Cuff for blood pressure measurement

Abstract

The present application provides a blood pressure measuring cuff which is excellent in durability and easy to use. The blood pressure measuring cuff (1) comprises: a belt-shaped body (10) formed by enclosing an air bag (7) in an outer cloth (11) and an inner cloth (12) opposite to the outer cloth (11); a first opening portion (15) provided in the outer cloth (11); and a first hook-and-loop fastener (5) fused to the outer cloth (11) in a state in which the first opening portion (15) is closed from the inner side of the belt-shaped body (10) and a loop surface (5k) of the first hook-and-loop fastener (5) is exposed from the first opening portion (15).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a blood pressure measuring cuff for a sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure. BACKGROUND

[0002] A blood pressure measuring device compression band described in Patent Literature 1 is of a structure in which a hook-and-loop fastener is sewn to a surface of an outer bag that accommodates an air bag. Further, the outer bag of the blood pressure measuring device compression band is constituted by fusion bonding an outer member and an inner member. An eye member for passing the other end of the blood pressure measuring device compression band therethrough and folding back is provided at one end of the blood pressure measuring device compression band. A portion of the eye member is held in a manner of being sandwiched by the outer member and the inner member. Also, the eye member is of a structure that is supported to the outer bag by folding back the one end of the blood pressure measuring device compression band to the inner member side and sewing.

[0003] A blood pressure measuring cuff described in Patent Literature 2 is provided with a bag-shaped band-shaped body formed by fusion bonding a nap outer cloth and an inner cloth. The hook-and-loop fastener is provided at the inner cloth. The eye member for passing the one end of the band-shaped body therethrough is fitted to the outer cloth by an eye fitting member. The eye fitting member is formed in a manner of folding back the cloth material identical to the outer cloth so as to surround one side of the eye member, and sewing the folded-back portion to the remaining flat portion. The portion on the surface side of the eye fitting member looks like napping, and can be engaged with the hook-and-loop fastener. As for the flat portion of the eye fitting member, a structure of fusion bonding to the outer cloth is disclosed.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 06031859

[0007] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent No. 06098237 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] In a structure in which the hook-and-loop fastener is fixed to the portion of the band-shaped body to be inserted through the eye member by sewing as in Patent Literature 1, a hemming of the outer edge portion of the sewed portion of the hook-and-loop fastener can occur when passing the portion of the hook-and-loop fastener in the band-shaped body through the eye member. If this hemming occurs frequently, peeling of the hook-and-loop fastener can result. Further, if this hemming occurs, there are problems such as a decrease in workability when winding the compression band around the arm, and adverse effects on the convenience of use.

[0010] The hook-and-loop fastener disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is not particularly described how it is fixed and is not clear, and in a structure fixed by sewing, there is a concern that a hem will also be generated.

[0011] Note that the hem of the hook-and-loop fastener is not limited to being generated when the hook-and-loop fastener is inserted through the loop member, and can be generated, for example, by a user touching it by hand, or by repeated engagement and disengagement work on the raised surface.

[0012] An object of the present application is to provide a blood pressure measurement cuff that is excellent in durability and easy to use.

[0013] Technical Solution (1)

[0015] A blood pressure measurement cuff includes a belt-shaped body formed by a first skin member and a second skin member opposed to the first skin member, a fluid bag enclosed in the belt-shaped body, a first opening portion provided in the first skin member, and a first hook-and-loop fastener fused to the first skin member in a state in which the first hook-and-loop fastener closes the first opening portion from the inside of the belt-shaped body and a fastening surface of the first hook-and-loop fastener is exposed from the first opening portion.

[0016] According to (1), since the first hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the inside of the belt-shaped body, an object is prevented from being caught in the first hook-and-loop fastener when the belt-shaped body is worn, and the like. As a result, peeling of the first hook-and-loop fastener is prevented, and the durability of the blood pressure measurement cuff is improved. Further, since the first hook-and-loop fastener is attached from the inside of the first opening portion, the fixing portion is not exposed to the outside of the first skin member. Therefore, when the belt-shaped body is wound around an arm, the belt-shaped body is prevented from being caught, and the workability is improved. Further, the first hook-and-loop fastener is fused to the first skin member. Therefore, compared with conventional sewing, the blood pressure measurement cuff can be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Moreover, compared with a structure in which the first hook-and-loop fastener is fixed to the outer surface of the skin member by sewing, the sewing portion and the fastener end edge are not visible, and thus the appearance quality of the blood pressure measurement cuff can be improved. (2)

[0018] According to (1), the first skin member has a first member, and a second member formed on the inside of the first member and configured to include a resin, and an opening peripheral portion of the first opening portion in the second member is fused to a peripheral side portion of the fastening surface of the first hook-and-loop fastener.

[0019] According to (2), the first hook-and-loop fastener can be fused to the first skin member using the properties of a material that is normally used for the first skin member. Therefore, the raw material of an existing blood pressure measurement cuff can be directly used, and an increase in the manufacturing cost can be prevented. (3)

[0021] The cuff according to (1) or (2), wherein a second opening portion is provided in the first skin member, and a second hook-and-loop fastener is fused to the first skin member in a state in which the second opening portion is closed from the inner side of the belt-like body and the fastening surface is exposed from the second opening portion, the first hook-and-loop fastener and the second hook-and-loop fastener being configured to be engageable.

