicular to the sagittal plane at the point where the deltoid muscle outline protrudes most outward. The widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 is set to be less than the user's shoulder width, preferably less than the acromion width. From the perspective of stably supporting user B's upper body, it is preferably set to be greater than the length between the left and right inferior corners of user B's shoulder blades. More specifically, it is preferably 15 cm to 40 cm, more preferably 15 cm to 35 cm, and particularly preferably 20 cm to 30 cm. As described below, when the widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 is equal to the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 (W1 = W2), the widthwise length W1 of the first support surface 31 is set to the maximum value of the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41, and is less than user B's pelvic width PW. The length of the first support surface 31 in the longitudinal direction (height direction) is appropriately set so as to support the back of the user B starting from the head. Furthermore, to reduce the force required for upper body rotation and enable moderate turning over, the height H1 of the first support surface 31 is appropriately set to correspond to the inclination angle θ1 described below. In this embodiment, the first support surface 31 is formed as a substantially flat surface. However, as long as it can support at least a portion of the back of the user B in a supine position, it can be formed in any shape and is not limited to a flat surface.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the pair of first inclined portions 32 of the first pad 3 in this embodiment are arranged to span the entire length direction of the first supporting surface 31, and are formed to support the entire shoulder and upper arm of the user B when turning over. When the back of the user B is supported by the first supporting surface 31 of the first pad 3, the area formed by the shoulder S and the dorsal portion connected to the shoulder S that is not supported by the first supporting surface 31 (hereinafter referred to as the shoulder peripheral portion SA) is located opposite to the first inclined portion 32 that is inclined downward from the end of the first supporting surface 31. Therefore, when the user B rotates his upper body, the shoulder peripheral portion SA located in the turning direction is supported by the first inclined portion 32. As shown Figure 3 As shown in (a), when user B turns over, the distance between the shoulder periphery SA, which includes the contact point G of the user's shoulder S located in the turning direction, and the first inclined portion 32 and the user's body axis X becomes closer, and the force required for upper body rotation becomes smaller, thereby promoting lateral rotation of the upper body. Here, the so-called shoulder periphery SA refers to the portion that includes at least the shoulder S of user B (the area from the acromion to the greater tuberosity of the upper arm bone), which is the portion not supported by the first support surface 31. Therefore, by setting the width length W1 of the first support surface 31, it includes the area from the greater tuberosity of the upper arm bone of user B to the lower angle of the scapula on the back side. In addition, the first inclined portion 32 in this embodiment is formed by a plane, but it can also be a curved surface structure or a stepped structure as shown in the following embodiment. In the case of a stepped structure, the inclined portion can also include a substantially vertical inclined surface, such as a stepped structure, or a structure in which the initial inclined surface is formed vertically from the end of the first support surface 31 and then changes to an acute angle inclined surface. By providing the first inclined portion 32 with a stepped slope, the ease of rotation of the upper body can be more finely adjusted according to the turning pattern or the user's body shape. Furthermore, the inclination angle of the first inclined portion 32 may also be configured to gradually (continuously or discontinuously) change along the length of the first pad 3. The first inclined portion 32 may be formed to support at least the shoulder periphery SA of the body of the user B in a supine position. Therefore, it may not be arranged across the length of the first support surface 31, and may be configured to be provided only along the shoulder periphery SA of the user B.

[0066] Regarding the function of the first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3, refer to Figure 3 , for more detailed explanation. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the torque (T = F × L) when the upper body of a user in a supine position rotates. Figure 3 (a) shows the torque when the turning assist pad according to this embodiment is used. Figure 3(b) shows the torque when using a normal flat mattress. In this figure, the force required for turning over is expressed as the torque (torsional strength) of the rotation center (body axis) X. The torque T is expressed as the product of the force F acting in the tangential direction of the rotating circle and the distance L between the contact point G and the rotation center X (T = F × L). Therefore, by shortening the distance L between the contact point G and the rotation center X, the value of the torque T is reduced. Figure 3 In (b), an example of a normal mattress (without an inclined portion) is shown. According to this example, the position G where the shoulder periphery SA of the user B contacts the mattress is on the outer side of the shoulder S. On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown in (a), by providing the first inclined portion 32 on the first pad 3, the contact position G between the shoulder periphery SA of the user B and the first pad 3 is smaller than that of the first pad 3. Figure 3 (b) As the contact point G moves inward, it approaches the rotation center X, shortening the distance L between the contact point G and the rotation center X and reducing the torque T. Consequently, the load on the upper body rotation is reduced, allowing the upper body to rotate with less force.

[0067] The first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3 has an inclination angle θ1 relative to the horizontal plane. As angle θ1 increases, the distance L between the contact point G of the shoulder periphery SA and the rotation center X decreases, thereby reducing the force required for upper body rotation. However, if rotation is too easy, the body of the supine user B becomes unstable. Therefore, it is desirable to set the inclination angle θ1 to achieve both supine stability, which contributes to sleep comfort, and ease of turning over (rotation). Specifically, when the first inclined portion 32 is formed by a planar inclined surface, as in the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 is preferably less than 40 degrees, more preferably less than 30 degrees, further preferably 5 to 20 degrees, and particularly preferably 10 to 15 degrees. When the first inclined portion 32 is formed of a stepped structure rather than a flat surface as in the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 is set as follows: the end of the first supporting surface 31 in the cross-sectional view is set as the inclination starting point, the shortest straight line is used to connect the inclination starting point and the top of the lowest step forming the first inclined portion 32, the plane containing the shortest straight line is set as the inclined surface, and the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is set as the inclination angle θ1. Furthermore, when the first inclined portion 32 is formed of a curved surface structure, the inclination angle θ1 is set as follows: the end of the first supporting surface 31 in the cross-sectional view is set as the inclination starting point, the shortest straight line is used to connect the inclination starting point and the inclination end point of the bottom surface end of the first pad 3 (the bottom surface end of the first inclined portion 32), the plane containing the shortest straight line is set as the inclined surface, and the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is set as the inclination angle θ1. When the inclination angle of the first inclined portion 32 changes gradually (continuously or discontinuously) in the longitudinal direction of the first pad 3 , the inclination angle θ1 is the angle of the inclined surface of the portion supporting the shoulder periphery SA of the user B.

[0068] Next, the second pad 4 placed on the lower body side of the user will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the second pad 4 includes: a second supporting surface 41, which is extended in the longitudinal direction (height direction) at the central part in the width direction to form a roughly flat surface; and a second inclined portion 42, which is formed as a pair of inclined surfaces inclined downward outward from the end parts in the longitudinal direction of the second supporting surface 41.

[0069] The widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42 can be set to achieve the desired effect on the second pad 4. By appropriately setting the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41, the start time or torque of rotation of the lower body (pelvis) and the stability of pelvic support in the supine position can be adjusted. In conjunction with the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42, the torque during rotation can be adjusted, allowing for the desired low-load rotation of the lower body. Specifically, when the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 is set within a range that ensures support stability for the user's lower body, the smaller the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 within this range, the smaller the force (torque) required for lower body rotation, and the earlier the rotation begins. Furthermore, the larger the inclination angle θ2, the smaller the torque required for lower body rotation. Therefore, by combining various setting values ​​for the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42, the ease of rotation of the lower body can be adjusted according to the turning mode or the user's body shape. The second support surface 41 and the second inclined portion 42 are described in detail below.

[0070] like Figure 2As shown, the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4 is configured to support at least a portion of the waist and hips of a supine user B. In this embodiment, the second support surface 41 has a widthwise length W2 of 13 cm, a length in the longitudinal direction (height direction) of 90 cm, and a height H2 (the thickness of the cushioning material in the second support surface 41 portion) of 3 cm. It is designed to support the waist and hips of a supine user B centered around the sacrum. As described later, the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 is configured so that the greater trochanter of the femur of the supine user B faces the outer second inclined portion 42 of the second support surface 41. Therefore, the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 is less than the pelvic width PW of the user B. Here, the pelvic width PW of the user B refers to the length from the anterior superior iliac spine P on one side to the anterior superior iliac spine P on the other side. The anterior superior iliac spine P refers to the protrusion located at the anterior edge of the iliac ridge of the ilium, which constitutes the pelvis. Specifically, the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41 is set to a width less than the pelvic width PW of user B. From the perspective of stably supporting user B's lower body, it is preferably set to at least the width between the posterior superior iliac spines (the protrusions at the rear edge of the iliac ridges of the pelvis) of user B's body. More specifically, it is preferably 5 cm to 30 cm, more preferably 10 cm to 25 cm, and even more preferably 10 cm to 20 cm. Furthermore, the length of the second support surface 41 in the longitudinal direction (height direction) is appropriately set to support user B's lower body. Furthermore, to reduce the force required for lower body rotation, the height H2 of the second support surface 41 is appropriately set to coincide with the inclination angle θ2 described below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second support surface 41 is formed as a substantially flat surface. However, as long as it can support at least a portion of the back of user B's body in a supine position, it can be formed in any shape and is not limited to a flat surface.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the pair of second inclined portions 42 of the second pad 4 in this embodiment are arranged to span the entire length of the second support surface 41, and are formed to support at least the greater trochanter of the femur of user B during a rollover. When the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4 supports the waist and buttocks of user B, centered between the posterior superior iliac spines, the area formed by the greater trochanter of the femur, the anterior superior iliac spines P of the pelvis, and the buttocks-side portion continuous with the anterior superior iliac spines P (hereinafter referred to as the pelvic periphery PA), which is not supported by the second support surface 41, is located opposite the second inclined portions 42, which are inclined downward from the end of the second support surface 41. Therefore, when user B rotates their lower body, the second inclined portions 42 support the pelvic periphery PA in the rollover direction. Thus, when the user B turns over, the distance between the contact point G between the pelvic periphery PA including the greater trochanter of the user's femur in the turning direction and the second inclined portion 42 and the user's body axis X becomes closer, and the force required for pelvic rotation becomes smaller, thereby promoting the rotation of the lower body. Figure 3 of Figure 3 The first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3 shown in (a) functions in the same manner. Here, the pelvic periphery PA refers to the portion including at least the greater trochanter of the femur and the anterior superior iliac spine P of the pelvis of user B, and is not supported by the second support surface 41. Therefore, by setting the widthwise length W2 of the second support surface 41, it includes the area from the anterior superior iliac spine P of the pelvis of user B to the posterior superior iliac spine on the buttocks side. Furthermore, while the second inclined portion 42 in this embodiment is formed as a flat surface, it may also have a curved surface structure or a stepped structure as shown in the following embodiment. In the case of a stepped structure, the inclined surface may also include a substantially vertical inclined surface, such as a stepped structure, or a structure in which the initial inclined surface extending from the end of the second support surface 41 is vertical and then changes to an acute angle. By making the second inclined portion 42 a stepped surface, the difficulty of rotation of the lower body can be more finely adjusted according to the turning pattern or the user's body shape. Furthermore, the inclination angle of the second inclined portion 42 may also include a configuration in which the inclination angle gradually (continuously or discontinuously) changes along the longitudinal direction of the second pad 4. The second inclined portion 42 may be formed to support at least the pelvic periphery PA of the body of the user B in a supine position. Therefore, the second inclined portion 42 may not necessarily extend across the longitudinal direction of the second supporting surface 41, and may be provided only along the pelvic periphery PA of the user B.

