Quick maintenance method for an elastomer fiber module cushion

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for maintaining at least one cushion which comprises:- at least one module (M) comprising one or more filaments (F) of at least one elastomer with intertwined strands joined to each other, delimiting an internal volume of air between the strands, said module having at least partially a toilet seat shape;- at least one permeable cover (H) enveloping said modules, characterized in that it comprises a step of washing with a water jet (J) the cushion wrapped in its cover (H). Abstract figure: Fig. 7

Description

Title of the invention: Method for rapid maintenance of a cushion with elastomer fiber modules

[0001] The invention relates to a cushion, in particular an anti-decubitus cushion, comprising polymer fibers, in particular for adult and children's wheelchairs, shower chairs and armchairs, strollers, car seats, or even for toilet seats.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the maintenance of this type of cushion.

[0003] The cushions currently on the market are generally made from several types of foam, the most commonly used being polyether foams, high resistance (HR) foams, Bultex™ foams, and so-called memory foams.

[0004] Comfortable fabric foams are dirty because there is generally no removable cover provided.

[0005] Furthermore, these foams are of different qualities. The firmness and flexibility of these foams vary depending on the desired comfort.

[0006] The disadvantage of these foams is that they lose their technical qualities due to the breakage of the microalveoli that compose them. Thus, over time they collapse. In addition, they cannot be washed, so they retain dirt, odors, and bacteria.

[0007] The cover that envelops these cushions of the prior art is generally removable and washable. However, once the cover is clean, it is put back on a foam cushion that is dirty.

[0008] Thus, regarding the maintenance of a cushion, for example when it is fixed on water-washable chairs, it is necessary to detach the cushion from the chair, remove the cover from the cushion and wash the cover, for example in a machine and wait a significant amount of time for washing and drying, or also wash the cushion with the cover removed in a machine and wait an even longer amount of time for washing and drying. Following this, the cover must be ironed and put back on the cushion before reattaching the whole thing to the chair.

[0009] This maintenance process proves to be long and tedious, especially when there are a large number of chairs, deckchairs, or beds which are themselves washable.

[0010] The objective of the invention is to propose a quick and less tedious maintenance solution for comfort cushions, in particular those attached to chairs, deckchairs, or beds which are themselves washable in water.

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a method for maintaining at least one cushion which comprises: - at least one module comprising one or more filaments of at least one elastomer with intertwined strands joined to each other, delimiting an internal volume of air between the strands, said module having at least partially the shape of a toilet seat; - at least one permeable cover enveloping said modules, characterized in that it comprises a step of washing with a water jet the cushion wrapped in its cover.

[0012] According to a variant, said water jet washing step comprises washing with a high-pressure cleaner.

[0013] According to one variant, the maintenance method comprises a step of cleaning said cushion with a cleaning product.

[0014] According to a variant, said cushion is fixed to a seat and / or to a backrest, and the maintenance method comprises a step of washing with a water jet the cushion fixed to the seat and / or to the backrest.

[0015] According to a variant, said cushion is fixed to a seat and / or to a back of a chair, a bed and / or a chaise longue, and the maintenance method comprises a step of washing with a water jet the cushion fixed to said seat and / or back of the chair, bed and / or chaise longue.

[0016] According to one variant, said elastomer comprises a polyolefin elastomer, or polyester.

[0017] According to one variant, said cover is made of fabric, in particular recyclable fabric.

[0018] Advantageously, the method of the invention makes it possible to wash the cushion without removing its cover or detaching it from the chair, which implies a significant saving of time and energy.

[0019] Indeed, with the invention, there is no longer any need to detach the cushion from the chair, remove the cover from the cushion and iron the cover and put it back on the cushion before reattaching the assembly to the chair.

[0020] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures among which: - [Fig.l] is a diagram illustrating elastomer fibers of a cushion according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a front view of a cushion according to the invention, with two faces of different elasticity; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a view in space of a cushion according to the invention, with the cover partially removed and the modules delimiting a longitudinal comfort groove; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a view in space of a plastic spring usable in the cushion according to the invention; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a top view of a cushion according to a second embodiment; and - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a sectional view along VI-VI of [Fig.5]; and - [Fig.7] schematically illustrates the implementation of the maintenance method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the cushion is composed of POE polymer fibers F (elastomer type) in parallelepiped, cubic or other modules M. For certain models, plastic springs R are arranged between two modules M of fibers F. The assembly is wrapped in a cover H. The springs R can be prismatic, for example cylindrical, or in the shape of an “X” as illustrated in [Fig.4]. Springs of the SPACERFLEX™ brand can also be used.

[0022] The materials used must be compatible in order to allow assembly by ultrasonic welding or by gluing, for example with a hot glue gun.

[0023] The design of this anti-decubitus cushion is composed of 90% air, which has the advantage of being ventilated from the inside. This considerably reduces the risk of overheating, especially in summer or when sitting for long periods. In addition, this facilitates the flow of water and cleaning products, and makes it easier to dry the cushion.

[0024] The use of PoE F fiber and plastic R springs makes it possible to obtain good weight distribution and a much wider variety of comfort than that obtained by prior art foams.