[0022] According to (3), the first hook-and-loop fastener and the second hook-and-loop fastener are provided on the inner side of the belt-like body, respectively. Thus, it is possible to prevent an object from being caught in the first hook-and-loop fastener and the second hook-and-loop fastener when the belt-like body is worn, and the like. Further, the first hook-and-loop fastener and the second hook-and-loop fastener are not configured to be assembled from the outer surface side of the belt-like body, and thus it is possible to improve the appearance quality. (4)

[0024] The cuff according to (3), wherein the first skin member has a first member, and a second member formed on the inner side of the first member and configured to contain a resin, the first skin member constituting a surface of the belt-like body on the opposite side from the side that contacts the measurement site, a fastener back member is attached to the opposite surface of the fastening surface in at least the first hook-and-loop fastener among the first hook-and-loop fastener and the second hook-and-loop fastener, the fastener back member having the same or lower flexibility than the first member.

[0025] According to (4), in the first hook-and-loop fastener, the fastener back member having the same or lower flexibility than the first member is provided on the back side of the exposed surface exposed from the first opening portion. Thus, it is possible to suppress an increase in the flexibility of the first skin member due to the provision of the first opening portion by the fastener back member. As a result, it is possible to achieve a compression state of the measurement site that is suitable for the measurement of blood pressure. (5)

[0027] The cuff according to (4), wherein the area of the fastening surface of the first hook-and-loop fastener exposed from the first opening portion is larger than the area of the fastening surface of the second hook-and-loop fastener exposed from the second opening portion.

[0028] According to (5), the fastener back member is provided on the back side of the first hook-and-loop fastener that occupies a relatively large proportion in the first skin member. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently and appropriately adjust the flexibility of the entire first skin member. As a result, it is possible to achieve a compression of the arm that is suitable for the measurement of blood pressure. (6)

[0030] The cuff according to (4), wherein the first hook-and-loop fastener is disposed at a position closer to the fluid bag side than the second hook-and-loop fastener.

[0031] According to (6), the fastener back member is provided on the back side of the first hook-and-loop fastener on the side closer to the fluid bag that contributes more to compression of the measured site. Thus, the stretchability of the first skin member in the vicinity of the fluid bag can be appropriately adjusted. As a result, compression of the arm suitable for blood pressure measurement can be achieved. (7)

[0033] The cuff according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the fastener back member is attached only to the first hook-and-loop fastener among the first and second hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0034] According to (7), since the fastener back member is not provided on the second hook-and-loop fastener, the structure can be simplified and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0035] Effects of Invention

[0036] According to the present application, a cuff for blood pressure measurement that is excellent in durability and easy to use can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a plan view of the cuff for blood pressure measurement according to an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the direction of the outer side surface.

[0038] Figure 2 is a plan view of the cuff for blood pressure measurement according to an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the direction of the inner side surface. Figure 1

[0039] Figure 3 Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the cuff for blood pressure measurement according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a portion along the A-A line of Figure 1

[0041] Figure 5 Figure 1 is an enlarged sectional view of the outer cloth and the inner cloth of the cuff for blood pressure measurement according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged sectional view showing a state before welding of the first hook-and-loop fastener in manufacturing the cuff for blood pressure measurement according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1

[0043] Figure 7 Figure 1 is a schematic enlarged sectional view showing a state of welding of the first hook-and-loop fastener according to an embodiment of the present application.​​​​​​

[0044] Figure 8 It means Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the end of the blood pressure measuring cuff shown, on the side with the second hook fastener.

[0045] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view of the BB line portion.

[0046] Figure 10 It means Figure 1 The image shown is a magnified three-dimensional view of the end region of the blood pressure measurement cuff.

[0047] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the end region along the CC line shown.

[0048] Figure 12 It means to Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the blood pressure measuring cuff in the middle of being measured. Detailed Implementation

[0049] (Summary of the blood pressure measurement cuff in the embodiment)

[0050] First, a general description of an embodiment of the blood pressure measuring cuff of the present invention will be given. The blood pressure measuring cuff of the embodiment is constructed such that, when the cuff is wrapped and secured to the area being measured, such as the upper arm, the hook-and-loop fasteners of the cuff are welded from the inside of the skin member in a manner that closes the opening formed in the skin member of the cuff. By employing this construction, the outer edge of the hook-and-loop fastener is eliminated, thereby preventing objects from getting stuck.

[0051] The following describes a specific structural example of the blood pressure measuring cuff according to the embodiment. It should be noted that the welding method for the two components described below can employ various methods such as thermal welding, high-frequency welding, or ultrasonic welding.