[0072] The second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4 has an inclination angle θ2 relative to the horizontal plane. As angle θ2 increases, the distance L between the contact point G of the pelvic periphery PA and the rotation center X decreases. This reduces the pelvic rotation torque, resulting in a reduction in the force required for lower body rotation. However, if the pelvic rotation is too easy, the body of the user B in the supine position may become unstable. Therefore, it is desirable to set the inclination angle θ2 to achieve both supine stability and ease of turning (rotation). Specifically, when the second inclined portion 42 is formed by a planar inclined surface, as in the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ2 is preferably less than 35 degrees, more preferably 5 to 20 degrees, and particularly preferably 10 to 15 degrees. When the second inclined portion 42 is formed not by a flat surface as in the present embodiment but by a stepped structure, the inclination angle θ2 is set as follows: the inclination starting point is set as the end of the second supporting surface 41 in the cross-sectional view, the shortest straight line is used to connect the inclination starting point and the top of the lowest step forming the second inclined portion 42, the plane containing the shortest straight line is set as the inclined surface, and the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is set as the inclination angle θ2. Furthermore, when the second inclined portion 42 is formed by a curved surface structure, the inclination angle θ2 is set as the following angle: the inclination starting point of the end of the second supporting surface 41 in the cross-sectional view is connected to the inclination end point of the bottom surface of the second pad 4 (the bottom surface end of the second inclined portion 42) by the shortest straight line, the plane containing the shortest straight line is set as the inclined surface, and the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is set as the inclination angle θ2. When the inclination angle of the second inclined portion 42 changes gradually (continuously or discontinuously) in the longitudinal direction of the second pad 4 , the inclination angle θ2 is the angle of the inclined surface of the portion supporting the pelvic periphery PA of the user B.

[0073] The turning-over assisting pad 2 of this embodiment is designed to facilitate turning over in accordance with the intended turning type by combining the widthwise length W1 of the first supporting surface 31 of the first pad 3 and the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32, and the widthwise length W2 of the second supporting surface 41 of the second pad 4 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42. Therefore, the following describes the relationship between the various components of the turning-over assisting pad 2 of this embodiment, including the first pad 3 and the second pad 4.

[0074] In the turning-over assisting pad 2 of the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3 relative to the horizontal plane is different from the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4 relative to the horizontal plane. By making the inclination angle θ of the inclined portion of each pad different, the turning-over load reduction effect can be appropriately adjusted on the upper body side and the lower body side, and a turning-over assisting pad 2 can be obtained according to the muscle strength or body shape, turning type, etc. of the user B. Furthermore, mainly from the viewpoint of promoting bending rotation type turning, it is preferred that the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3 is larger than the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4 (θ1>θ2). Thereby, the effect of promoting the rotation of the upper body as the starting point of the turning action is enhanced, and at the same time, the stability of the lower body in the supine position is improved, and the turning action that causes the pelvic rotation to rotate slowly in conjunction can be promoted. Specifically, it is not particularly limited, as Figure 1 In the shown turning assist mat 2 , the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32 is 15 degrees, and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42 is 10 degrees.

[0075] In the turning-over assisting pad 2 of this embodiment, the widthwise length W1 of the first supporting surface 31 of the first pad 3 and the widthwise length W2 of the second supporting surface 41 of the second pad 4 may be formed as follows: Figure 4 The turning-over assisting pads 2 shown are of approximately the same length, but are preferably formed so that the width W1 of the first supporting surface is wider than the width W2 of the second supporting surface (W1>W2). As a result, the inclined portion of the second pad 4 on the lower body side is located closer to the center in the width direction of the turning-over assisting pad 2 than the first pad 3 on the upper body side, and the pelvic rotation starts earlier. Therefore, the rotation of the upper body and the rotation of the lower body are linked with lower torque, making it easier to turn over by yourself. Specifically, but not particularly limited to, Figure 1 The turning-over assisting pad 2 shown is formed so that the width W1 of the first support surface 31 is 25 cm and the width W2 of the second support surface 41 is 13 cm. Depending on the type of turning to be promoted, the width W1 of the first support surface may be narrower than the width W2 of the second support surface (W1 < W2).

[0076] Again, in Figure 4 , the first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3 and the second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4 have different inclination angles θ1 and θ2 (θ1≠θ2) according to another embodiment of the turning assisting pad 2. Figure 4In the turning assist pad 2 shown, when the width W1 of the first support surface 31 of the first pad 3 and the width W2 of the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4 are formed to be approximately the same length (W1=W2), the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42 are made different. Therefore, the height H1 of the first support surface 31 is formed to be higher than the height H2 of the second support surface 41 (H1>H2). As a result, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3 is configured to be greater than the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4 (θ1>θ2). As a result, a height difference is created between the first support surface 31 of the first pad 3 on the upper body side and the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4 on the lower body side. Therefore, the portion from the buttocks to the lumbar spine of the user B is supported along this height difference, making it easy to obtain a natural sleeping position. At the same time, when the user B turns over, the height difference facilitates the rotation of the pelvis, which promotes the start of the rotation movement of the lower body. Therefore, the rotation movement of the upper body and the rotation movement of the lower body are easy to be linked, making it easier to turn over by oneself. Figure 4 , an example is shown where the width W1 of the first support surface 31 and the width W2 of the second support surface 41 are approximately the same length (W1=W2), but this is not limited to this. The width W1 of the first support surface can be wider than the width W2 of the second support surface (W1>W2), and of course it can also be narrower (W1<W2).

[0077] The first pad 3 and the second pad 4 constituting the turning-over assist pad 2 of the present invention are each formed of a cushioning material of the aforementioned predetermined thickness (height). The first cushioning material constituting the first pad 3 is appropriately selected to have a hardness such that the user's body deforms significantly in the thickness direction while sleeping in a supine position, while the first inclined portion 32 does not deform significantly. Alternatively, the first support surface 31 and the first inclined portion 32 constituting the first pad 3 may be formed of cushioning materials of different hardnesses, and these materials may be combined to form the first pad 3. In this case, the cushioning material constituting the first support surface 31 is preferably a cushioning material that is softer than the cushioning material constituting the first inclined portion 32. This allows the first support surface 31 to better disperse body pressure and softly support the body of the user B in contact with the first support surface 31. Furthermore, the first inclined portion 32 prevents the user's shoulder S from sinking excessively, thereby keeping the distance L between the contact point G and the rotation center X short and promoting rotational movement of the upper body. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine a plurality of different cushioning materials to form the corresponding portions of either the first supporting surface 31 or the first inclined portion 32. For example, it is also possible to laminate a plurality of cushioning materials to form the portion corresponding to the first supporting surface 31 or the portion corresponding to the first inclined portion 32, and to combine different cushioning materials in the shoulder periphery SA and other portions. When the first supporting surface 31 and the first inclined portion 32 constituting the first pad 3 are formed of the same cushioning material, it is also possible to perform slit processing on the first supporting surface 31 to reduce the apparent hardness and soften it.

[0078] The second cushioning material forming the second pad 4 is appropriately selected to have a hardness such that it deforms significantly in the thickness direction when the user sleeps in a supine position, while the second inclined portion 42 does not deform significantly due to its inclination. Alternatively, the second supporting surface 41 and the second inclined portion 42 forming the second pad 4 may be formed of cushioning materials having different hardnesses, and the second pad 4 may be obtained by combining these materials. In this case, the cushioning material forming the second supporting surface 41 is preferably a softer cushioning material than the cushioning material forming the second inclined portion 42. This allows the second supporting surface 41 to better disperse body pressure, providing soft support for the user B's body in contact with the second supporting surface 41. Furthermore, during pelvic rotation, the second inclined portion 42 does not excessively sink in the portion in contact with the user's pelvic periphery PA, thereby keeping the distance L between the contact point G and the rotation center X short, thereby facilitating rotation of the lower body. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine multiple different cushioning materials for either the second supporting surface 41 or the second inclined portion 42 to obtain corresponding portions. For example, it is also possible to laminate multiple cushioning materials to obtain a portion corresponding to the second supporting surface 41 or a portion corresponding to the second inclined portion 42, and to combine different cushioning materials in the pelvic periphery PA and other portions. Furthermore, when the second supporting surface 41 and the second inclined portion 42 constituting the second pad 4 are formed of the same cushioning material, it is also possible to perform slit processing on the second supporting surface 41 to reduce the apparent hardness and soften it.