[0025] For this, it is necessary to prepare modules M in fibers F of different size and thickness to obtain different elasticities.

[0026] The arrangement of these elements in the cover H is decisive for comfort (firmer or more flexible).

[0027] In this way, it is possible to make cushions adapted to the weight of adults or children. For example 40 x 40 x 8 cm for adults (soft or firm: up to 75 kg); 40 x 45 x 10 cm from 75 kg up to 120 kg and more; and 35 x 35 x 6 cm for children (less than 30 kg).

[0028] In addition, the way of positioning these M modules makes it possible to produce a reversible cushion with a firm side and a softer side (illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0029] The cover H of these cushions is made either of breathable fabric or of waterproof fabric which can be cleaned with a wipe or sponge.

[0030] A waterproof fabric can be less comfortable because it allows perspiration to accumulate. A breathable fabric is more refreshing because it allows air to be ejected from the top of the cushion with each press due to the ventilation between the elastomer filaments F. 3D mesh fabric is preferred.

[0031] However, both of these covers can be machine washed.

[0032] To prevent the cushions from slipping, a "velcro" strip can be provided, with the hook part sewn onto the cover H and the loop part equipped with at least one adhesive strip for the seat of the chair (wheelchair for example); or vice versa (adhesive hooks for the seat, and loops sewn onto the cover H).

[0033] To facilitate transport, two fabric "legs" are sewn on one side of the cushion. These legs are also used to attach the cushion to a chair.

[0034] This cushion has in its middle on one side and over its entire length, a deep groove G which allows to free up pressure points in sensitive areas such as the coccyx, hemorrhoids, or urinary catheter. Furthermore, groove G allows good positioning of the pelvis by centering the user in the middle of the cushion.

[0035] The groove G can be implemented by spacing the modules M as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0036] In a second embodiment, the cushion comprises a pair of arched modules M for a toilet seat L. Each module M is equipped with a cover H. Each module M comprises at least one hook strip C and at least one corresponding loop strip B (Velcro™ type), one being fixed, in particular sewn to the cover H, and the other being fixed, in particular glued, to a toilet seat L. A sticky face is for example provided on the strip intended for the seat L.

[0037] Preference is given to the loop band B on the seat L so that the water closet remains usable if the cushion is removed for machine washing.

[0038] Preferably, the fabric of the cover H is also permeable for greater comfort in use. The cushion is machine washable without removing the cover.

[0039] In use, the seating of a user U on the glasses L is mainly done on an intermediate part of the module M as illustrated in [Fig.5]. We can speak of a seating zone ZA. The other zones of the module M form a free zone ZL.

[0040] Preferably, the hook and loop strips B, C are placed on the free areas ZL, in particular at the rear and front ends of each cushion. This allows for greater comfort because these strips do not hinder the flexibility of the module M in the seating areas ZA, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0041] According to another aspect, the cushion can contain a module M in its cover H. It can be used to pad a chair or a bed.

[0042] It can be used as a beach cushion. It can also be used as a pet cushion / pillow, for example a dog cushion, with the advantages listed above in terms of breathable fabrics and ease of cleaning.

[0043] In the case of a beach cushion, the mesh of the cover fabric may be configured to retain sand outside the cushion.

[0044] The particularity of the invention concerns the maintenance of this type of cushion, in particular when it is fixed to a chair, a deck chair or a bed which can be cleaned with water, such as for example a patio chair or a beach chair or lounge chair.

[0045] Maintenance can be carried out with a water jet, in particular with a high-pressure cleaner such as those of the KARCHER™ brand, optionally with a cleaning product such as soap or another detergent.

[0046] Thus, maintenance can be done directly on the chair without removing the cushion cover or detaching it from the chair.

[0047] In the case of a beach cushion, it can be washed with a water jet to remove sand debris and also clean the module inside.

[0048] In the case of the animal cushion, it can be washed to remove debris and refresh the animal by the residual water on the cushion.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for maintaining at least one cushion which comprises: - at least one module (M) comprising one or more filaments (F) of at least one elastomer with intertwined strands joined to each other, delimiting an internal volume of air between the strands, said module having at least partially a toilet seat shape; - at least one permeable cover (H) enveloping said modules, characterized in that it comprises a step of washing with a water jet (J) the cushion wrapped in its cover (H).

2. Maintenance method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said water jet washing step (J) comprises washing with a high-pressure cleaner (B).

3. Maintenance method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of cleaning said cushion with a cleaning product.

4. Maintenance method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said cushion is fixed to a seat (S) and / or to a backrest, characterized in that it comprises a step of washing with a water jet (J) the cushion fixed to the seat (S) and / or to the backrest.

5. Maintenance method according to the preceding claim, in which said cushion is fixed to a seat (S) and / or to a back of a chair, a bed and / or a chaise longue, characterized in that it comprises a step of washing with a water jet (J) the cushion fixed to said seat (S) and / or back of chair, bed and / or chaise longue.

6. Maintenance method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastomer comprises a polyolefin elastomer, or polyester.

7. Maintenance method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (H) is made of fabric.

8. A maintenance method according to the preceding claim, wherein said fabric is a recyclable fabric.

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