[0052] (Implementation Method)

[0053] Figure 1 This is a top view of a blood pressure measuring cuff 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside. Figure 2 Viewed from the inside side Figure 1 The top view shown is of the blood pressure measurement cuff 1. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 shown. Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view of the portion along line AA. Figure 5 yesFigure 1 An enlarged sectional view of the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 is shown.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 has a belt-shaped body 10 having an outer cloth 11 constituting a first skin member and an inner cloth 12 constituting a second skin member opposite to the outer cloth 11. The outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 are partially fixed to each other to form an accommodation space SP (refer to Figure 4 ) inside. In the accommodation space SP, an air bag 7 constituting a fluid bag is accommodated. The fluid bag refers to a bag capable of supplying and discharging a fluid such as air and expands by the supply of the fluid. The air bag 7 is capable of supplying and discharging air as the fluid.

[0055] The belt-shaped body 10 is in a state of extending along the circumference of the upper arm portion M (refer to Figure 12 ) as a measured portion in a state of being wound around the upper arm portion M. The circumference in this state is the long dimension direction of the belt-shaped body 10, and the axial direction of the upper arm portion M is the short dimension direction (width direction) of the belt-shaped body 10. Hereinafter, the long dimension direction of the belt-shaped body 10 will be simply referred to as the long dimension direction, and the short dimension direction of the belt-shaped body 10 will be simply referred to as the short dimension direction.

[0056] The inner cloth 12 constitutes the side face that comes into contact with the upper arm portion M in the state of being worn on the upper arm portion M as shown in Figure 12 . The outer cloth 11 constitutes the opposite side face that faces away from the upper arm portion M side in the state of being worn on the upper arm portion M as shown in Figure 12 . In the present embodiment, one end edge in the long dimension direction of the belt-shaped body 10 will be referred to as an end edge it, and the other end edge in the long dimension direction of the belt-shaped body 10 will be referred to as an end edge ut. The outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 are structured such that the periphery thereof is joined by fusion as described later, thereby forming an outer bag, and the air bag 7 is located inside the bag. In the present embodiment, a fusion region Wp indicates a region where the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 are fused. The fusion region Wp constitutes a first fusion region.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5 , the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 are each, for example, a multi-layer structure. The inner cloth 12 has a first member 12u in a sheet shape constituted by a polyester cloth or a nylon cloth or the like knitted to be highly stretchable for pressing the measured portion, and a second member 12i in a sheet shape bonded to the inner side (the accommodation space SP side) of the first member 12u constituted by a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film or the like. The first member 12u constitutes a surface member. The second member 12i constitutes a back member.

[0058] The outer cloth 11 has a first member 11u in a sheet shape composed of a polyester cloth or a nylon cloth or the like woven to have a very small stretchability (substantially non-stretchable) compared to the inner cloth 12, and a second member 11i in a sheet shape bonded to the inner side (the accommodation space SP side) of the first member 11u composed of a PVC film or the like. The outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 are each provided in a multi-layer configuration, which is effective for adjusting the stretchability and strength of each.

[0059] The second member 11i of the outer cloth 11 and the second member 12i of the inner cloth 12 are each composed of a material suitable for fusion. As such a material, a material containing a resin such as a thermoplastic resin can be cited. The fusion region Wp described above is a region formed by fusion of the second member 11i and the second member 12i.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3 , the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement is structured so that the following members are interposed between the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12: the first hook-and-loop fastener 5; the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 having a smaller planar area than the first hook-and-loop fastener 5; the bag sheet member 9 forming the air bag 7; the long-elliptical ring member 20; the tubular stopper tube 30; and the plate-shaped auxiliary member 40.

[0061] The outer cloth 11 is provided with a first opening portion 15 which is a rectangular opening, and a second opening portion 18 which is a rectangular opening smaller than the first opening portion 15. The shapes of the first opening portion 15 and the second opening portion 18 are each set to a rectangle, but are not limited thereto, and any shape can be adopted. The second opening portion 18 is provided in the vicinity of the end edge ut of the belt-shaped body 10. The first opening portion 15 is provided between the second opening portion 18 and the end edge it of the belt-shaped body 10. As shown in Figure 4 , the first opening portion 15 and the second opening portion 18 are formed in the portion of the outer cloth 11 in which the accommodation space SP is formed.

[0062] The first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is fused to the outer cloth 11 in a state of closing the first opening portion 15 from the accommodation space SP side. In the present specification, a region in which the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is fused in the outer cloth 11 is denoted by a fusion region Wpfl. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the fusion region Wpfl is in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The fusion region Wpfl constitutes a third fusion region.

[0063] The portion of the welded region Wpf1 extending along the short dimension direction at the end located on the end edge ut side is designated as welded region Wpf1b. The portion of the welded region Wpf1 extending along the short dimension direction at the end located on the end edge it side is designated as welded region Wpfld. The portions of the welded region Wpf1 extending along the long dimension direction at both ends located in the short dimension direction are designated as welded regions Wpf1a and Wpf1c.

[0064] A roughened surface 5k is formed on the surface of the first hook fastener 5 as a fastening surface. The first hook fastener 5 is fused to the outer fabric 11 from the inside of the strip body 10 (the storage space SP side) with its roughened surface 5k exposed from the first opening 15.

[0065] A second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is provided corresponding to the second opening 18. The second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is fused to the outer fabric 11 in a state that closes the second opening 18 from the storage space SP side. In this specification, the area in the outer fabric 11 where the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is fused is referred to as the fusion area Wpf2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the welded area Wpf2 is roughly rectangular in shape.