[0079] The first and second cushioning materials are not particularly limited as long as they have the aforementioned hardness and cushioning properties. Suitable materials include resin foams, three-dimensional network structures, and cotton moldings. Resin foams are more preferred due to ease of handling and processing. Specific examples of resin foams include polyurethane foam, polyolefin foam, and silicone foam. Furthermore, the first and second cushioning materials may be made of the same or different materials.

[0080] In this embodiment, as described above, the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 are formed from different cushioning materials. Therefore, to ensure that the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 are arranged without offset, the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 can be fixed to each other at their adjacent surfaces by means of a snap fastener or the like, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, or by means of an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the mattress or quilt on which the turning assist pad 2 is placed can also be fixed to the base layer 6 described below by means of a snap fastener or an adhesive. In this case, the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 can be arranged to have a predetermined gap between them. Furthermore, if the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 are formed from the same cushioning material, the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 can be formed integrally.

[0081] Furthermore, the turning-over assist pad 2 in this embodiment is composed of a first pad 3 and a second pad 4. Alternatively, at least one third pad made of a cushioning material having a predetermined thickness may be provided between the first and second pads 3, 4, or on the head side of the first pad 3 or the foot side of the second pad 4. By providing a third pad that additionally supports the head, waist, or feet of user B, the cushioning material for supporting the head, waist, or feet can be selected based on user B's sleeping comfort preferences and body shape, thereby achieving a turning-over assist pad 2 that improves sleeping comfort.

[0082] Another example of the turning assisting pad 2 of this embodiment in which the third pad is provided on the foot side of the second pad 4 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 . When the third pad of the turnover assist pad 2, located on the foot side of the second pad 4, supports the lower limb, the third pad has the same structure as the first pad 3. Specifically, the third pad includes the first support surface 31 and first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3. By making the first and third pads identical in structure, the user can achieve the effects of the present invention regardless of the direction they sleep in relative to the length of the turnover assist pad 2.

[0083] Below, refer to Figure 6 , the method of using the turning-over assisting pad 2 according to this embodiment is described. Figure 6 As shown in (a), user B assumes a supine sleeping position on the turning-over assist pad 2. At this point, the first pad 3 supports the upper body of user B, while the second pad 4 supports the lower body. This position is adjusted so that user B's shoulder area SA, including shoulder S, is positioned opposite the first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3, and user B's pelvic area PA, including the greater trochanter of the femur, is positioned opposite the second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4. In this position, the first support surface 31 provides stable support for the back, centered around the head and spine, while the first support surface 32 provides stable support for the buttocks, centered around the sacrum, of the lower body.

[0084] Next, when performing a bending and rotating turn, Figure 6 (b) to Figure 6 As shown in (d), when the user B attempts to rotate the upper body in the turning direction, the shoulder periphery SA is supported by the first inclined portion 32. As a result, when the user B performs the turning action, the contact point G between the user's shoulder periphery SA in the turning direction and the first inclined portion 32 becomes closer to the user's body axis X. Therefore, the force required for the rotation of the upper body becomes smaller, making the rotation of the upper body easier. Figure 6 (c) to Figure 6As shown in (e), the rotation of the lower body is linked to the rotation of the upper body. Specifically, the turning assisting pad 2 of this embodiment is configured such that the width W2 of the second supporting surface 41 is narrower than the width W1 of the first supporting surface 31. Therefore, the second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4 on the lower body side is located near the center in the width direction of the turning assisting pad 2, and the rotation of the pelvis starts at an earlier time with low torque. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in (c), when the user B rotates his upper body, the pelvis that is in contact with the second inclined portion 42 of the turning assisting pad 2 starts to rotate, and then rotates on the second inclined portion 42. As a result, the rotation of the upper body and the rotation of the lower body are linked, making it easier to turn over by oneself. Figure 6 As shown in (d), when the user B rotates the pelvis in the turning direction, the pelvic periphery PA is supported by the second inclined portion 42 toward the greater trochanter of the femur of the user B, which requires the most force in the rotation. Therefore, the contact point G between the pelvic periphery PA of the user in the turning direction and the second inclined portion 42 becomes closer to the user's body axis X. As a result, the force required for pelvic rotation is reduced, and rotation of the lower body side is also facilitated, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 In the case of the stretching rotation type, the linkage order of the lower body and the upper body is reversed, but the effect of the first pad 3 on the rotation of the upper body and the effect of the second pad 4 on the rotation of the lower body are the same as in the case of the bending rotation type.

[0085] Next, the turning-over assisting pad 20 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 7 As shown, the turning assist pad 20 according to this embodiment comprises a first pad 30 for supporting the user's upper body, and a second pad 40 for supporting the user's lower body. The first pad 30 and the second pad 40 are arranged in a row in the height direction. The first pad 30, for supporting the user's upper body, comprises a first support surface 310 extending from its widthwise center in the longitudinal direction (height direction) and forming a generally flat surface; and a first inclined portion 320 sloping downwardly outwardly from the longitudinal ends of the first support surface 310 to form a pair of inclined surfaces. Furthermore, the second pad 40 comprises a second support surface 410 extending from its widthwise center in the longitudinal direction (height direction) and forming a generally flat surface; and a second inclined portion 420 sloping downwardly outwardly from the longitudinal ends of the second support surface 410 to form a pair of inclined surfaces.

[0086] Next, regarding the turning assisting pad 20 of this embodiment, the relationship between the first pad 30 and the second pad 40 is described with reference to FIG. Figure 7In the turning assist pad 20 of this embodiment, the inclination angle θ10 of the first inclined portion 320 of the first pad 30 relative to the horizontal plane and the inclination angle θ20 of the second inclined portion 420 of the second pad 40 relative to the horizontal plane are approximately equal. Furthermore, the widthwise length W10 of the first support surface 310 of the first pad 30 and the widthwise length W20 of the second support surface 410 of the second pad 40 are configured such that the width W1 of the first support surface is wider than the width W2 of the second support surface (W1>W2). As a result, the inclined portion of the second pad 40 on the lower body side is located closer to the center of the width of the turning assist pad 20 than the first pad 30 on the upper body side. When attempting to rotate the pelvis, the peripheral portion of the pelvis in the turning direction quickly contacts and is supported by the second inclined portion 420, presetting the moment when the lower body begins rotating with low torque. Therefore, when user B performs a bending rotational rollover, the initiation of pelvic rotation following upper-body rotation is facilitated. Furthermore, when performing a stretching rotational rollover, pelvic rotation begins smoothly, facilitating linkage with upper-body rotation. This allows for smooth linkage between upper- and lower-body rotations while maintaining a good balance in torque between the two, facilitating self-assisted rollover.

[0087] Furthermore, other examples of the turning assist pad 20 of this embodiment are as follows: Figure 8 As shown. Figure 7 In the turning assisting pad 20 shown in FIG. 1 , when the height H10 of the first supporting surface 310 of the first pad 30 and the height H20 of the second supporting surface 410 of the second pad 40 are formed to be substantially the same height (H10=H20), Figure 8 In another example shown, the height H10 of the first support surface 310 is greater than the height H20 of the second support surface 410 (H1>H2). This creates a height difference between the first support surface 310 of the first pad 30 on the upper body side and the second support surface 410 of the second pad 40 on the lower body side. This height difference supports the area from the buttocks to the lumbar spine of the user B, facilitating a natural sleeping position. Furthermore, when the user B turns over, the lateral rotation of the upper body is facilitated by the synergistic effect of this height difference and the height difference formed between the first inclined portion 320 of the first pad 30 and the second inclined portion 420 of the second pad 40, further facilitating the initiation of pelvic rotation. Thus, the rotation of the upper body and the rotation of the lower body are linked, making it easier for the user to turn over independently.

[0088] The other descriptions about the first pad 30 and the second pad 40 constituting the turning assisting pad 20 in this embodiment and the descriptions about other configurations of the third pad etc. are the same as those of the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 etc. of the first embodiment, and their functions and effects are also the same.

[0089] Next, the turning-over assisting pad 21 according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 9 As shown, the turning assist pad 21 according to this embodiment comprises a first pad 301 for supporting the user's upper body, and a second pad 401 for supporting the user's lower body. The first pad 301 and the second pad 401 are arranged in a row in the height direction. The first pad 301, which supports the user's upper body, includes a first support surface 311 extending from its widthwise center in the longitudinal direction (height direction) and forming a generally flat surface; and a first inclined portion 321 sloping downwardly outwardly from the longitudinal ends of the first support surface 311 to form a pair of inclined surfaces. Furthermore, the second pad 401 includes a second support surface 411 extending from its widthwise center in the longitudinal direction (height direction) and forming a generally flat surface; and a second inclined portion 421 sloping downwardly outwardly from the longitudinal ends of the second support surface 411 to form a pair of inclined surfaces.

[0090] Next, regarding the turning assisting pad 21 of this embodiment, the relationship between the first pad 301 and the second pad 401 is described with reference to FIG. Figure 9 In the turning-over assist pad 21 of this embodiment, the inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined portion 321 of the first pad 301 relative to the horizontal plane and the inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined portion 421 of the second pad 401 relative to the horizontal plane are substantially equal. The width W11 of the first support surface 311 of the first pad 301 and the width W21 of the second support surface 411 of the second pad 401 are substantially the same width. Furthermore, the height H11 of the first support surface 311 of the first pad 301 and the height H21 of the second support surface 411 of the second pad 401 are configured such that the height H11 of the first support surface 311 is greater than the height H21 of the second support surface 411 (H1>H2). This creates a height difference between the first support surface 311 of the first pad 301 on the upper body side and the second support surface 411 of the second pad 401 on the lower body side. This height difference supports the area from the buttocks to the lumbar spine of the user B, making it easier for them to achieve a natural sleeping position. Furthermore, when the user B turns over, after the upper body rotates, this height difference, combined with the height difference formed between the first inclined portion 321 of the first pad 301 and the second inclined portion 421 of the second pad 401, promotes the initiation of pelvic rotation. Thus, the rotation of the upper body and the rotation of the lower body are linked, making it easier for the user to turn over by themselves.

[0091] The other descriptions and other configurations of the first pad 301 and the second pad 401 constituting the turning assisting pad 21 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 of the first embodiment, and their functions and effects are also the same.

[0092] Next, the turning-over assisting pad 22 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 10 As shown, the turning-over assist pad 22 of this embodiment comprises two first pads 302 and one second pad 402, arranged in a row in the height direction in the order of first pad 302, second pad 402, and first pad 302. The first pad 302, on which the user's upper body or feet rest, includes a first support surface 312 extending from its widthwise center in the longitudinal direction (the height direction) and forming a generally flat surface; and first inclined portions 322 sloping downwardly outwardly from the longitudinal ends of the first support surface 312 to form a pair of steps. Furthermore, the second pad 402, on which the user's waist and hips rest, includes a second support surface 412 extending from its widthwise center in the longitudinal direction (the height direction) and forming a generally flat surface; and second inclined portions 422 sloping downwardly outwardly from the longitudinal ends of the second support surface 412 to form a pair of steps.

[0093] The first support surface 312 of the first cushion 302 of this embodiment is configured to support at least a portion of the back of a user B in a supine position. The first support surface 312 in this embodiment is sized to have a widthwise length W12 of 39 cm, a length in the longitudinal direction (height direction) of 65 cm, and a height H12 (the thickness of the cushioning material in the first support surface 312 portion) of 4 cm. This is designed to support the back of the user B in a supine position, centered around the head and spine. As described above, the widthwise length W12 of the first support surface 312 is configured so that the shoulder S of the supine user B faces the first inclined portion 322 on the outer side of the first support surface 312. Therefore, the widthwise length W12 of the first support surface 312 is configured to be less than the shoulder width SW of the user B, preferably less than the acromion width. The first pad 302 of this embodiment is arranged on both sides of the longitudinal end of the second pad 402, so the user can use the turning assist pad 22 regardless of which direction the user is facing. The first support surface 312 of the first pad 302 supports the head, back centered on the spine, and feet of user B's body.

[0094] like Figure 10As shown, the pair of first inclined portions 322 of the first pad 302 in this embodiment are designed to span the entire length of the first support surface 312, forming a support structure to support the entire shoulder and upper arm of the user B during a rollover. While the first inclined portion 322 in this embodiment comprises a single step, it can also have a multi-step structure consisting of two or more steps, or a structure in which the width or gradient of each step varies. By adjusting the width or gradient of these steps, as well as the number of steps, the inclination angle θ12 of the first inclined portion 322, described below, can be adjusted to an appropriate angle. Furthermore, the ease of rotation of the upper body can be finely adjusted based on the rollover pattern or the user's body shape.

[0095] The inclination angle θ12 of the first inclined portion 322 of the first pad 302 relative to the horizontal plane in this embodiment refers to the following angle: Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the shortest straight line connects the starting point of the inclination of the end of the first support surface 312 in the cross-sectional view and the top of the lowest step forming the first inclined portion 322. The plane containing this shortest straight line is defined as the inclined surface, and the angle of this inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is defined as the inclination angle θ12. As the inclination angle θ12 increases, the distance L between the contact point G of the shoulder periphery SA of the user B and the rotation center X decreases, thereby reducing the force required for upper body rotation. However, if the rotation is too easy, the body of the user B in the supine position becomes unstable. Therefore, it is desirable to set the inclination angle θ12 to achieve both supine position stability, which contributes to sleeping comfort, and ease of turning over (rotation). Specifically, when the first inclined portion 322 is formed as a stepped inclined surface, as in the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ12 is preferably less than 40 degrees, more preferably 5 to 30 degrees, and particularly preferably 10 to 20 degrees. Even if the height and width of each step portion constituting the first inclined portion 322 are not fixed, the inclination angle θ12 is set to the following angle: the inclination starting point of the end of the first support surface 312 in the cross-sectional view and the top of the lowest step portion constituting the first inclined portion 322 are connected by the shortest straight line, the plane containing the shortest straight line is taken as the inclined surface, and the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is set to the inclination angle θ12.

[0096] The second support surface 412 of the second cushion 402 of this embodiment is configured to support at least a portion of the waist and hips of a supine user B. The second support surface 412 in this embodiment has a widthwise length W22 of 27 cm, a length in the longitudinal direction (height direction) of 55 cm, and a height H22 (the thickness of the cushioning material in the second support surface 412 portion) of 4 cm. It is designed to support the waist and hips of a supine user B centered around the sacrum. As described above, the widthwise length W22 of the second support surface 412 is configured so that the greater trochanter of the femur of the supine user B faces the second inclined portion 422 on the outer side of the second support surface 412. Therefore, the widthwise length W22 of the second support surface 412 is less than the pelvic width PW of the user B.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown, the pair of second inclined portions 422 of the second pad 402 in this embodiment are designed to span the entire length of the second support surface 412, forming a support structure that supports at least the greater trochanter of the femur of the user B during a rollover. While the second inclined portion 422 in this embodiment comprises a single step, it could also have a multi-step structure consisting of two or more steps, or a structure in which the width or gradient of each step varies. By adjusting the width or gradient of these steps, as well as the number of steps, the inclination angle θ22 of the second inclined portion 422, described below, can be adjusted to an appropriate angle, allowing for more precise adjustment of the ease of rotation of the lower body, depending on the rollover pattern and the user's body shape.

[0098] The inclination angle θ22 of the second inclined portion 422 of the second pad 402 relative to the horizontal plane in this embodiment refers to the following angle: Figure 10As shown in (c), the shortest straight line connects the starting point of the inclination of the end of the second support surface 412 in the cross-sectional view and the top of the lowest step forming the second inclined portion 422. The plane containing this shortest straight line is defined as the inclined surface, and the angle of this inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is defined as the inclination angle θ22. As the inclination angle θ22 increases, the distance L between the contact point G of the pelvic periphery PA and the rotation center X decreases, thereby reducing the rotational torque of the pelvis and, as a result, reducing the force required for rotation of the lower body. However, if the pelvis rotates too easily, the body of the user B in the supine position becomes unstable. Therefore, it is desirable to set the inclination angle θ22 to achieve both supine stability and ease of turning (rotation). Specifically, when the second inclined portion 422 is formed as a stepped inclined surface as in this embodiment, the inclination angle θ22 is preferably less than 30 degrees, more preferably 4 to 20 degrees, and particularly preferably 4 to 10 degrees. Even if the height and width of each step portion constituting the second inclined portion 422 are not fixed, the inclination angle θ22 is set to the following angle: the inclination starting point of the end of the second support surface 412 in the cross-sectional view and the top of the lowest step portion constituting the second inclined portion 422 are connected by the shortest straight line, the plane containing the shortest straight line is taken as the inclined surface, and the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is set to the inclination angle θ22.

[0099] Again, in Figure 11 In the embodiment, as an example of another form of the turning assisting pad 22 of the present embodiment, an example in which the structure of the second inclined portion 422 is changed is shown. Figure 11 In the turning-over assisting pad 22, the length of the second inclined portion 422 in the width direction is shortened, so that the inclination angle θ22 of the second inclined portion 422 is smaller than that of the second inclined portion 422. Figure 10 The embodiment of the turning-over assisting pad 22 shown is large. By making such adjustments, the turning-over assisting pad 22 that further improves the ease of turning over on the lower body side can be obtained.

[0100] The turning-over assisting pad 22 of this embodiment is designed to facilitate bending-rotation turning, with the inclination angle θ12 of the first inclined portion 322 of the first pad 302 being greater than the inclination angle θ22 of the second inclined portion 422 of the second pad 402 (θ12>θ22). This enhances the effect of promoting the rotation of the upper body, which is the starting point of the turning action, while also improving the stability of the lower body in the supine position, thereby facilitating the turning action of slowly rotating the pelvis. Specifically, but not particularly limited to, regarding Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The turning assist pad 22 shown is formed so that the inclination angle θ12 of the first inclined portion 322 is 10 to 20 degrees and the inclination angle θ22 of the second inclined portion 422 is 5 to 15 degrees.

[0101] Moreover, the turning-over assisting pad 22 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the width W12 of the first support surface is wider than the width W22 of the second support surface (W1>W2). As a result, compared with the first pad 302 on the upper body side, the inclined portion of the second pad 402 on the waist and hip side is located closer to the center in the width direction of the turning assisting pad 22, and the pelvic rotation starts earlier. Therefore, the rotation of the upper body and the rotation of the lower body are linked with a lower torque, making it easier to turn over by yourself. Specifically, but not particularly limited to, Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The turning assisting pad 22 shown is formed so that the width W12 of the first supporting surface 312 is 39 cm and the width W22 of the second supporting surface 412 is 27 cm.