[0066] A hook surface 8k is formed on the surface of the second hook fastener 8 to serve as a fastening surface that can engage with the napped surface 5k. The second hook fastener 8 is fused to the outer fabric 11 from the inside of the strip 10 with its hook surface 8k exposed from the second opening 18. The area of ​​the napped surface 5k of the first hook fastener 5 exposed from the first opening 15 is larger than the area of ​​the hook surface 8k of the second hook fastener 8 exposed from the second opening 18.

[0067] Thus, the first hook fastener 5 and the second hook fastener 8 are configured such that the napped surface 5k and the hook surface 8k are exposed to the outer surface of the strip 10. Therefore, when the strip 10 is folded back and wound around the upper arm portion M using the ring member 20 at the end edge ut side, the first hook fastener 5 and the second hook fastener 8 can be engaged.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, in the inner fabric 12, a bag sheet member 9 is welded to the side of the storage space SP (the aforementioned second member 12i). The bag sheet member 9 is a sheet-like member made of a highly elastic material. There are no particular limitations on the material of the bag sheet member 9, but it is preferable to use a material containing resin, and PVC can be used more preferably.

[0069] The bag sheet member 9 is welded to the inner side of the inner cloth 12 (second member 12i) at a prescribed position with respect to the inner cloth 12 in a manner that the peripheral edge portion thereof extends over the entire circumference. Thereby, an air-tight space is formed by the bag sheet member 9 and the inner cloth 12. This air-tight space functions as the air bag 7. In the present specification, a region in the inner cloth 12 in which the bag sheet member 9 is welded is denoted by a welding region Wps. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example of the present embodiment, the welding region Wps is in the shape of a substantially rectangular frame. The welding region Wps constitutes a second welding region. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The welding region Wps is formed at an inner side than the welding region Wp of the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 in which the accommodation space SP is formed.

[0070] The bag sheet member 9 is provided with a tube connecting portion 7b that can supply and discharge air to and from the above-mentioned air-tight space. The tube connecting portion 7b is a portion to which an air tube at connected to the main body (not shown) of a sphygmomanometer is connected.

[0071] The bag sheet member 9 is arranged so as to be eccentric toward the end edge it side in the accommodation space SP. In the belt-shaped body 10, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is provided on the end edge it side and is of a large area. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first hook-and-loop fastener 5 has an overlapping region P in which the bag sheet member 9 overlaps.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1 The portions extending in the long dimension direction in the welding region Wpf1 (substantially U-shaped portions in the example of the drawing) of the outer cloth 11 in the overlapping region P of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 are located at an inner side in the short dimension direction than the portions extending in the long dimension direction in the welding region Wps. Also, the portion extending in the short dimension direction in the welding region Wpf1 of the outer cloth 11 in the overlapping region P of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is located at an inner side of the welding region Wps. That is, a majority of the welding region Wpf1 in the overlapping region P is a structure that is located at an inner side of the welding region Wps and substantially does not overlap the welding region Wps.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state before the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is welded when the sphygmomanometer cuff 1 is manufactured.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6As shown, regarding the first hook-and-loop fastener 5, in the state before welding, the peripheral side 5e of the roughened surface 5k faces the peripheral side 15e of the opening 15. In this state, welding is performed by applying a predetermined pressure to the outer fabric 11 through the welding joint WH of the welding machine. That is, with the peripheral side 5e of the roughened surface 5k and the second member 11i of the opening peripheral part 15e pressed together with a predetermined pressure, the second member 11i of the opening peripheral part 15e is melted, and the peripheral side 5e of the roughened surface 5k enters the melted portion of the second member 11i.

[0075] Figure 7 It means Figure 1 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the welded state of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 shown.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, the peripheral edge 15e of the first opening 15 and the peripheral side 5e of the roughened surface 5k are in a fused state where the roughened surface 5k sinks into the peripheral edge 15e of the opening. Therefore, compared with ordinary fusion between flat surfaces, as can be seen from the structure of the roughened surface 5k, this fusion allows the second member 11i to easily entangle with the roughened surface 5k, increases the engagement area, and makes the engagement force more secure.

[0077] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 has the following structure: a napped surface 5k is formed on the fastener base 5b, and a fastener back member 5c is fixed to the opposite side of the napped surface 5k in the fastener base 5b by an adhesive or the like. It should be noted that the top surface of the napped surface 5k, which is opposite to the fastener base 5b side, is preferably located at a position closer to the outer surface of the outer fabric 11 than half the thickness of the first member 11u of the outer fabric 11, and more preferably at the same position as the outer surface of the outer fabric 11. This arrangement allows for a good connection between the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8. Furthermore, it improves the appearance quality of the cuff.

[0078] The fastener back component 5c can be made of a material with the same or lower elasticity as the first component 11u. For example, the fastener back component 5c can be made of waterproof canvas, polyester fabric, or PVC film. Depending on the selection of the material of the fastener back component 5c, changes in the elasticity, strength, etc. of the outer fabric 11 caused by the formation of the first opening 15 in the outer fabric 11 can be appropriately compensated.