[0102] The first pad 302 and the second pad 402 constituting the turning assist pad 22 of the present invention are formed of a cushioning material having a predetermined thickness (height). The first supporting surface 312 and the first inclined portion 322 constituting the first pad 302 may be formed of the same cushioning material, but are preferably formed of cushioning materials of different hardnesses, and the first pad 302 is obtained by combining them. Figure 10 In FIG. 3 , the first supporting surface 312 and the first inclined portion 322 constituting the first pad 302 are integrally formed of the same cushioning material. Figure 11 , an example is shown in which the first support surface 312 and the first inclined portion 322 constituting the first pad 302 are formed of different cushioning materials. Furthermore, even with respect to either the first support surface 312 or the first inclined portion 322, it is possible to combine a plurality of different cushioning materials to obtain respective corresponding portions. For example, it is possible to stack a plurality of cushioning materials to obtain a portion corresponding to the first support surface 312, or it is possible to stack a plurality of cushioning materials in a stepped manner to form the first inclined portion 322. Figure 11 , an example is shown in which a plurality of cushioning materials are stacked to form the first support surface 312 .

[0103] Regarding the second pad 402, similarly to the first pad 302, the second supporting surface 412 and the second inclined portion 422 can be formed of the same cushioning material, or can be formed of cushioning materials of different hardness, and the second pad 402 can be obtained by combining them. Figure 10 In FIG. 4 , the second supporting surface 412 and the second inclined portion 422 constituting the second pad 402 are integrally formed from the same cushioning material. Figure 11In FIG, an example is shown in which the second support surface 412 and the second inclined portion 422 constituting the second pad 402 are formed of different cushioning materials. Furthermore, with respect to either the second support surface 412 or the second inclined portion 422, it is also possible to combine a plurality of different cushioning materials to obtain respective corresponding portions. For example, it is also possible to stack a plurality of cushioning materials to obtain a portion corresponding to the second support surface 412, or it is also possible to stack a plurality of cushioning materials in a stepped manner to form the second inclined portion 422. Figure 11 , an example is shown in which a plurality of cushioning materials are stacked to obtain the second support surface 412 .

[0104] The first pad 302 and the second pad 402 may be formed of the same cushioning material or different cushioning materials depending on the required physical properties such as the ease of operation of the rotation action or the body pressure dispersion. Figure 10 In FIG. 1 , the first pad 302 and the second pad 402 are shown as different bodies and are formed of different cushioning materials. Figure 11 , an example is shown in which the first pad 302 and the second pad 402 are integrally formed using the same plurality of cushioning materials. Specifically, the turnover assisting pad 22 is integrally formed by stacking two cushioning materials in a predetermined shape up and down.

[0105] The other descriptions about the first pad 302 and the second pad 402 constituting the turning assisting pad 22 in this embodiment, and the descriptions about other structures of the third pad, etc., are the same as those of the first pad 3 and the second pad 4, etc. of the first embodiment described above, and their functions and effects are also the same.

[0106] Next, the turning-over assisting pad 23 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 12 As shown, the turning-over assist pad 23 of this embodiment comprises two first pads 303 and one second pad 403, arranged in a row in the height direction in the order of first pad 303, second pad 403, and first pad 303. The first pad 303, on which the user's upper body and feet are supported, includes a first support surface 313 extending longitudinally (in the height direction) from its center in the width direction and forming a generally flat surface. Furthermore, the second pad 403, on which the user's waist and hips are supported, includes a second support surface 413 extending longitudinally (in the height direction) from its center in the width direction and forming a generally flat surface; and second inclined portions 423 sloping downwardly outwardly from the longitudinal ends of the second support surface 413 to form a pair of stepped portions. In this embodiment, two first pads 303 are provided, but it is also possible to make it consist of one first pad 303 for the upper body and one second pad 403 for the lower body.

[0107] The first support surface 313 of the first cushion 303 of this embodiment is configured to support at least a portion of the back of a user B in a supine position. The first support surface 313 in this embodiment is sized to have a widthwise length W13 of 39 cm, a length in the longitudinal direction (height direction) of 65 cm, and a height H13 (the thickness of the cushioning material in the first support surface 313 portion) of 3 cm. This is designed to support the head and back of the user B in a supine position, centered around the spine. While the first support surface 313 is formed as a substantially flat surface in this embodiment, it can be formed in any shape as long as it supports at least a portion of the back of the user B in a supine position, and is not limited to a flat surface.

[0108] The second support surface 413 of the second pad 403 of this embodiment is configured to support at least a portion of the waist and hips of a supine user B. The second support surface 413 in this embodiment is sized to have a widthwise length W23 of 27 cm, a lengthwise length (height-direction length) of 55 cm, and a height H23 (the thickness of the cushioning material in the second support surface 413 portion) of 3 cm. This is designed to support the waist and hips of a supine user B, centered around the sacrum. The widthwise length W23 of the second support surface 413 is configured so that the greater trochanter of the femur of the supine user B faces the second inclined portion 423 on the outside of the second support surface 413. Therefore, the widthwise length W23 of the second support surface 413 is less than the pelvic width PW of the user B.

[0109] like Figure 12 As shown, the pair of second inclined portions 423 of the second pad 403 in this embodiment are designed to span the entire length of the second support surface 413, forming a support structure that supports at least the greater trochanter of the femur of user B during a rollover. While the second inclined portion 423 in this embodiment comprises a single step, it may also have a multi-step structure consisting of two or more steps, or a structure in which the width or gradient of each step varies. By adjusting the width or gradient of these steps, as well as the number of steps, the inclination angle θ23 of the second inclined portion 423, described below, can be adjusted to an appropriate angle, allowing for more precise adjustment of the ease of rotation of the lower body according to the rollover mode or the user's body shape. Furthermore, the second inclined portion 423 is not limited to a stepped structure; it may also have an inclined surface, such as a flat surface or a curved surface, as described in the above embodiments.

[0110] The inclination angle θ23 of the second inclined portion 423 of the second pad 403 relative to the horizontal plane in this embodiment refers to the following angle: Figure 12As shown in (b), the shortest straight line connects the inclination starting point of the end of the second support surface 413 in the cross-sectional view and the top of the lowest step forming the second inclined portion 423. The plane containing this shortest straight line is defined as the inclined surface, and the angle of this inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane is defined as the inclination angle θ23. As the inclination angle θ23 increases, the distance L between the contact point G of the pelvic periphery PA and the rotation center X decreases, thereby reducing the rotational torque of the pelvis and, as a result, the force required for rotation of the lower body is reduced. However, if the pelvis rotates too easily, the body of the user B in the supine position becomes unstable. Therefore, it is desirable to set the inclination angle θ23 to achieve both supine stability and ease of turning (rotation). Specifically, when the second inclined portion 423 is formed as a stepped inclined surface as in this embodiment, the inclination angle θ23 is preferably less than 30 degrees, more preferably 5 to 25 degrees, and particularly preferably 10 to 20 degrees.

[0111] To explain the functions associated with the use of the turning-over assist pad 23 according to this embodiment, when user B is sleeping in a supine position, the first pad 303 provides stable support for user B's head and back, centered around the spine. The second support surface 413 of the second pad provides stable support for the waist and hips, centered around the sacrum, of the lower body. Furthermore, when performing a bending and rotational turn with the upper body as the starting point, the pelvis rotates after the upper body rotates. During this pelvic rotation, the second inclined portion 423 supports the pelvic periphery PA, including the greater trochanter of the femur and the ilium located nearby, which require the most force for turning-over rotation. The second inclined portion 423 slopes downward from the end of the second support surface 413. This brings the point where the pelvic periphery PA, including the greater trochanter of the femur, contacts the second inclined portion in the turning direction closer to the user's body axis, reducing the force required for pelvic rotation and facilitating the rotation of the lower body, which is linked to the rotation of the pelvis and the lower limbs. This reduces the load on the lower body rotation, making turning over easier. Furthermore, when performing a stretch-rotational turn with the lower body as the starting point, when starting to rotate from the side of the lower body, the second inclined portion 423 supports the pelvic periphery PA, such as the greater trochanter of the femur and the ilium located nearby, as the pelvis rotates. The second inclined portion 423 slopes downward from the end of the second supporting surface 413. This brings the point where the pelvic periphery PA, such as the greater trochanter of the femur located in the turning direction, contacts the second inclined portion 423 closer to the user's body axis, reducing the force required to rotate the pelvis and facilitating lateral rotation of the lower body.

[0112] The first pad 303 and the second pad 403 constituting the turning-over assisting pad 23 of the present invention are formed of a cushioning material having a predetermined thickness (height). The second supporting surface 413 and the second inclined portion 423 constituting the second pad 403 may be formed of the same cushioning material, or may be formed of cushioning materials of different hardnesses, and the second pad 403 may be obtained by combining them. Furthermore, with respect to either the second supporting surface 413 or the second inclined portion 423, it is also possible to combine a plurality of different cushioning materials to obtain respective corresponding portions. For example, it is also possible to stack a plurality of cushioning materials to obtain a portion corresponding to the second supporting surface 413, or it is also possible to stack a plurality of cushioning materials in a stepped manner to form the second inclined portion 423. Furthermore, the first pad 303 and the second pad 403 may be formed of the same cushioning material, or may be formed of different cushioning materials, depending on the physical properties required, such as the ease of operation of the rotation action or the dispersion of body pressure. In Figure 12 In the figure, an example is shown in which the first pad 303 and the second pad 403 are formed of different cushioning materials. The first pad 303 and the second pad 403 can also be formed integrally from the same multiple cushioning materials. As an example, the turning assist pad 23 can also be formed by stacking two sheet-like cushioning materials into a specified shape in an upper and lower layer.

[0113] Other descriptions related to the first pad 303 and the second pad 403 that constitute the turning assist pad 23 in this embodiment, as well as descriptions of other structures of the third pad, etc., are the same as those of the first pad 3 and the second pad 4, etc. of the above-mentioned first embodiment, and the first pad 302 and the second pad 402, etc. of the fifth embodiment, and their functions and effects are also the same.

[0114] Below, refer to Figure 13 The turning-assistance mattress 1 of the present invention, incorporating the aforementioned turning-assistance pad 2, is now described. The turning-assistance mattress 1 of the present invention is generally constructed by stacking, from bottom to top, a base layer 6, a turning-assistance pad 2, end blocks 7, and an upper layer 5. The turning-assistance pad 2 is placed in the center portion of the base layer 6 in the width direction, while the end blocks 7 are placed at both ends of the base layer 6 in the width direction, spaced a predetermined distance apart from the turning-assistance pad 2 and extending across the length of the base layer 6. To ensure proper placement of the components, the base layer 6, the turning-assistance pad 2, the end blocks 7, and the upper layer 5, which constitute the turning-assistance mattress 1, may be secured by means of a snap fit or adhesive at the surfaces where the components meet.

[0115] First, the base layer 6 will be described. The base layer 6 of the turning-over assisting mattress 1 is formed of a relatively hard cushioning material that can stably support the user's body. As an example, the base layer 6 in this embodiment is formed to have a size of: a length of 91 cm in the width direction, a length of 195 cm in the length direction, and a height of 2 cm. The cushioning material of the base layer 6 preferably has a hardness equal to or greater than that of the cushioning material constituting the first pad 31 and the second pad 41. The cushioning material of the base layer 6 is not particularly limited as long as it has the above-mentioned hardness and cushioning properties. Resin foams, three-dimensional network structures, and cotton molded bodies can be appropriately used. From the perspective of ease of handling and processing, resin foams are more preferred. Specifically, examples of resin foams include foamed polyurethane, foamed polyolefin, and foamed silicone.

[0116] Next, the turning assist pad 2 will be described. The turning assist pad 2 incorporated into the turning assist mattress 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the turning assist pad 2 according to the first embodiment described above, but also includes the turning assist pads according to the second to fifth embodiments. Furthermore, the turning assist pads according to all of the above embodiments can be used.

[0117] Next, the end blocks 7 will be described. By providing the end blocks 7, the user B can be prevented from rolling over the turning-over assist pad 2 and falling off the base layer 6 when turning over, allowing safe turning over on the mattress. The end blocks 7 in this embodiment, for example, are sized to be 10 cm in width, 195 cm in length, and 3 cm in height. Furthermore, by making the end blocks 7 from a relatively hard cushioning material, the user can effectively grasp the end blocks 7 with their hands. When sitting on the end blocks 7, the buttocks are supported by the recess formed by the inclined portions 32 and 42 of each pad and the end blocks 7. Simultaneously, the end blocks 7 support the inner thighs. This makes it easier to maintain seat balance, providing both sitting stability and standing stability. Specifically, the cushioning material for the end blocks 7 preferably has a hardness of 180 to 440 N, as measured according to JIS K6401 "Soft polyurethane foam for load-bearing use," more preferably 200 to 300 N, and particularly preferably 210 to 250 N. The cushioning material for the end blocks 7 is not particularly limited, as long as it has the aforementioned hardness and provides cushioning properties. Resin foams, three-dimensional network structures, and cotton molded bodies can be suitably used. Resin foams are more preferred from the perspective of ease of handling and processing. Specific examples of resin foams include polyurethane foam, polyolefin foam, and silicone foam.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the end blocks 7 are arranged so as to be placed on the base layer 6. However, the end blocks 7 may be arranged in contact with the longitudinal ends of the base layer 6 instead of being placed on the base layer 6. In this case, the upper surface of the end blocks 7 needs to protrude from the upper surface of the base layer 6. Therefore, the height (thickness) of the end blocks 7 is formed to be at least greater than the height of the base layer 6.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end blocks 7 are provided at both ends of the base layer 6 in the width direction, but they may be provided only at one end. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end blocks 7 are provided across the length of the base layer 6, but they may also be provided only at a portion of the length of the base layer 6, for example, only at the center periphery in the length direction. Furthermore, to improve the shape retention of the turning-assisting mattress 1, the end blocks 7 may also be provided at the ends of the width direction of the base layer 6.

[0120] Next, the upper layer 5 will be described. Figure 13 As shown, the upper layer 5 covers the turn-over assist pad 2, the end panels 7, and the base layer 6. It is made of a cushioning material that is softer than the turn-over assist pad 2, the end panels 7, and the base layer 6. In this embodiment, the upper layer 5 is 91 cm long in the width direction, 195 cm long in the length direction, and 6 cm high from the top of the turn-over assist pad 2. The cushioning material for the upper layer 5 is preferably a material having a hardness of 50 to 160 N as measured according to JIS K6401 "Soft polyurethane foam for load-bearing use," more preferably 70 to 150 N, and particularly preferably 90 to 140 N, in order to maintain the effects of the turn-over assist pad 2 while improving the sleeping comfort and body pressure distribution of the user B. The cushioning material for the upper layer 5 is not particularly limited, as long as it has the above-mentioned hardness and cushioning properties. Resin foams, three-dimensional network structures, and cotton molded articles can be suitably used. Resin foams are more preferred for ease of handling and processing. Specific examples of the resin foam include polyurethane foam, polyolefin foam, and silicone foam.

[0121] In this embodiment, Figure 13 (b) and Figure 13As shown in Figure (c), the upper layer 5 is formed into a flat sheet of a certain thickness. A space is defined between the upper layer 5 and the base layer 6, formed by the end panels 7 and the first and second inclined portions 32, 42 of the turn assist pad 2. This space allows for adjustment of the rotational forces of the first and second inclined portions 32, 42 on the upper and lower body sides, respectively. In this case, the upper layer 5 is preferably formed of a stretchable material so as not to significantly hinder the rotational movement of the user B's shoulder area SA or pelvic area PA. The lower surface of the upper layer 5 may be configured to substantially fit within the space defined by the base layer 6, the end panels 7, and the first and second inclined portions 32, 42 of the turn assist pad 2. Furthermore, the space defined by the base layer 6, the end panels 7, and the first and second inclined portions 32, 42 of the turn assist pad 2 may be configured to leave only a portion of the space. Alternatively, a cushioning material different from that of the upper layer 5 may be placed in this space (the space enclosed by the base layer 6, the end blocks 7, and the first and second inclined portions 32, 42 of the turning assist pad 2). In this case, a cushioning material that is as soft as or softer than the cushioning material of the upper layer 5 is preferably used. The cushioning material stacked with the upper layer 5 or placed in the above-mentioned space covers the inclined portions 32, 42 of the turning assist pad 2. If the effects of the inclined portions 32, 42 are insufficient, the inclination angles of the first inclined portion 32 of the first pad 3 or the second inclined portion 42 of the second pad 4 may be significantly adjusted.

[0122] Again, in Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the upper layer 5 covers the turn-assist pad 2, the end blocks 7, and the upper surface of the base layer 6. However, a configuration may be employed in which the upper layer 5 does not cover the first support surface 31 and the second support surface 41 of the turn-assist pad 2, leaving these support surfaces exposed and covering the first inclined portion 32 and the second inclined portion 42. In this case, the upper layer 5 is configured to be divided into at least two sections. Alternatively, as another embodiment, the upper layer 5 may cover only the first support surface 31 and / or the second support surface 41.

[0123] The turning-assisting mattress 1 of this embodiment is constructed by laminating the turning-assisting pad 2, the end blocks 7, and then the upper layer 5 on a base layer 6. However, a configuration in which the end blocks 7 or the upper layer 5 are omitted is also possible. Alternatively, a configuration in which the end blocks 7 and the upper layer 5 are omitted and only the turning-assisting pad 2 is laminated on the base layer 6 is possible.

[0124] Again, in Figure 14 1 shows another embodiment of the turning-over assisting mattress 10. The turning-over assisting mattress 10 according to this embodiment is generally configured by stacking the turning-over assisting pad 2 on the base layer 60. Figure 14As shown, the base layer 60 in this embodiment is composed of a first base portion 60a on which the first pad 3 is arranged and a second base portion 60b on which the second pad 4 is arranged, and they are formed to have different thicknesses (heights). Specifically, the first base portion 60a is thick (high) and the second base portion 60b is thin (low), so that a height difference 60c is generated at the boundary between the first pad 3 and the second pad 4. The second pad 4 arranged at the lower part of the height difference increases only by the height difference to the height above the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4. Therefore, the descending length of the second inclined portion 42 becomes longer, which can make the rotation of the lower body side of the user B easier. However, if the height difference 60c is too high, the momentum of turning over will be too large, which is not appropriate. Therefore, it is preferable to set the size of the height difference 60c according to conditions such as the inclination angle θ2 of the second pad 4. Figure 14 In the embodiment, the base layer 60 is configured such that the second base portion 60b, where the second pad 4 is disposed, is lower than the first base portion 60a. However, the first base portion 60a, where the first pad 3 is disposed, can also be configured to be lower than the second base portion 60b. A larger height difference can be achieved depending on conditions such as the inclination angle θ1. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied in situations where the width or height of the first support surface 31 of the first pad 3 and the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4 are varied. The turning-assisting mattress 10 of this embodiment is configured solely by laminating the turning-assisting pad 2 on the base layer 60. Of course, the aforementioned end blocks 7 and / or upper layer 5 can also be further laminated.