[0079] The second hook fastener 8 can also have the same structure as the first hook fastener 5, having a fastener back component, but the structure described below is preferred.

[0080] Figure 8 It means Figure 1An enlarged perspective view of the end edge ut side in the blood pressure measurement cuff 1.

[0081] As Figure 8 shown, the hook surface 8k of the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is provided on the inner side of the welding region Wpf2 at substantially the same height as the welding region Wpf2 or slightly lower than the welding region Wpf2. Note that, as will be described later, the stopper 30b on the end edge ut side of the belt-shaped body 10 is a thick-walled portion that is necessary to prevent the end edge ut of the belt-shaped body 10 from coming off the ring-shaped member 20.

[0082] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion along the B-B line of Figure 8 .

[0083] As Figure 9 shown, the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is configured such that, unlike the first hook-and-loop fastener 5, no fastener back member is provided on the opposite side of the hook surface 8k. That is, the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is composed only of the fastener base member 8b on which the hook surface 8k is formed. As with the first hook-and-loop fastener 5, the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is firmly bonded to the second member 11i of the outer cloth 11 with the peripheral edge side of the hook surface 8k abutting against the second member 11i. Note that the position of the top surface of the hook surface 8k on the opposite side of the fastener base member 8b is preferably located on the outer surface side of the outer cloth 11 than the position of the half-thickness of the first member 11u of the outer cloth 11, and more preferably is the same position as the outer surface of the outer cloth 11. By so doing, the bonding of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 can be performed well. In addition, the appearance quality of the cuff can be improved.

[0084] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the end region Ee in the blood pressure measurement cuff 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion along the C-C line of Figure 10 .

[0085] As Figure 10 shown, the ring-shaped member 20 is held in the belt-shaped body 10 at a position close to the end edge it. Specifically, as Figure 11 shown, the ring-shaped member 20 is fitted to the belt-shaped body 10 in a manner sandwiched between the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12. The ring-shaped member 20 has an oblong shape that extends in the short dimension direction of the belt-shaped body 10 slightly more than the width of the belt-shaped body 10.

[0086] In the end region Ee between the end edge it of the strip 10 and the annular member 20, a rectangular plate-shaped auxiliary member 40, extending in the short dimension direction and appearing rectangular in plan view, is provided in a manner substantially parallel to the annular member 20. The auxiliary member 40 is fixed by being sandwiched between the outer fabric 11 and the inner fabric 12. The auxiliary member 40 is securely fixed in such a way that its four sides are surrounded by a welded area Wp, and the auxiliary member 40 does not move within the enclosed space. Here, in the end region Ee, the welded area Wp around the auxiliary member 40 is formed at all locations except the location where the auxiliary member 40 is disposed.

[0087] Compared to a structure that fixes two components together by stitching, the region formed by welding the two components has higher rigidity. Regarding the auxiliary component 40, its raw material is not particularly limited, but it is made of a material such as synthetic resin that is harder than the outer fabric 11. Regarding the end region Ee, the entire portion excluding the auxiliary component 40 is the welded region Wp, and the rigid auxiliary component 40 is contained within it. Therefore, the end region Ee is configured to have higher rigidity than other parts of the strip 10.

[0088] like Figure 11 As shown, with regard to the strip 10, the area around the assembly portion of the annular member 20 is also formed by a welded region Wp. That is, the outer fabric 11 and the inner fabric 12 are also welded in the adjacent region Ce, which is opposite to the end region Ee and adjacent to the annular member 20, separated by the annular member 20.

[0089] Thus, the annular member 20 is securely assembled in a manner that is surrounded by the welded area Wp and does not move. It should be noted that "not moving" here means that it can swing about the assembled part of the annular member 20, but its swing axis does not move in the long dimension direction of the strip 10.

[0090] like Figure 11 As shown, the end region Ee is configured such that the width L1 of the strip 10 in its longitudinal direction is greater than the width L2 of the gap Ts between the annular member 20 located outside the strip 10 and the surface of the strip 10. Therefore, when the end region Ee moves toward the annular member 20, or when the annular member 20 moves toward the end region Ee, it can be positioned such that the end edge it of the strip 10 does not easily enter the gap Ts.

[0091] (Manufacturing process of blood pressure measuring cuff 1)

[0092] The following describes an example of the manufacture of a blood pressure measuring cuff 1. In this case, it can be manufactured as follows: Figure 3 The various components shown are welded and manufactured.

[0093] The welding process on the outer cloth 11 side will be described.

[0094] First, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is set to the welding machine in such a manner that the nap surface 5k faces upward and the outer cloth 11 is overlaid on the first hook-and-loop fastener 5, and in such a manner that the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 blocks the first opening portion 15. In this state, the second member 11i in the opening peripheral portion 15e (refer to FIG. 6) of the first opening portion 15 and the nap surface 5k of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 are welded. Subsequently, the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is also welded to the outer cloth 11 in the same manner as the first hook-and-loop fastener 5. Figure 6 ) of the first opening portion 15 and the nap surface 5k of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 are welded. Subsequently, the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is also welded to the outer cloth 11 in the same manner as the first hook-and-loop fastener 5.

[0095] The welding process on the inner cloth 12 side will be described.

[0096] First, the tube connecting portion 7b is welded to the bag sheet member 9 at a prescribed position. Subsequently, the bag sheet member 9 is welded to the inner surface side of the inner cloth 12. The position of the welding region Wps of the bag sheet member 9 is considered so as not to overlap with the welding region Wp of the belt-like body 10 and the majority of the welding region Wpfl of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5.

[0097] For example, the width dimension of the bag sheet member 9 in the short dimension direction of the belt-like body 10 is set to be located outside the short dimension direction of the welding region Wpfl of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5. Thereby, the welding region Wps along the long dimension direction of the belt-like body 10 can be located between the welding region Wpfl of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the welding region Wp of the outer edge of the belt-like body 10. As a result, the welding regions Wp, Wps, and Wpfl each extending in the long dimension direction of the belt-like body 10 are prevented from overlapping in the thickness direction of the belt-like body 10. By preventing the plurality of welding regions each having rigidity extending in the long dimension direction from overlapping, the rigidity at a specific portion of the belt-like body 10 is prevented from becoming high, and discomfort or a sense of incongruity caused by the hardened portion when the belt-like body 10 is worn is prevented.

[0098] Subsequently, the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 are set to the welding machine in such a manner that the inner surface sides of the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 face each other. In this state, the outer edges of the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 are welded. Here, the region between the adjoining region Ce and the end edge ut is welded.

[0099] Subsequently, the region between the ring-like member 20 and the end edge it (end region Ee) is welded. At this time, the auxiliary member 40 is interposed between the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12, and then welding is performed. Thereafter, the stopper tube 30 that is previously inserted between the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 is moved to a prescribed position on the end edge ut side, and then the outer periphery of the stopper tube 30 is welded, forming the stopper portion 30b. Through the above, the manufacturing process of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 is completed.

[0100] By the manufacturing process as described above, the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 becomes a seamless structure in which all the fixed portions thereof are constituted by the fusion regions. Specifically, the first and second hook-and-loop fasteners 5 and 8 and the air bag 7 are fixed and accommodated in the accommodation space SP formed between the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 by fusion. Also, the ring-shaped member 20 and the auxiliary member 40 are fitted to the end edge it side of the belt-shaped body 10 by fusion. Further, the stopper tube 30 is fitted to the end edge ut side of the belt-shaped body 10 by fusion. In this way, all the assembly of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 is performed by fusion only.

[0101] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 is fitted to the middle of the upper arm portion M.

[0102] As shown in Figure 12 , when measuring blood pressure, the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 is worn on the upper arm portion M as a measured portion. In this case, the end edge ut of the belt-shaped body 10 is made to pass through the ring-shaped member 20 in advance. That is, by making the stopper portion 30b to pass through the gap Ts of the ring-shaped member 20 in advance, the ring shape of the belt-shaped body 10 is always maintained, making it easy to wear on the upper arm portion M.

[0103] The arm is made to pass through the ring of the belt-shaped body 10 thus formed and the air bag 7 is located at a prescribed position of the upper arm portion M, and the portion of the belt-shaped body 10 that has passed through the ring-shaped member 20 is pulled in a manner of being folded back. Then, the belt-shaped body 10 is pressed against the upper arm portion M with an appropriate pressure, and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is pressed against the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 to be fixed. At the time of this winding operation, the end region Ee does not bend unexpectedly due to its rigidity, maintaining a state in which the inner side surface thereof is in contact with the upper arm portion M (the state shown in the drawing). Therefore, in the state in which the winding is completed, the ring-shaped member 20 is inverted in the direction of being folded back, and the tip end side 20e thereof is necessarily located outside the auxiliary member 40, and a state in which the ring-shaped member 20 is in direct contact with the upper arm portion M does not occur.

[0104] (Effect of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1)

[0105] As described above, according to the blood pressure measuring cuff 1, the first and second hook-and-loop fasteners 5 and 8 are provided on the inner side of the belt-shaped body 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an object from being caught in the first and second hook-and-loop fasteners 5 and 8 at the time of wearing the belt-shaped body 10 or the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first and second hook-and-loop fasteners 5 and 8 from being peeled off, improving the durability of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1.

[0106] Further, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 are fused to the outer cloth 11. Therefore, compared with the conventional sewing, the manufacture of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 can be easily performed, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Also, compared with the structure in which the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 are fixed to the outer surface of the outer cloth 11 by sewing, the sewing portion and the fastener end edge are not visible, and thus the appearance quality of the blood pressure measuring cuff 1 can be improved.

[0107] Further, according to the blood pressure measuring cuff 1, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 can be fused to the outer cloth 11 using a material that is commonly used. Therefore, as the belt-shaped body 10, the raw material of the existing blood pressure measuring cuff can be directly used, and an increase in the manufacturing cost can be prevented.

[0108] Further, according to the blood pressure measuring cuff 1, in the first hook-and-loop fastener 5, a fastener back member 5c having the same or lower stretchability than the first member 11u is provided on the back side of the exposed surface exposed from the first opening portion 15. Thereby, the increase in the stretchability of the outer cloth 11 due to the formation of the first opening portion 15 can be suppressed by the fastener back member 5c. As a result, the compression state of the measured portion suitable for the measurement of blood pressure can be achieved.