[0125] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Example

[0126] Example 1

[0127] 1. Research on the inclination angle and torque value of the inclined part of the turning assist pad

[0128] Inventors such as Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the turning action is considered as a rotational motion, and the force required for the turning action is quantified by the torque T. The torque T is expressed as the product of the force F acting in the tangential direction of the rotating circle and the distance L between the contact point G and the rotation center X (T = F × L). Figure 15(a) is a simulator simulating a human body. The simulator is connected by a waist with a rotation axis to an upper body part simulating shoulders and chest and a lower body part simulating hips. The rotation axis of the waist rotates only the upper body part relative to the lower body part which is stationary until the rotation angle is 40 degrees. If the rotation angle exceeds 40 degrees, the rotation of the lower body part is linked to the rotation of the upper body part. Weights of 11 kg and 16 kg are respectively placed on the shoulders and hips, and a torque meter (manufactured by WISRETEC, model: WRG3-135) is installed at the front end of the rotation center X. First, in order to confirm the effectiveness of the simulator, the simulator is placed on a flat surface, and a ratchet handle is inserted into one end of the torque meter. When the torque is measured by rotating it, the graph until the turning over is completed generated by the torque of the simulator and the graph until the turning over is completed generated by the myoelectric potential as biological data show a similar shape. The effectiveness of the simulator can be confirmed from this result, so the simulator is made as Figure 15 As shown in (b), a user's supine position is simulated and placed at a predetermined position on the turning-over assisting mat to be measured. A ratchet handle is inserted into one end of the torque meter and rotated to measure torque. The torque of the upper and lower body parts of the simulator is measured until the user is in a side-lying position, i.e., until turning is complete, while the simulator's movement is also examined. The width W1 of the first support surface 31 of the first pad 3 and the width W2 of the second support surface 41 of the second pad 4 of the turning-over assisting mat to be measured are each set to 25 cm. The height H1 (the thickness of the cushioning material of the first support surface 31) and the height H2 (the thickness of the cushioning material of the second support surface 41) of the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 are each set to 3 cm. Only the inclination angles of the first and second inclined portions 32 and 42 are varied; the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 of the first and second inclined portions 42 are set to be the same (θ1 = θ2). The first and second inclined portions 32 and 42 are formed as inclined surfaces composed of flat surfaces. The inclination angles of the inclined surfaces of the first pad 3 and the second pad 4 were set to 0° (flat surface), 5°, 10°, and 15°. Figure 16 As shown in the graph.

[0129] exist Figure 16 In the figure, the vertical axis is the value of the torque (Nm) measured by the torque meter, and the horizontal axis is the elapsed time. The hollow circular mark indicates an inclination angle of 0°, the triangular mark indicates an inclination angle of 5°, the hollow square mark indicates an inclination angle of 10°, and the circular mark indicates an inclination angle of 15°. In addition, the illustration shown on the lower side of the horizontal axis of the figure schematically represents the turning state of user B corresponding to the action of the simulator at each time. According to the graph, by setting the inclination angle in the direction in which the simulator rotates, the torque value when the simulator rotates (when turning over) is reduced, and by setting the inclination angle to 10° or more, it is clear that there is a significant effect of reducing the torque.

[0130] Example 2

[0131] 2. Research on the tilt structure and torque value of the turning assist pad

[0132] The simulator used in Example 1 was used to measure the Figure 1 The torque associated with the turning over action of the turning over assisting pad 2 (composite inclined structure) shown in the first embodiment shown, and the turning over assisting pad (simple inclined structure) formed by the first pad and the second pad, with the width of each support surface and the inclination angle of each inclined portion being respectively consistent. On either side of the first inclined portion 32 and the second inclined portion 42, each inclined portion is formed as an inclined surface composed of a plane. The turning over assisting pad 2 shown in the first embodiment is composed of the first pad 3 and the second pad 4, and is formed so that the width of each support surface and the inclination angle θ of each inclined portion are respectively different (composite inclined structure). For comparison, the torque associated with the turning over action of a flat turning over assisting pad (no inclination) without the first inclined portion 32 and the second inclined portion 42 is also measured. The cushioning materials constituting each turning over assisting pad are all the same, and polyurethane foam plastic (product number M3200) of Toyo Jiajia (Ningbo) Sponge Products Co., Ltd. is used. The results are as shown in FIG. Figure 17 As shown in the graph.

[0133] Table 1

[0134]

[0135] exist Figure 17 In the figure, the vertical axis is the value of torque (Nm) measured by a torque meter, and the horizontal axis is the elapsed time. The circular mark represents a compound tilting structure, the hollow circular mark represents a simple tilting structure, and the hollow square mark represents a comparative example (no tilt). In addition, the illustration shown on the lower side of the horizontal axis of the figure schematically represents the turning state of user B corresponding to the movement of the simulator at each time. According to the graph, the turning assisting pad of the present invention shows that the maximum value of the torque in the turning action is greatly reduced compared with the flat turning assisting pad of the comparative example without an inclined surface. Furthermore, by setting the turning assisting pad to a structure (compound tilting structure) that individually adjusts the rotation action of the upper body and the rotation action of the lower body to be linked, that is, by setting it so that the width W1 of the first support surface is greater than the width W2 of the second support surface, and the inclination angle θ1 of the first tilting part is greater than the inclination angle θ2 of the second tilting part, the torque value in the turning action is further greatly reduced as a whole not only for the rotation of the upper body side, but also for the rotation of the lower body side, and turning over becomes easier.

[0136] Example 3

[0137] 3. Evaluation of the Turnover Assist Pad of the Present Invention

[0138] Use the following Table 2 and Figure 18Five types of turning-over assisting pads 3a to 3e were manufactured according to the specifications shown in (a) to (e), and sensory tests were conducted on the ease of turning over and sleeping comfort when used as turning-over assisting pads. Figure 18 The turning-over assisting pad of embodiment 3a shown in (a) is the turning-over assisting pad 2 of the composite tilting structure (first embodiment) tested in the above embodiment 2. Figure 18 The turning assisting pad of embodiment 3b shown in (b) is the same as the turning assisting pad of the simple tilting structure tested in embodiment 2 above. Figure 18 The turning-over assisting pad of embodiment 3c shown in (c) corresponds to the turning-over assisting pad 21 described in detail as the third embodiment. Figure 18 The turning assisting pad of embodiment 3d shown in (d) corresponds to the turning assisting pad 22 described in detail as the fourth embodiment. Figure 18 The turning assisting pad of Example 3e shown in (e) corresponds to the turning assisting pad 23 described in detail as the fifth embodiment. The turning assisting pads of Examples 3a to 3e all use the same cushioning material, polyurethane foam (product number M3200) manufactured by Toyo Jiajia (Ningbo) Sponge Products Co., Ltd.

[0139] The prepared mat was placed on the ground, and five male subjects aged 40 to 50 years old, as shown in Table 3 below, were used as subjects to conduct tests related to the following items. The test methods and evaluation methods are as follows.

[0140] (1) Turning over

[0141] The center of the turning-over assisting pad in the width direction is aligned with the spine position. The subject is turned over from a supine position (lying on their back) with the upper body supported by the first pad and the lower body supported by the second pad, using a bending rotation movement (rotation of the head → rotation of the upper body → rotation of the pelvis → rotation of the lower limbs) to evaluate the difficulty of turning over. In the above-mentioned Example 2, the difficulty of turning over of a flat pad without an inclined portion (the same as the comparative example 1 described below) used as a comparison example is used as a benchmark. Each subject is evaluated in comparison with this flat pad. The evaluation is "◎" when turning over is very easy, "○" when turning over is easy, "△" when turning over is slightly easy, and "×" when the same degree is achieved. Among the evaluations of the five subjects, the evaluation with the largest number of evaluations is used as the evaluation result of the turning over ability. In cases where there are multiple evaluations with the largest number of evaluations, the evaluation of the excellent side is used as the evaluation result. Similarly, a stretching rotation movement (rotation of the lower limbs → rotation of the pelvis at the same time or after the rotation of the lower limbs → rotation of the upper body → rotation of the head) was performed to turn over, and the difficulty of turning over was also evaluated.

[0142] (2) Sleep comfort

[0143] With the center of the turning-over assist pad aligned with the spine, the subject's sleeping posture stability was evaluated in a supine position (sleeping on their back), with the upper body supported by the first pad and the lower body supported by the second pad. Each subject was evaluated, with a score of "○" indicating a stable sleeping posture, a score of "△" indicating a slightly unstable posture, and a score of "×" indicating an unstable posture. The sleep comfort evaluation result was determined based on the majority of the five subjects' evaluations. If multiple subjects received the majority of the evaluations, the evaluation was considered excellent.

[0144] The evaluation results of the turning mats 3a to 3e of this embodiment are as follows: Figure 2 shown.

[0145] Table 2

[0146]

[0147] Table 3

[0148] Subjects Era gender Height [cm] Weight [kg] BMI A 50-59 years old male 174 65 21.5 B 50-59 years old male 173 67 22.4 C 50-59 years old male 168 72 25.5 D 50-59 years old male 170 65 22.5 E 40-49 years old male 172 63 21.3

[0149] The evaluation results of Example 3 demonstrate that the turning-over assist pad of the present invention maintains stable sleep comfort while improving turning ability. Furthermore, the evaluation results of Examples 3a and 3d demonstrate that turning ability is improved regardless of whether the inclined portion is shaped like a slope or steps, and there is no difference in the stability of sleep comfort. Furthermore, a comparison of Example 3b with Examples 3a, 3c, and 3d demonstrates that turning ability is improved by ensuring that the first pad's inclination angle θ1 is greater than the second pad's inclination angle θ2, or that the first pad's support surface height H1 is greater than the second pad's support surface height H2.