[0109] Further, according to the blood pressure measuring cuff 1, the fastener back member 5c is provided on the back side of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 in which the outer cloth 11 occupies a larger proportion. Therefore, the stretchability of the entire outer cloth 11 can be sufficiently and appropriately adjusted. As a result, the compression of the measured portion suitable for the measurement of blood pressure can be achieved.

[0110] Further, according to the blood pressure measuring cuff 1, the fastener back member 5c is provided on the back side of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 on the side closer to the air bag 7 that contributes more to the compression of the measured portion. Thereby, the stretchability of the outer cloth 11 in the vicinity of the air bag 7 can be appropriately adjusted. As a result, the compression of the measured portion suitable for the measurement of blood pressure can be achieved.

[0111] Further, according to the blood pressure measuring cuff 1, since the fastener back member is not provided in the second hook-and-loop fastener 8, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced without adding components to the extent necessary. The area of the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is small, and further, is disposed in the vicinity of the end edge ut. Therefore, even in the case where the stretchability of the outer cloth 11 in the portion of the belt-shaped body 10 in which the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is slightly increased due to the presence of the second opening portion 18, the influence on the blood pressure measurement can be considered to be a slight influence.

[0112] Further, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the outer cloth 11 near the end region Ee of the ring member 20 is fused with the inner cloth 12 in a state where the clamping auxiliary member 40 is clamped. Therefore, the rigidity of the end region Ee can be improved. As a result, the end region Ee can be prevented from passing through the ring member 20. Therefore, the compression of the measurement site in a state where the ring member 20 touches the measurement site can be prevented.

[0113] Further, the conventional sewing site of the end edge it of the belt-shaped body 10 can be fused to reduce the sewing site, and thus the durability can be improved, and the productivity and the appearance quality can be improved.

[0114] In particular, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the fused region Wp is formed in the end region Ee so as to surround the auxiliary member 40, and thus the rigidity of the end region Ee can be effectively improved.

[0115] Further, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the ring member 20 is held by the fused region Wp so as to be surrounded by the end region Ee and the adjacent region Ce. Therefore, the assembly of the belt-shaped body 10 with a reduced gap in which the ring member 20 is held can be performed. Thus, the movable range of the ring member 20 can be sufficiently reduced. As a result, the end region Ee can be more effectively prevented from passing through the ring member 20.

[0116] Further, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the width L1 of the end region Ee is larger than the width L2 of the gap Ts formed by the ring member 20. Therefore, the end region Ee can be more effectively prevented from passing through the ring member 20.

[0117] Further, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the air bag 7 is formed by the fusion of the bag sheet member 9 to the inner cloth 12. Therefore, for example, a process of separately manufacturing the air bag can be omitted, and the work of embedding the air bag between the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 can be omitted. As a result, in the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the components and the manufacturing man-hours of the air bag 7 can be reduced, and thus the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0118] Further, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the air bag 7 can be formed by the fusion to the inner cloth 12, and thus the arrangement position of the air bag 7 can be flexibly determined. For example, the design of preventing the fused regions Wp, Wps, and Wpf1, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped body 10, respectively, from overlapping in the thickness direction of the belt-shaped body 10 can be performed as described above. Therefore, the wearing property of the belt-shaped body 10 can be improved.

[0119] Further, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the bag sheet member 9 constituting the air bag 7 is not fixed to the outer cloth 11. Therefore, the processing of the outer cloth 11 can be freely performed. As a result, the design freedom of the cuff can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement is structured such that the bag sheet member 9 is separate from the outer cloth 11, and the bag sheet member 9 is not fixed to the outer cloth 11. Therefore, the noise transmitted from the outer cloth 11 side to the air bag 7 can be suppressed, and the blood pressure measurement accuracy can be improved.

[0120] Further, according to the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is located inside the fusion region Wps in the fusion region Wpfd of the fusion region Wpfl. Therefore, the hardening of the belt-shaped body 10 in the overlapping region due to the overlapping of the fusion region Wps and the fusion region Wpfd can be prevented. As a result, the wearing property of the belt-shaped body 10 can be improved.

[0121] (Modified example of the cuff 1 for blood pressure measurement)

[0122] In the above embodiment, the structure in which the hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the outer cloth 11 side is adopted, but depending on the use method of the belt-shaped body 10, the structure in which the hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the inner cloth 12 side can also be adopted. That is, the first skin member according to the present application can be either the outer cloth 11 or the inner cloth 12.

[0123] Further, in the above embodiment, the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is provided at the end portion on the opposite side from the loop member 20 in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped body 10, and has a relatively small area. On the other hand, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is provided between the loop member 20 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8, and has a relatively large area. However, the first hook-and-loop fastener according to the present application is not limited in size, and can be any hook-and-loop fastener.