[0150] Comparative Example

[0151] 4. Reviews of other turning aids

[0152] Use the following Table 4 and Figure 19 Four types of pads of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were prepared with the specifications shown in (a) to (d), and sensory tests were conducted on the ease of turning over and sleeping comfort when used as turning-over assist pads. The five subjects and the test and evaluation methods were the same as those in Example 3. Figure 19 The pad of Comparative Example 1 shown in (a) is the same as the flat pad without an inclined portion used as a comparative example in Example 2 above, and is a flat mattress of a conventional product. Figure 19 The pad of Comparative Example 2 shown in (b) is a flat pad in which the first pad 3 has an inclined portion and the second pad has no inclined portion, and the width of the second pad is longer than the width of the pelvis. Figure 19 (c) and Figure 19(d) The pads of Comparative Examples 3 and 4 shown in FIG. 4 have no inclined portion at all. The cushioning material constituting each pad of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 is the same, using polyurethane foam (product number M3200) from Toyo Jiajia (Ningbo) Sponge Products Co., Ltd. The evaluation results of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 are as follows: Figure 4 shown.

[0153] Table 4

[0154]

[0155] The evaluation results of Example 3 and Comparative Examples 1-4 show that the configuration of the present invention maintains stable sleep comfort while improving turnover ease. Furthermore, a comparison of the results of Example 3 and Comparative Example 2 reveals that even if the first pad, which contributes to upper-body rotation, has an inclined portion, turnover ease is reduced if the second pad, which contributes to lower-body rotation, lacks an inclined portion. Furthermore, as shown in Comparative Examples 3 and 4, pads without inclined portions reduce the stability of the support surface near the ends and toward the outside of the pad, resulting in poorer sleep comfort.

[0156] Example 4

[0157] 5. Evaluation of the Turnover Assist Mattress Concerning the Present Invention

[0158] Use the following Table 5 and Figure 20 Three types of turning-assist mattresses (4a-4c) were manufactured with the specifications shown in (a)-(c). These mattresses were placed on the ground and subjected to sensory testing related to the ease of turning over and sleeping comfort when used as turning-assist mattresses. The five subjects, the test method, and the evaluation method were the same as those in Example 3.

[0159] Figure 20 The turning-over assisting mattress of Example 4a shown in (a) is used as the turning-over assisting pad produced in Example 3a above. Figure 20 (b) The turning-over assisting mattress of Example 4b shown in FIG. 4b is used as the turning-over assisting pad produced in Example 3d above. Figure 20The turning-assist mattress of Example 4c shown in (c) uses the turning-assist pad produced in Example 3e. Each turning-assist mattress is fabricated by stacking, from bottom to top, a base layer 6, various turning-assist pads, end blocks 7, and an upper layer 5. The turning-assist pad 2 is placed in the center of the base layer 6 in the width direction, and the end blocks 7 are placed at both ends of the base layer 6, spaced a predetermined distance apart from the turning-assist pad 2, extending across the length of the base layer 6. The cushioning material for the upper layer 5 is a polyurethane foam (product number MF-20, manufactured by INOAC) with a width of 91 cm, a height of 185 cm, and a thickness of 7 cm. The cushioning material for the base layer 6 is a polyurethane foam (product number MF-50, manufactured by INOAC) with a width of 91 cm, a height of 185 cm, and a thickness of 2 cm. Furthermore, as the cushioning material constituting the end blocks 7, Example 4a used a polyurethane foam (product number MF-55, manufactured by INOAC) having a width of 10 cm, a length of 185 cm in the vertical direction, and a thickness of 3 cm. Examples 4b and 4c used a polyurethane foam (product number MF-55, manufactured by INOAC) having a width of 10 cm, a length of 185 cm in the vertical direction, and a thickness of 4 cm. The evaluation results of Examples 4a to 4c are shown in Table 5.

[0160] Table 5

[0161]

[0162] The evaluation results of Examples 4a to 4c demonstrate that mattresses using the turning-over assist pad of the present invention provide stable sleeping comfort and excellent turning-over ease. This demonstrates that even when a relatively thick upper layer 5 is stacked on top of the turning-over assist pad, the improved turning-over ease effect is not lost.

[0163] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design modifications are also included in the technical scope without departing from the gist of the invention described in the claims.

[0164] Explanation of symbols

[0165] 1.10-Turnover Assist Mattress

[0166] 2, 20, 21, 22, 23 - Turnover Assist Pad

[0167] 3, 30, 301, 302, 303 - First Pad

[0168] 31, 310, 311, 312, 313 - First support surface

[0169] 32, 320, 321, 322 - First inclined portion

[0170] 4, 40, 401, 402, 403, 4′-Second pad

[0171] 41, 410, 411, 412, 413 - Second support surface

[0172] 42, 420, 421, 422, 423 - Second inclined portion

[0173] 5-Upper

[0174] 6.60-base layer

[0175] 60a-1st base portion

[0176] 60b-Second base portion

[0177] 60c - Height Difference

[0178] 7 - End Block

[0179] W1, W10, W11, W12, W13 - Width of the first support surface

[0180] W2, W20, W21, W22, W23 - width of the second support surface

[0181] H1, H10, H11, H12, H13 - Height of the first support surface

[0182] H2, H20, H21, H22, H23 - Height of the second support surface

[0183] θ1, θ10, θ11, θ12 - inclination angle of the first inclined portion

[0184] θ2, θ20, θ21, θ22, θ23 - inclination angle of the second inclined portion

[0185] B-User

[0186] S - User's Shoulder

[0187] SW - Shoulder Width

[0188] SA - shoulder area

[0189] P - Anterior superior iliac spine of the user's pelvis

[0190] PW - Pelvic width

[0191] PA - pelvic periphery

[0192] F - force acting in the tangential direction of the rotating circle

[0193] L - distance between contact point and rotation center

[0194] G-Contact Point

[0195] X-rotation center (body axis)

Claims

1. A turning-over assisting pad placed on a mattress, a quilt, or a bedding, wherein the turning-over assisting pad is characterized by: The turning-over assisting pad at least comprises: The first pad is arranged in the height direction and placed on the side of the user's upper body; as well as The second pad is placed on at least the waist and hips of the user's lower body. The first pad is formed of a cushioning material of a predetermined thickness and is configured to support at least a portion of the back of a user in a supine position. The second pad is formed of a cushioning material of a predetermined thickness. A second support surface having a width narrower than the width of the user's pelvis is provided at the center of the second pad in the width direction. A pair of second inclined portions are provided at both ends of the second pad in the width direction, which are inclined downward in an inclined plane or step-like manner from the end of the second supporting surface toward the outside and are provided on at least a portion of the length direction of the second supporting surface. The second supporting surface is configured to support at least a portion of the waist and buttocks of a user in a supine position, and the second inclined portion supports the greater trochanter of the femur of the user when turning over. A first support surface having a width less than the user's shoulder width is provided at the center of the first pad in the width direction. A pair of first inclined portions are provided at both ends of the first pad in the width direction, which are inclined downward in an inclined plane or step shape from the end of the first supporting surface toward the outside and are provided on at least a portion of the length direction of the first supporting surface. The first supporting surface supports at least a portion of the back of a user in a supine position, and the first inclined portion supports the shoulders of the user when turning over. A width W1 of the first supporting surface is greater than a width W2 of the second supporting surface ( W1 > W2 ).

2. The turning-over assist pad according to claim 1, characterized in that: An inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane is different from an inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane.

3. The turning-over assist pad according to claim 2, characterized in that: An inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane is larger than an inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane (θ1>θ2).

4. The turning-over assist pad according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: A height H1 of the first supporting surface is higher than a height H2 of the second supporting surface ( H1 > H2 ).

5. The turning-over assist pad according to claim 1, characterized in that: An inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane is equal to an inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion relative to the horizontal plane (θ1=θ2).

6. The turning-over assist pad according to claim 5, characterized in that: A height H1 of the first supporting surface is higher than a height H2 of the second supporting surface ( H1 > H2 ).

7. The turning-over assisting pad according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 6, characterized in that: At least a third pad made of a cushioning material having a predetermined thickness is disposed between the first pad and the second pad.

8. The turning-over assisting pad according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 6, characterized in that: A third pad made of a cushioning material having a predetermined thickness is arranged on the foot side of the second pad, and the third pad has the same structure as the first pad.

9. A mattress for assisting turning over, characterized in that: The turning-over assisting mattress is provided with the turning-over assisting pad as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 6; The turning-over assisting pad is arranged on an upper surface of a base layer formed of a cushioning material.

10. The turning-over assisting mattress according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first pad and the second pad are arranged on the base layer with an interval therebetween.

11. The turning-over assisting mattress according to claim 9, characterized in that: The width of the base layer is wider than the width of the first pad and the second pad; At at least one end in the width direction of the base layer, an end block protruding in the height direction is arranged in at least a portion in the length direction of the base layer.

12. The turning-over assisting mattress according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least one upper layer formed of a cushioning material is stacked on the turning-over assisting pad; The hardness of the cushioning material constituting the upper layer is lower than the hardness of the cushioning material constituting the first pad.

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