[0124] Further, in the above embodiment, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 are both hook-and-loop fasteners, but as long as the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 can be engaged with each other, one of them can be a normal cloth having a nap structure. That is, the structure in which the first member 11u of the outer cloth 11 is constituted by a cloth having a nap structure, and one hook-and-loop fastener that can be engaged with the cloth having a nap structure is provided on the outer cloth 11 by fusion can also be adopted. Further, in the above embodiment, as the fastening surface, the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 is provided as a napping surface 5k, and the second hook-and-loop fastener 8 is provided as a hook surface 8k, but the structure can be reversed.

[0125] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the sheet member 9 for bag is fused to only the inner cloth 12 among the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 to form the air bag 7 is adopted, but the structure in which the sheet member 9 for bag is fused to only the outer cloth 11 among the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 to form the air bag 7 can also be adopted. Specifically, the structure in which the sheet member 9 for bag is fused to the second member 11i of the outer cloth 11 to form the air bag 7 can also be adopted. In this case, the fusion region of the outer cloth 11 and the sheet member 9 for bag can be provided at the same position as the fusion region Wps of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 in plan view. Note that in this structure, the fusion region Wps of the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 and the sheet member 9 for bag partially overlap. However, the fastener back member 5c is present in the first hook-and-loop fastener 5. Therefore, in this overlapping portion, the sheet member 9 for bag can be fused to the outer cloth 11 with the first hook-and-loop fastener 5 interposed therebetween. Figure 2

[0126] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the ring member 20 is fitted between the outer cloth 11 and the inner cloth 12 is adopted, but is not limited thereto, and for example, the structure in which the ring member 20 is held to the outer surface of the belt-shaped body 10 by another fitting member can also be adopted.

[0127] The above-described various embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, but the present application is of course not limited to the above-described examples. Various modifications or corrections can be obviously conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope recited in the claims, and it is understood that these modifications or corrections also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present application. Further, each of the constituent elements in the above-described embodiments can also be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the gist of the present application.

[0128] Note that the present application is based on Japanese Patent Application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-126734) filed on July 27, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0129] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0130] 1: cuff for blood pressure measurement;

[0131] 5: first hook-and-loop fastener;

[0132] 5c: fastener back member;

[0133] 5e: peripheral side portion;

[0134] 5k: napped surface (fastening surface);

[0135] 8k: hook surface (fastening surface);

[0136] 7: air bag;

[0137] 7b: tube connection portion; ​

[0138] 8: second hook-and-loop fastener

[0139] 10: belt-shaped body

[0140] 11: outer cloth (first skin member)

[0141] 11u, 12u: first member

[0142] 11i, 12i: second member

[0143] 12: inner cloth (second skin member)

[0144] 15: first opening portion

[0145] 15e: opening peripheral portion

[0146] 18: second opening portion

[0147] 20: ring-shaped member

[0148] 40: auxiliary member

[0149] Ce: abutment region

[0150] Ee: end region

[0151] it: end edge

[0152] ut: end edge

[0153] Ts: gap

[0154] Wp: welding region (first welding region)

[0155] Wps: welding region (second welding region)

[0156] Wpf1: welding region (third welding region)

[0157] Wpf2: welding region

Claims

1. A blood pressure measuring cuff, comprising a band-like body, said band-like body being formed by a first skin component and a second skin component opposite to the first skin component containing a fluid bag, wherein the outer surface of the second skin component is in contact with the measurement site, wherein, The blood pressure measuring cuff has the following features: The first opening is provided on the first skin member; and The first hook-and-loop fastener is fused to the first skin member in a state where the first opening is closed from the inside of the strip and the fastening surface is exposed from the first opening. The first skin member has: a sheet-like first member layer; and a second member layer comprising thermoplastic resin, which is overlapped on the first member layer in a manner located inside the strip. The periphery of the first skin member and the periphery of the second skin member are fused together through the second member. The first skin component and the first hook-and-loop fastener are fused together with the second component at the periphery of the first opening of the first skin component, with the hook or loop in the peripheral side of the fastening surface inserted into the second component. In the first hook-and-loop fastener, a fastener back member is fixed only on the opposite side of the fastening surface, and the elasticity of the fastener back member is the same as or lower than that of the first member.

2. The blood pressure measuring cuff according to claim 1, wherein, The blood pressure measuring cuff also features: A second opening is provided on the first skin member; and The second hook-and-loop fastener is fused to the first skin member in a state where the second opening is closed from the inside of the strip and the fastening surface is exposed from the second opening. The first skin component and the second hook-and-loop fastener are fused together with the hook or loop in the peripheral side of the fastening surface of the second hook-and-loop fastener entering the second component at the periphery of the second opening of the first skin component. A fastener back member is formed on the opposite side of the fastening surface in the second hook-and-loop fastener. The elasticity of the fastener back member is the same as or lower than that of the first member. The first hook-and-loop fastener and the second hook-and-loop fastener are configured to engage.

3. The blood pressure measuring cuff according to claim 2, wherein, The area of ​​the fastening surface of the first hook fastener exposed from the first opening is greater than the area of ​​the fastening surface of the second hook fastener exposed from the second opening.

4. The blood pressure measuring cuff according to claim 2, wherein, The first hook fastener is positioned closer to the fluid bag side than the second hook fastener.

Images